Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza Returns: Recipes and Festive Feasts!

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and, of course, delicious food. While the traditional Thanksgiving spread is a beloved classic, sometimes you crave a twist, a burst of unexpected flavor that shakes up the routine. Enter the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza! This year, it’s back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. We’re not just talking about enjoying it straight from the box; we’re diving into creative recipes and festive feasts that elevate this seasonal sensation to new heights.

## The Return of a Thanksgiving Icon

For those unfamiliar, the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza isn’t your average pepperoni pie. It’s a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Thanksgiving in every slice. Think creamy gravy base, generous toppings of roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberries, and a sprinkle of cheese. It’s like Thanksgiving dinner exploded onto a pizza crust, and honestly, it’s pure genius.

Its return each year is met with anticipation. Why? Because it’s a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for smaller gatherings, casual Friendsgivings, or even just a weeknight treat when you’re craving that holiday spirit.

## Beyond the Box: Elevating Your Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza

While the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza is delicious on its own, let’s explore some ways to take it to the next level. These recipes are designed to complement the existing flavors and create a truly memorable Thanksgiving experience.

### 1. Thanksgiving Pizza Appetizer Bites

**Ingredients:**

* 1 Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza
* 1 package (10 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Dough:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Brush the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and rosemary (if using).
2. **Cut the Dough:** Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into small squares or triangles, approximately 1-2 inches in size.
3. **Bake the Dough:** Arrange the dough pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly.
4. **Prepare the Pizza:** While the dough is baking, prepare the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza according to the package directions. Once baked, let it cool slightly before cutting into small, bite-sized pieces.
5. **Assemble the Bites:** Top each baked dough piece with a small piece of the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza. Secure with a toothpick if necessary.
6. **Serve:** Arrange the appetizer bites on a platter and serve immediately. These are perfect for parties, gatherings, or even as a fun snack.

**Why it works:** This recipe turns the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza into a sophisticated appetizer. The crispy, herby dough provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy, savory pizza topping. It’s an unexpected and impressive way to start your Thanksgiving feast.

### 2. Thanksgiving Pizza Grilled Cheese

**Ingredients:**

* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough or brioche work well)
* 2 tablespoons butter, softened
* 2 slices cheddar cheese
* 1/4 of a Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, warmed slightly
* Cranberry sauce (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bread:** Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
2. **Assemble the Sandwich:** Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Top with one slice of cheddar cheese, the warmed Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, and another slice of cheddar cheese.
3. **Top with Bread:** Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
4. **Grill the Sandwich:** Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down on the sandwich with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
5. **Serve:** Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and let cool slightly. Cut in half and serve immediately. Add a dollop of cranberry sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

**Why it works:** This recipe transforms the Thanksgiving Pizza into a comfort food masterpiece. The warm, gooey cheese, the buttery bread, and the savory-sweet flavors of the pizza create an irresistible combination. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

### 3. Thanksgiving Pizza Stuffed Bell Peppers

**Ingredients:**

* 4 bell peppers (any color)
* 1 Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza
* 1/2 cup cooked quinoa or rice
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped celery
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Bell Peppers:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
2. **Prepare the Pizza Filling:** Prepare the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza according to the package directions. Once baked, let it cool slightly and then chop it into small pieces.
3. **Combine the Filling:** In a large bowl, combine the chopped pizza, cooked quinoa or rice, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped parsley, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Stuff the Peppers:** Spoon the pizza filling into the bell pepper halves, packing it in tightly.
5. **Bake the Peppers:** Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the filling is heated through and bubbly.
6. **Serve:** Let the stuffed bell peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

**Why it works:** This recipe adds a healthy and flavorful twist to the Thanksgiving Pizza. The bell peppers provide a vibrant and nutritious base, while the quinoa or rice adds a hearty element. It’s a creative and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving while incorporating more vegetables into your diet.

