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Thanksgiving is that magical time of year when family and friends gather around a table filled with comforting, delicious food that brings a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. But what if you could enjoy all those classic holiday flavors in a single bite, without the hours of cooking and endless sides to prepare? Enter DiGiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza—a mouthwatering creation that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in one delicious, cheesy, easy-to-make dish.
Imagine a pizza that combines tender turkey, creamy mozzarella, rich gravy, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce, all layered on a perfectly crisp crust and topped with the savory crunch of stuffing. It’s like your entire Thanksgiving dinner, reimagined and baked to perfection. This pizza isn’t just a unique take on holiday fare; it’s a way to savor the spirit of Thanksgiving without the fuss. Ideal for Friendsgiving gatherings, post-holiday leftovers, or simply bringing the festive feeling of Thanksgiving to your table any time of the year, this recipe is sure to become a favorite tradition of its own.
How to Make Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza
In this post, we’ll take you step-by-step through How to Make Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza right in your kitchen. Along the way, we’ll share tips to customize it, ideas for perfect side dishes and desserts, and even answer common questions about substitutions and variations. So, whether you’re an adventurous foodie or just looking to shake things up this Thanksgiving, get ready to dig into a pizza that’s bursting with all the flavors you love from the holiday season!
Ingredients
To make a homemade version of Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza, you’ll need a mix of classic Thanksgiving ingredients, along with a few standard pizza elements:
Crust
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or 12-inch pizza crust
Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (or homemade cranberry sauce, for a richer flavor)
Toppings
- 1 cup turkey breast, thinly sliced (or use Thanksgiving leftovers)
- 1 cup stuffing, evenly crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or try a mix with cheddar for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup gravy, lightly drizzled on top
- 1/4 cup green beans, lightly cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup fried onions (for that comforting crunch)
- Fresh thyme or sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes, small dollops as a topping
- Sweet potato cubes, roasted for added sweetness
Instructions to Make Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza
Instructions to Make Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza
Creating this pizza at home is straightforward, and the result is a delicious medley of flavors that taste like
Thanksgiving dinner on a slice.
1. Prepare Your Oven and Crust
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in
the oven during preheating to get that perfect, crispy crust. - Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your desired pizza size.
If using a pre-made crust, place it on a pizza pan or stone. - If you prefer a homemade crust, try our Food Nanny Pizza Dough for a soft,
delicious base that complements the Thanksgiving toppings.
2. Spread the Cranberry Sauce
- Instead of traditional pizza sauce, use cranberry sauce as your base. Spread an
even layer over the
crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
3. Add the Toppings
- Layer thin slices of turkey evenly across the cranberry base.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the turkey.
- Scatter crumbled stuffing on top, followed by green beans and sweet potato cubes, if
using.
4. Drizzle with Gravy
- Lightly drizzle gravy over the pizza to add moisture and richness. Be careful not to add
too much, as it
can make the crust soggy.
5. Top with Fried Onions
- For an extra crunch and holiday flavor, sprinkle fried onions across the top.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted,
bubbly, and
slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or sage. Let the pizza cool
for a few minutes, slice, and serve!
Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza
- Avoid Overloading the Pizza: Thanksgiving toppings can be heavy, so try to use moderation to prevent a soggy crust.
- Experiment with Cheese Blends: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar adds a creamy, rich texture that pairs well with the Thanksgiving flavors.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce can all be repurposed for this pizza.
- For a reliable and easy homemade dough, check out our Pizza Dough with Active Dry Yeast. It’s a great option if you want to skip store-bought crusts.
What to Serve With Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza
While this pizza already combines many Thanksgiving flavors, pairing it with complementary sides, desserts, and drinks can make the meal feel complete.
Sides
- Mixed Green Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pizza.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with balsamic glaze, for a slightly sweet and tangy side.
- Butternut Squash Soup: A warm, cozy starter that complements the Thanksgiving theme.
- Another delicious option is Gouda Mac and Cheese, with its creamy, tangy taste that pairs excellently with the turkey and stuffing toppings.
- For a kid-friendly side, our Hot Dog Wrapped in Dough is a fun, crowd-pleasing addition to the table.
Desserts
- Pumpkin Pie or Apple Crisp for a classic, seasonal dessert.
- Pecan Bars: These are easy to make and add a sweet, nutty finish to the meal.
- Cranberry Cheesecake Bars: The tartness of cranberries balances the meal.
Drinks
- Sparkling Apple Cider or Spiced Cranberry Punch for festive, non-alcoholic options.
- Chardonnay or Pinot Noir as wine pairings, both of which complement the flavors in the pizza.
- Spiked Hot Cider or a Pumpkin Spice Latte for a warm, comforting drink option.
