What's better than sitting down to a piping hot pizza? Well, Thanksgiving dinner, maybe. It's getting close to one of our very favorite times of year and clearly Thanksgiving dinner is on our minds. And when we heard Project Food Blog challenge #5 was to come up with our own remix for a pizza, we started to imagine ways to turn a pizza into our favorite holiday.
Let's face it, the various dishes involved in Thanksgiving dinner go together so well that you don't even mind when they get all "touchy" with each other on your plate. In fact, you might even take your fork and pick up a little bit of turkey, some stuffing, sweet potato, and cranberry all at once. And when the holiday's over, you still find yourself ordering Thanksgiving sandwiches whenever you see them. At least, we do.
As with most creative processes (or experiments) a brainstorm session is key and a great starting point to get all of your ideas out in one place. After spending many hours bouncing ideas off of one another we somehow came to the conclusion that instead of doing a traditional pizza, we wanted to play around with two rings of dough, one representing an "entree" and the other representing dessert. Once you finished the entree ring the dessert would be fully exposed for you to enjoy. We thought the idea was unique and creative but since it was a complete experiment we wanted to see how it look before we purchased all of our ingredients and got in the kitchen. Chels designed a simple inspiration board/"pie" chart (get it?) of some ingredients we were interested in using. Originally we were planning on leaving the top of the dessert ring exposed but we thought it would add such a nice touch to add a lattice top and really separate the two components!
For this recipe, we didn't line up our ingredients to take a photo at the start. Like we mentioned, it was a major experiment for us and we just wanted to go where the pizza took us instead of being restrained by an exact recipe. And while you're more than welcome to follow our recipe exactly, we also encourage you to add your own Thanksgiving favorites to your pizza. The more personal the better!
For both the outer and inner rings we used a traditional pizza dough, but seasoned each differently to better distinguish between the main course and the dessert. Let's start with the entree dough. Of course, we followed the recipe for our very favorite no-knead dough (which we actually have memorized by now!).
We broke up a large amount of dough for our entree pizza (make sure to save some for the dessert pizza!) We added rosemary, sage, and Bell's seasoning, making sure to work it into the dough. We were SO pleased with the results of this... the dough tasted almost exactly like our favorite stuffings.
Then we rolled the dough out.
And cut a circle in it just the size we wanted the inner dessert pie to be.
We removed the circle of dough and set it aside... We wouldn't be using this for the dessert pie since it was already seasoned with the savory herbs. You can also use this piece to extend your outer ring if necessary.
Now we had our outer entree ring.
Which we lightly brushed with olive oil.
For the sauce component of our pizza, we decided to make a cranberry chutney using fresh cranberries.
We lightly brushed the cranberry chutney on the outer ring.
And sprinkled some gorgonzola cheese over the top.
We added some arugula for a bit of green. Which looked like a Christmas wreath and only gave us more ideas for the future 😉
And, of course, plenty of sweet potatoes and turkey (We cooked a small turkey breast ahead of time)! A little seasoning of salt and pepper, too!
At this point, we had quite the Thanksgiving dinner scene going on in the kitchen!
We baked the outer ring for about 15 minutes in a 500 degree oven. At this point prepare for your home to smell just like Thanksgiving 😉
-----------
Every good Thanksgiving dinner includes pie, especially a classic apple pie! We used the same pizza dough recipe, making our pie a true "pizza pie." But this time we added cinnamon and nutmeg to the dough to give it a sweet touch.
We cut the dough in a circle that would fit the center of our outer pizza ring. We saved the remaining sweet dough because we knew we wanted to make a lattice top for the pie.
We prepared our apple pie filling.
Apple Pie Filling:
• 2 apples (we used granny smith)
• ¾ C apple cider
• 4 T fresh lemon juice
• ¼ C sugar
• 3 T corn starch
• 2 t cinnamon
• 1 t nutmeg
First we peeled, cored, and sliced the apples. Then we tossed them them in the lemon juice and sugar.
In the meantime, we combined sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat. We added the apple cider and brought it to a boil. Then we added the apples, stirred for a minute, lowered to a simmer, and covered for about 5 minutes.
The apples thickened up quite nicely. YUM!
We generously topped our mini pizza pie round with the apple pie filling and dried cranberries.
We rolled out the leftover sweet dough and cut it into strips for the lattice top.
And gently wove the dough to create the pie's top. We also brushed the lattice with some melted butter.
We then sprinkled the top with some more cinnamon and nutmeg.
And baked for about 10 minutes at 500 degrees.
Once the pie was finished baking we assembled our Thanksgiving Pizza! We gently lifted the outer ring and placed it over the inner ring so it would essentially make one pizza and have a nice snug fit.
