PIN IT FOR LATER!
Transform Thanksgiving Leftovers: Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza
The culinary journey after Thanksgiving is often marked by the delicious challenge of transforming leftover turkey. While turkey sandwiches hold a nostalgic charm, their appeal can quickly wane. If you find yourself in a post-holiday rut, craving something exciting and far from the ordinary, then prepare to elevate your leftover game. This Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza is not just a recipe; it’s a vibrant, flavorful solution to Thanksgiving turkey fatigue, promising a morning (or even dinner) experience that’s anything but boring.
For many, the true joy of Thanksgiving doesn’t just lie in the grand feast itself, but in the creative possibilities that emerge from the abundance of leftovers. My Thanksgiving plate is often a colorful canvas of various side dishes, with the turkey playing a supporting role, sometimes even subtly hidden beneath a generous mound of mashed potatoes or a vibrant serving of green beans. It’s not that I don’t appreciate a perfectly roasted turkey; it’s simply that I find immense pleasure in reimagining its potential beyond just a plain slice.
Over the years, I’ve discovered countless ways to give leftover turkey a new lease on life. Some of my personal favorites include a Honey Mustard Turkey Salad Sandwich, which adds a tangy twist to a classic. Then there’s the comforting embrace of a Creamy Turkey Noodle Soup, perfect for those cooler days. And for something a bit more substantial, these Rosemary Turkey Squares offer a delightful savory bite. But this year, I’m particularly excited about venturing into uncharted territory: turkey for breakfast.
The inspiration for this innovative dish struck when my wonderful friends at Old El Paso reached out, seeking ideas for a Thanksgiving leftover recipe. The concept of a Mexican-inspired breakfast pizza immediately sprang to mind. Imagine a crispy pizza crust laden with savory scrambled eggs, tender shredded turkey, zesty Old El Paso Diced Green Chiles, and a unique, flavorful topping of taco-seasoned hash browns. This isn’t just a pizza; it’s a breakfast masterpiece, packed with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
We all know that feeling on Thanksgiving night – a glorious food coma where the thought of eating anything else seems impossible. Yet, as the morning dawns, the hunger eventually returns. And when it does, this Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza will be your ultimate craving satisfier. It’s an indulgence that feels both familiar and wonderfully new, making those leftover turkey woes a distant memory.
Crafting Your Breakfast Pizza: A Simple Guide
Despite its impressive appearance and rich flavor profile, this Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza is surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s designed for ease, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet breakfast without the post-holiday stress. The foundation of this delectable pizza begins with one pound of your favorite pizza dough. Whether you prefer to make yours from scratch for that authentic touch or opt for a convenient store-bought variety, either will work perfectly here. Simply roll out your dough to your desired thickness on a lightly floured or cornmeal-dusted surface, preparing it for a magnificent array of toppings.
The layering process is where the magic happens. First, spread a generous layer of your favorite salsa across the dough. This forms a vibrant, flavorful base that infuses every bite with a zesty kick. Next, evenly distribute your fluffy scrambled eggs, ensuring a delightful eggy texture throughout. Following the eggs, add your leftover Thanksgiving turkey, either shredded or cubed, providing a hearty and familiar protein component. A scattering of Old El Paso Diced Green Chiles then adds a subtle heat and authentic Mexican flavor that pairs beautifully with the turkey and salsa.
Now for a truly inspired addition: taco-seasoned hash browns. In a bowl, simply toss frozen shredded hash browns with Old El Paso taco seasoning. There’s no need to thaw them first, making this step even quicker. Sprinkle these flavorful hash browns generously over your pizza, adding a wonderful crisp texture and an extra layer of savory spice. Finally, complete your masterpiece with a generous blanket of shredded cheese, preferably pepperjack for an added zing, but any melty cheese will do. While it wasn’t captured in the photo, rest assured that the cheese is a crucial component for that irresistible bubbly, golden finish.
Once assembled, your pizza is ready for the oven. Bake it until the pizza dough turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbling, typically around 10 to 12 minutes, though baking times can vary depending on your oven and dough thickness. The aroma alone will have your household eagerly anticipating their first slice.
Versatility and Customization
What makes this Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza truly stand out is its incredible versatility. While it’s perfect for a celebratory post-Thanksgiving breakfast or brunch, don’t limit its potential to just mornings. This hearty and flavorful pizza also makes an excellent dinner option, especially on those days when you need a quick yet satisfying meal. Imagine serving this up on the day after Thanksgiving, giving your family a delicious break from traditional holiday fare and a new way to appreciate those carefully cooked leftovers. You’ll undoubtedly be glad you set aside some of that precious turkey for this extraordinary creation.
Feel free to customize this pizza to your liking. For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce after baking. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh avocado can add a creamy, cooling contrast to the spicy elements. Consider adding thinly sliced red onion or bell peppers for more vegetable goodness. For those who prefer a less spicy profile, opt for mild salsa and a milder cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. The beauty of pizza is its adaptability, making it easy to cater to everyone’s preferences.
Beyond this delicious breakfast pizza, leftover turkey offers a world of culinary opportunities. If you’re looking for more ways to repurpose your holiday bird, explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Turkey Fajita Pizza
- White Turkey Chili
- Turkey Noodle Soup
Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza
No ratings yet
Pin
Tired of turkey sandwiches from that leftover Thanksgiving turkey? Turn it into breakfast instead with this Mexican Turkey Breakfast Pizza!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 5 eggs scrambled
- 1 cup shredded or cubed cooked turkey
- 1 4 oz can Old El Paso green chiles
- 1 cup frozen shredded hash browns
- 1 teaspoon Old El Paso taco seasoning
- 1 cup pepperjack cheese
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a surface that is lightly floured or lightly covered in cornmeal. Spread the salsa over the pizza dough. Top with the scrambled eggs, followed by the turkey and green chiles.
- Place the hash browns in a bowl and toss with the taco seasoning. Top the pizza with the hash browns.
- Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the pizza, then transfer to the oven and cook until the dough is golden brown and the cheese has melted, 10 to 12 minutes or according to the pizza dough directions.
- Top the pizza with chopped cilantro before serving.
**Thank you to Old El Paso for sponsoring this post. Because of sponsors like Old El Paso, I am able to bring you all of the recipes I feature here.**