Thanksgiving Pizza? How to Leftovers Right

We're just gonna go there: The the best day of the year is the day after Thanksgiving.

Nope, we’re not talking about Black Friday, though that is a good time to stock up on HexClad pans. The day after Thanksgiving rules because the stress of preparing for the holiday is over, the guests are either gone or are less in-the-way, and—best of all—your fridge is absolutely bursting with leftovers. We’re talking turkey, we’re talking stuffing, we’re talking mashed potatoes for days.

Essentially, we’re talking heaven.

5 IDEAS FOR USING UP THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS

1. SANDWICHES ARE A MUST

If you made Thanksgiving food simply to turn it into sandwiches the day after, we wouldn’t blame you. There’s an argument to be made in favor of slices of soft white bread that won’t compete with the ingredients within, but a loaf of homemade sourdough is quite possibly your best pick. It has the structure to stand up to the fillings and can be sliced as thin as you like. There’s no right way to layer your leftovers, but here’s a starting point: Begin with a smear of cranberry sauce before layering on mashed potatoes to anchor shredded leftover turkey. Then, pile on anything green you’ve got leftover (or mesclun greens) and finish off with a drizzle of warmed gravy. Cheese is optional, but always welcome.

2. PIZZA JUST MAKES SENSE

Though sandwiches are smart, pizzas are maybe even better. Rather than simply layering the leftovers between slices of bread, repurpose them as pizza toppings. Not only will adults love them, but it’s a great way to get kids involved, too: Use our Mini Pizza Night recipe for a family-friendly guide. Alternatively, opt for Neapolitan-style pizza. Either way, you’ll want to start by making a batch of homemade pizza dough (or just buying some at the supermarket) and grabbing your HexClad Hybrid Pizza Steel.

Need inspiration? Here are three topping ideas for Thanksgiving leftover pizzas:

• Turkey and Stuffing Pie: Top your base with marinara and shredded mozzarella, then add bite-sized pieces of turkey and stuffing on top. Serve with gravy for dipping.
• Mashed Potato, Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Pizza: Top the dough with a white sauce and dollops of mashed potato. Scatter shredded leftover Brussels sprouts and crumbled cooked bacon on top. Serve the hot pie dolloped with cranberry sauce, if you like.
• Creamed Greens, Calabrian Chili and Turkey Pizza: Spread leftover creamed greens over the dough and top with shredded fontina, chopped leftover turkey, and grated Parmesan. Serve topped with pickled shallot, Calabrian chili and marinated hot peppers for piquant and fiery notes.

3. CONSIDER THE CRANBERRY

After being relegated to "least popular" status at the big meal, cranberry sauce is allowed to really shine after Thanksgiving. Smear it on turkey sandwiches, dollop it on to yogurt and granola bowls, or mix it into cocktails. (Trust us: Shake up some vodka, cranberry sauce, and lime juice and pour it into a chilled martini glass—you’re welcome).

4. PARFAITS ARE PERFECT

Listen, you absolutely can eat pie for breakfast until December 1st and we will not only understand, we'll cheer you on. But if you’re wanting to veer away from the dessert vibes (if only so the pie tastes more exciting after dinner later in the day), why not try a Thanksgiving leftover parfait? These yogurt parfaits are just a starting point for the possible combinations. We love plain regular or Greek yogurt for its tartness, which plays nicely off the sweet leftovers:

• Pumpkin pie filling + pumpkin and chia seeds + yogurt
• Pecan pie filling + sliced bananas + drizzle of maple syrup + dusting of cinnamon + yogurt
• Apple pie filling + granola + yogurt
• Cranberry sauce + chopped green apples + toasted almonds + toasted coconut + yogurt

5. LEAN INTO THE CASSEROLE

We’re on the record saying that casseroles are seriously cozy, so what better way is there to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers than into a bubbling casserole? There’s no right ratio or list of ingredients that’s best in a Thanksgiving casserole, but here’s a place to start: Stir together 3 cups of leftover shredded turkey, Brussels sprouts, and stuffing in a large bowl. Mix in 4 or 5 beaten eggs and stir to combine. Pour into your Small Roasting Pan, then top with a thin layer of leftover mashed potatoes and a generous shower of grated Gruyère or cheddar. Bake until bubbly and serve with dollops of cranberry sauce.

Feeling convinced? Why not double up on a favorite recipe or two this year so you can stretch the leftovers glory even longer? It’s also worth adding a few key ingredients (like pizza dough and bread) to your shopping list to make the repurposing even easier. Don't forget your stretchy pants!