We always take things to new heights in the kitchen... especially when it comes to getting a good food photo 😉
With most kitchen experiments there's always the moment of truth. We know traditional Thanksgiving foods go well together but how would it all taste on a pizza? With an apple pie in the center?
We cut our slices...
Inspected our work...
Tried to sneak a couple of bites...
Finally dug in...
Savored each bite
Liked it so much that we inhaled another piece...
And proudly showed off our masterpiece...
While sipping spiked apple cider. Naturally.
Thankfully there were leftovers.
And speaking of leftovers. We think making this pizza with your Thanksgiving leftovers this year is a brilliant idea! We also think there's a chance we might make a few hundred of these, freeze them, and start shipping them out for a frozen Thanksgiving pizza year round. Because that would be heavenly for all of us. The pizza honestly tasted exactly like a Thanksgiving dinner. Which not only has us even more excited for the actual holiday, but it also has us super happy to know we can make this pizza year round! And the apple/cranberry pie dessert was a definite bonus.
If you would attempt to make this pizza with your leftovers (or buy one of our frozen ones, hehe) please vote for us! Voting opens tomorrow, October 18th!
[Sues and Chels]
Simply Life says
You two are SO creative - it's impressive! I'm thrilled you made it to this round and can't wait to see what else you come up!
katiek436 says
oh my goodness! This is so creative and looks great! I wish I were eating some of it now, not because I'm hungry but because it just looks that great! Now I can't wait for the "dreaded" Thanksgiving Leftovers 🙂 Voting tomorrow!
sippitysup says
Pizza is a thing of beauty and you made it a celebration to boot! GREG
Erica says
y'all are SO creative. Brilliant! you should start a business 🙂 Of course I will be voting for you- now pass me a piece of the center 🙂
Liz says
You two are hilarious. So creative!
Lizzy says
What a creative idea... and perfect timing! You got my vote!
Lauren says
I really wasn't sure what you two were thinking when I started reading this post but wow! It really came together and looks delicious! I may have to try this myself!!
Kalen says
HAHA... the picture of you standing on the counter resembles me last night trying to take pictures of the pumpkin bread I made! I thought my husband was going to lose his marbles!
Kristina @spabettie says
I WOULD ABSOLUTELY ORDER ONE !! 😉
this is so amazing and creative! you DEFINITELY have my vote! WOW - looks SO delicious!
Chris says
Seriously girls you really nailed this one. Talk about thinking outside the box... This is fantastically brilliant. *clap* *clap* *clap* *clap*
Sharlene says
This is SUCH an original idea!! I'm loving the whole thing, especially the extra dessert pie in the center. I think I'll make this for a party (once I get invited to one)! Congrats on making it to the next round 🙂
Amanda says
Okay, that is just crazy creative. Not just a thanksgving pizza, but one with an apple pie in the center? That's almost insane! Well you've impressed me, you've got my vote.
Bridget says
This was an incredible idea!! I love that you made the middle part a dessert, that is so creative! Not to mention delicious sounding!! I think you guys should definintely make it to the next round!
Jessica says
I totally love it!! You guys are awesome!! Best of luck with Project Food Blog!!!
Liz @ Blog is the New Black says
Awesome and creative idea!!! I esp love the middle being pie! 🙂
Susan says
Very clever! With dessert in such proximity to the entree, I'm afraid I'd head right to the center 🙂
Sharon says
OMG...Your entry is unbelievable!! "Creative, brilliant, incredible, amazing, impressive" does not even begin to describe just how you two have taken this challenge to the next level! You have blown us all away!!
Michelle says
This is TOTALLY creative! You ladies have my vote for #PFB2010!
rebeccaj says
could not be hungrier. amazing idea!
Elina says
Wow, awesome!!! What's slightly freaky is that on Friday night I decided that I was between making a Thanksgiving pizza and a dessert pizza (caramel sauce, apples and a cranberry reduction). Two-in-one is totally genius! 🙂
My creation at the end was pretty awesome as well, if I do say so myself. 😀
Kerstin says
Wow, how creative - love it!! Definitely the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers!
Mike says
I must say, that idea is awesome to put the dessert pie back into the center. I thought this was just another entry that made multiple pizzas but you completley wowed me. Congrats guys, I will be voting for you. Go Southie!
Jaime says
you two are adorable 🙂 what a lovely idea, this looks fantastic!
A. Judy says
No more slaving over a hot stove at Thanksgiving trying to feed a cast of thousands for me this year..................I'll take three of your special pizza's to- go please!
Incredibly creative and timely idea......a great new take on a classic and traditional meal in pizza form! What's next for you two!?