Variations
Customizing your Thanksgiving pizza allows you to tailor it to your taste or make it unique every time. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Vegan Thanksgiving Pizza: Replace turkey with roasted vegetables (like roasted squash or mushrooms), use a vegan cheese, and opt for vegan stuffing and gravy.
- BBQ Thanksgiving Pizza: Substitute cranberry sauce with a tangy BBQ sauce, and add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
- Thanksgiving Pizza Calzone: For a twist, fold the pizza dough over the filling and bake to create a Thanksgiving calzone.
- For a more artisanal touch, consider using our Wood-Fired Pizza Dough Recipe. The smoky, crisp crust will add a new dimension to your Thanksgiving pizza.
FAQ while making Thanksgiving Pizza at home
Can I make this pizza gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pizza crust and ensure that all toppings, like stuffing and gravy, are also gluten-free.
Can I make the pizza in advance?
You can prep the pizza in advance by layering the toppings on the crust, then refrigerating it until ready to bake. Bake it fresh to ensure a crispy crust.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
If you’re out of cranberry sauce, try substituting with a light layer of fig jam or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweet-tart flavor.
How can I prevent my crust from becoming soggy?
Use a minimal amount of sauce and gravy, and pre-bake your crust for a few minutes if it’s particularly thick.
Substitutes
If you’re missing any ingredients or prefer alternatives, here are some easy substitutes:
- Turkey: Rotisserie chicken or even thinly sliced roast beef can work in a pinch.
- Stuffing: Use crumbled cornbread or seasoned breadcrumbs for similar texture and flavor.
- Cranberry Sauce: Fig jam, pomegranate seeds, or apple chutney can add that sweet-tart element.
- Mozzarella: Cheddar, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack all work well and can add a richer, bolder flavor.
Nutrition
While nutrition varies based on portions, here’s an approximate breakdown per slice (assuming 8 slices):
- Calories: 300-350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on typical Thanksgiving ingredients and may vary with substitutions.
With this guide, you can now create a delicious Digiorno-inspired Thanksgiving pizza at home. Whether using leftovers or creating it from scratch, this pizza will bring a unique twist to your holiday (or everyday) table!
Ingredients
To make a homemade version of Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza, you’ll need a mix of classic Thanksgiving ingredients, along with a few standard pizza elements:
Crust
- 1 pre-made pizza dough or 12-inch pizza crust
Sauce
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (or homemade cranberry sauce, for a richer flavor)
Toppings
- 1 cup turkey breast, thinly sliced (or use Thanksgiving leftovers)
- 1 cup stuffing, evenly crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (or try a mix with cheddar for extra richness)
- 1/4 cup gravy, lightly drizzled on top
- 1/4 cup green beans, lightly cooked and chopped
- 1/4 cup fried onions (for that comforting crunch)
- Fresh thyme or sage leaves, for garnish (optional)
Optional Ingredients
- Mashed potatoes, small dollops as a topping
- Sweet potato cubes, roasted for added sweetness
Instructions
Instructions to Make Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza
Creating this pizza at home is straightforward, and the result is a delicious medley of flavors that taste like Thanksgiving dinner on a slice.
1. Prepare Your Oven and Crust
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating to get that perfect, crispy crust.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface to fit your desired pizza size. If using a pre-made crust, place it on a pizza pan or stone.
- If you prefer a homemade crust, try our Food Nanny Pizza Dough for a soft, delicious base that complements the Thanksgiving toppings.
2. Spread the Cranberry Sauce
- Instead of traditional pizza sauce, use cranberry sauce as your base. Spread an even layer over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
3. Add the Toppings
- Layer thin slices of turkey evenly across the cranberry base.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the turkey.
- Scatter crumbled stuffing on top, followed by green beans and sweet potato cubes, if using.
4. Drizzle with Gravy
- Lightly drizzle gravy over the pizza to add moisture and richness. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the crust soggy.
5. Top with Fried Onions
- For an extra crunch and holiday flavor, sprinkle fried onions across the top.
6. Bake the Pizza
- Bake the pizza in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme or sage. Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, slice, and serve!
Notes
Tips for Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza
- Avoid Overloading the Pizza: Thanksgiving toppings can be heavy, so try to use moderation to prevent a soggy crust.
- Experiment with Cheese Blends: A mix of mozzarella and cheddar adds a creamy, rich texture that pairs well with the Thanksgiving flavors.
- Use Leftovers: This recipe is ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers—turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce can all be repurposed for this pizza.
- For a reliable and easy homemade dough, check out our Pizza Dough Recipe with Active Dry Yeast. It’s a great option if you want to skip store-bought crusts.