Leftover Turkey Pizza
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This is turkey leftovers reimagined to a whole new level! Sure, turkey leftovers are good for a sandwich or two, but this turkey pizza, with smoky BBQ sauce, red onion, pineapple, cilantro, and jalapeño, is a fresh take on your holiday turkey!
This is my favorite way to give leftover turkey a proper glow-up, turning it into something bold, saucy, and genuinely crave-worthy. I toss the shredded turkey in BBQ sauce for that pulled-pork vibe, then pile it onto pizza dough with torn fresh mozzarella and bake it until everything is bubbly and irresistible.
What really makes this pizza shine for me is the contrast. The rich, smoky BBQ turkey is balanced by a bright pineapple salsa made with fresh pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a little jalapeño for heat. That mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy cuts through the cheese perfectly, so every bite feels lively instead of heavy.
And honestly, the fact that it comes together in under 30 minutes is the cherry on top—especially after the marathon of cooking that comes with a holiday meal. It’s easy, fun, and the kind of leftover transformation that makes me look forward to turkey night round two.
Have more Thanksgiving leftovers? Check out the rest of my turkey dinner leftover recipes.
Alternatives and substitutions
There are lots of ways to customize and enjoy your leftover turkey on a pizza (if, you know, pineapple salsa is a controversial topping in your household):
- Turkey & ham: You may also have leftover ham from a holiday meal. The two will pair well together with the bbq sauce, mozza, and sliced pineapple (if you’re into it!)
- Mediterranean: To get a more Mediterranean flavor, pair your shredded turkey with some sliced olives, fresh tomato, red onion, and feta cheese.
- Pesto turkey: Add some fresh pesto as your base, shredded turkey, sliced red pepper, spinach, and sprinkle with feta cheese.
Turkey Pizza Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pizza doughs (see notes)
- 1 ½ cups diced fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup minced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- Juice from ½ lime
- ½ jalapeño pepper (minced)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cooked turkey
- ¾ cup bbq sauce (divided)
- 1 ball mozzarella cheese (torn into pieces)
Instructions
- Place your pizza stone (if using) into your oven on the middle rack and turn your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, or as high as it will go. While your oven is preheating, mix the pineapple, red onion, cilantro, lime, and jalapeño pepper in a medium-sized bowl.1 ½ cups diced fresh pineapple, ¼ cup minced red onion, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, Juice from ½ lime, ½ jalapeño pepper
- Stretch each pizza dough to form a circle. Either place the pizza crust on an upside-down baking sheet or on your pizza peel if you're using a pizza stone.2 pizza doughs
- Mix the shredded turkey with ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Spread the remaining ¼ cup of BBQ sauce on top of the two pizzas – 2 tablespoons each. Top with the shredded turkey, mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Bake the pizzas, one at a time, in your oven for 12-14 minutes if you are using a baking sheet, or 9-10 minutes if you are using a pizza stone. When the turkey pizza comes out of the oven, sprinkle the pineapple salsa over the top.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our turkey dinner leftovers!
So you knew when I was drooling over this on IG that I had to come see more, right? Holy cow, Kristen! Best pizza ever! We covet our leftover turkey sandwiches but we’ll be switching it up this year with this fabulous dish. I’m a huge fan of pineapple on pizza and these flavours are the best. And you can never have too many leftover recipes, lol. Genius!
BTW, have you met Brianne from Natural Girl Modern World? She’s in Vancouver too and creates fabulous recipes!
Love it! Pineapple on pizza is the best, isn’t it? Whenever we order delivery pizza we always get it with extra pineapple. 🙂
I haven’t met Brianne yet. Going to head over and check out her site now …
You should! It really was a nice way to use up the turkey after I was all turkey-d out. Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes yes! I’m just back from a sunny holiday and I’m already missing the sun. I can never get enough of it!