Another sure vote for WANM!
Megan says
This is awesome!! You guys so outdid yourselves this time. And I love the picture of Sues standing on the counter.
Mara @ What's For Dinner? says
Oh. My. Goodness. I freaking LOVE this!!! I think I've said that for every challenge but seriously? Amaaaaaazing!
Brie says
wow, that's a very creative take on pizza - love it!
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
This is one of THE best entries I've seen so far!!
Erin says
This is a great idea! Great creativity and really amazing!
Erin from Long Island says
Not to be a brown-noser but this is seriously the coolest thing I have seen in a while! Wish I could vote more then once!
To Kiss the Cook says
#1 You two are brilliant. I LOVE this idea. Pie in the middle just makes it all the better.
#2 The photos are fabulous. You two hamming it up at the end and of course Sues up on the counter. Perfection.
Melissa says
Awesome, awesome, awesome. You both are so smart and creative. Hands down, you get my vote. And I starred this post in my Google Reader because it's such fun idea for entertaining. I love it!!! 🙂
two coast table says
This looks so good! I love the pie in the middle, such a good idea & susie on the counter is great. (Steven)
Eden says
That picture of you on table is hilarious! Who ended up eating this delicious creation!?
peachkins says
so beautiful! I love your photos!
Barbara says
How brilliant it that??? Fun to make, fun to eat., You guys are great. Voting now.
megan @ whatmegansmaking says
Wow you are so creative! What a unique idea. Funny post as well 🙂
Daisy says
unbelieveable! brilliant! you are always having so much fun in the kitchen too!
Maria says
AMAZING! Love this pizza! Good luck:)
Melissa says
I'm blown away by your creativity! Brilliant stuff girls! As always, you have my vote!
Megan says
I love the pizza-within-a-pizza. So clever! I might have to do this on a future Pizza Friday, in fact. Good luck!
Amelia from Z Tasty Life says
very creative presentation. I have never seen the idea before!
Lynn says
Amazing! Y'all are so creative! That's an award winning Thanksgiving dinner right there.
Monique says
i am so happy to see you two still duking it out in this competition! This is a great entry! and SOOO creative! Might make my thanksgiving a million times easier...being that its my birthday and all. lol
BostonSportsWoman says
WOW! We always eat the Thanksgiving dinner at the 99, and this is a surefire reason to make it at home, and satisfy all our tastebuds! We voted already!
Pam says
So creative and tasty! Great job girls. I am off to vote.
Whit @ Amuse Bouche says
oh girls, i love it! so creative, and you're right, I think ill use my thanksgiving leftovers to make one of these!!
Kelly says
This is the most brilliant creation I've seen in a long time! Well done - it's making my mouth water 🙂
meaghan (the decorated cookie) says
I heart thanksgiving! You got my vote. I also posted a link to your entry on my other blog (ediblecrafts.craftgossip.com)... I posted my entry there today, but had to include some of my other favorites from the contest.
Janetha G - meals & moves says
This is awesome. Last Thanksgiving, my roommate and I discussed how awesome a Thanksgiving themed pizza would be. Our ideas were a little different than your pizza and definitely did not include that AMAZING center pie. But I was so excited when I saw your title--so glad you actually executed a Thanksgiving themed pizza! I can't wait to show my old roommate. You've got my vote, ladies!
Melissa @ Made in Melissa's Kitchen says
Thanksgiving on a pizza?! GENIUS! You girls are so creative! Good luck! 🙂
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
i absolutely love this recipe, best pizza idea ever!
Emily @ The Happy Home says
suuuuuch a good idea! i love it!
Beth @ DiningAndDishing says
I love it - what a creative idea!! Congrats to you ladies for making it so far - I'm seeing good things!! 🙂
Lisa says
Wow, now that is a Thanksgiving feast. Plus, the stuffing flavored crust? You've got my attention right there. Love your method for taking pics, I'll have to try standing on my kitchen counter too. You've definitely got my vote. Good luck.
Chicago Cuisine Critique says
This is so creative! Awesome idea. 🙂
Anna says
The best of all is to see how you girls are having fun together. Great job. Your pizza looks stunning.
Lisa~KAM says
You guys rock! What a fantastic idea! So where do I place my order? Voted ladies (=
Katie says
that's such a creative idea! it looks soo amazing too, i'm definitely ready for some yummy thanksgiving food now!
Corey @ the Runner's Cookie says
That is such a work of art!! Love the idea for Turkey day leftovers!
Kim K says
i want that. right now. my two favorite things in this world are (1) pizza and (2) thanksgiving. i actually have a song and a dance that i perform that i call the "pilgrim" at thanksgiving. i need to make that asap.
Amanda says
Great idea. And that dough looks drool worthy. Gotta go vote!
joanie says
Absolutely incredible...you gals are THE most creative and talented ever! Jim and I can't wait to be your "tasters" ...the sooner the better. Then, we'll really feel like pizza gourmets! Go for the gold, "S & C"!
The Young Foodie says
Once again a fantastic post!!! You two make a great team! Are you looking for a third chef? 😉 One VOTE from me! Hopefully see you in Round 6! 😉
The Young Foodie
http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/5/view/1422
Julie @ Willow Bird Baking says
Just BEYOND creative and amazing!! You ladies hit it out of the park! You have a vote from me!
For my entry, I made pizza for all the wrong times of day: some Deep Dish Pizza Cupfakes and Pizzas Benedict 🙂 Come see if you'd like!
Foododelmundo says
Love your opening Thanksgiving Pizza "map". Creative and fun entry. You've got a vote from me! -Katy
Julie Q says
Your posts just get better and better! It took me 12 minutes to read this entire post because I was fixated on each picture!!! off to vote now 🙂 you got this!
annelise says
this is amazing! I usually have pizza on thanksgiving, but this is much more seasonal than mine.
MichellePC says
This is such a creative pizza, and it looks absolutely delicious! Thanksgiving is also my favorite holiday, and I am definitely one of "those" people that takes a little bite of everything on my plate in each forkful. Thanks for the great recipe idea!
Leah says
What a unique idea for pizza! I'm loving the idea of the smaller pizza pie for dessert in the center. Great way to use up all those leftovers, too.
Jules says
Wow, what a creative idea! Love the two pies combined as one, and suddenly I am getting very excited for Thanksgiving : )
Shelly Borrell says
Dudes, I thought I'd seen it all as I'm almost done reviewing all the Pizzas. I already knew I was going to vote for y'all, but you've blown me away with this one. Too fun and super creative. I love it!
Shelly, Nibbles of Tidbits
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I must make + eat this on Thanksgiving! One of the best PFB posts I've read. I love the 2 in 1 idea--brilliant!
notyet100 says
yummy,..
Joan Nova says
What a fun idea -- and great execution!
Lauren says
Ladies... can I just say that this is an INCREDIBLY creative idea?! I love the ingredients you used, and the finished product is beautiful!
Jeanne says
I love everything about this: the concept, the flavors, the photos! What a gorgeous pizza pie! I would definitely order one. And I'll vote for you immediately!
Lauren Zabaneh says
what's better than thanksgiving dinner...on a pizza! Awesome. Love all the flavors and so super creative.
this is my first time to your blog. I'm loving finding all these new blogs through the contest. great job ladies and I totally digging that pearl bracelet! So chic!
Nicole says
Such a creative idea! Just voted 🙂
Lawyer Loves Lunch says
You ladies never cease to amaze me with your creativity! I wish I could vote for your pizza more than once 🙂
Rachel Wilkerson says
That is awesome!! Just voted for you -- good luck!
Beverly says
What a fun & creative idea! You can bet I'll be saving this for thanksgiving leftovers for sure!!!!!!! Who could resist thanksgiving leftovers made into a pizza?! AWESOME! And definitely voted for!
Suzy says
That is so cool! You guys are so creative and fun...I am so glad I found your blog through this contest! You've got my vote again!
Daydreamer Desserts says
Super clever, and brilliant way to put Thanksgiving leftovers to use! 🙂
Melanie says
You guys are my favorite contestants for a reason. That was pure genius.
Reeni says
I was thinking of doing a Thanksgiving pizza too! I'm glad I didn't cause yours would of put mine to shame! Love the pie in the middle. So cute! Good luck!
Alicia says
you girls are so freaking creative. I'd like to place an order for 10 pizza's please 🙂
Sandy says
Wowee Zowee, You 2 are just incredible...I wished I lived next door to you -your blog is so creative and so much fun.. I look forward to reading it ! Good luck you have my vote !
The Duo Dishes says
A lattice topped pizza? For sure. This makes Thanksgiving clean up so much easier with dinner and dessert on one plate. Good luck!
Jen H says
Such a creative idea! I love the way it looks and I can only imagine how good it tastes. My favorite part of thanksgiving is mixing everything on the plate into one bit and it looks like you recreated that with your pizza!
Lori Lynn says
Most clever pizza! Most fun photos! You got my vote! Good luck!
LL
Camels & Chocolate says
You really are the most creative domestic divas I know (or rather, read, I suppose)!
Paul Krause says
I made this for my father and I for Thanksgiving. It was even better than expected! We used mozzarella and packed on the toppings, though. The dough was amazing. Thanks!