### 4. Thanksgiving Pizza Quesadillas

**Ingredients:**

* 4 flour tortillas
* 1/2 of a Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, warmed slightly
* 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* Sour cream or salsa (optional, for serving)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pizza:** Warm the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza slightly. Cut into small pieces.
2. **Assemble the Quesadillas:** Sprinkle Monterey Jack cheese evenly over two of the tortillas. Top with the pizza pieces. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and top with remaining tortillas.
3. **Cook the Quesadillas:** Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place one quesadilla in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Repeat with the remaining quesadilla.
4. **Serve:** Cut each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately. Offer sour cream or salsa for dipping, if desired.

**Why it works:** This recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. The melted cheese, the crispy tortilla, and the savory-sweet flavors of the pizza combine to create a satisfying and flavorful quesadilla. It’s perfect for a casual lunch, snack, or even a fun dinner.

### 5. Thanksgiving Pizza Waffles

**Ingredients:**

* 1 box waffle mix (and ingredients to prepare waffles according to box instructions)
* 1/2 Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, cut into small pieces
* Maple syrup or gravy for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare Waffle Batter:** Prepare the waffle batter according to the box instructions.
2. **Add Pizza to Batter:** Gently fold the cut-up Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza pieces into the waffle batter.
3. **Cook Waffles:** Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the pizza-infused batter onto the hot waffle iron and cook until golden brown and crispy.
4. **Serve:** Serve immediately with maple syrup or gravy for dipping. This is a sweet and savory flavor explosion!

**Why it works:** The savory pizza chunks embedded in a slightly sweet waffle offers a surprising and delightful contrast. The maple syrup or gravy acts as the perfect complement, bringing out both the sweet and savory notes of this dish. It’s a fun and unexpected way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors for breakfast, brunch, or even a dessert.

### 6. Thanksgiving Pizza Frittata

**Ingredients:**

* 6 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup chopped Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza
* 1/4 cup chopped vegetables (onions, bell peppers, mushrooms)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Egg Mixture:** In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. **Sauté Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. **Add Pizza and Egg Mixture:** Stir in the chopped Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza and then pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and pizza.
4. **Cook on Stovetop:** Cook over medium-low heat until the edges of the frittata begin to set, about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Bake in Oven:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the frittata. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the frittata is set and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
6. **Serve:** Remove the frittata from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

**Why it works:** The frittata is a versatile and customizable dish, perfect for using up leftover ingredients. The Thanksgiving Pizza adds a burst of savory flavor, while the vegetables provide a nutritional boost. It’s a great option for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch.

### 7. Thanksgiving Pizza Nachos

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bag tortilla chips
* 1 Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, warmed and chopped
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
* 1/4 cup diced red onion
* Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven (Optional):** If you prefer melted cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step can be skipped for room-temperature nachos.
2. **Arrange Chips:** Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet or large platter.
3. **Top with Ingredients:** Sprinkle the chopped Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn kernels, and diced red onion evenly over the chips.
4. **Bake (Optional):** If baking, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If not baking, simply assemble and serve.
5. **Add Toppings:** Remove from oven (if baked) and top with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, if desired.
6. **Serve:** Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Why it works:** This recipe combines the comfort of nachos with the flavors of Thanksgiving. The crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and savory pizza toppings create a party-worthy appetizer that everyone will love.

## Tips for the Perfect Thanksgiving Pizza Creations

* **Don’t Overcook the Pizza:** Whether you’re eating it straight from the box or incorporating it into a recipe, be careful not to overcook the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza. Overcooked pizza can become dry and tough.
* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** If you’re adding additional ingredients to your recipes, opt for high-quality ingredients. This will enhance the overall flavor and texture of your dishes.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Feel free to experiment with different toppings and flavors to create your own unique Thanksgiving Pizza creations. The possibilities are endless!
* **Pair with Complementary Sides:** Serve your Thanksgiving Pizza with complementary sides, such as a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or cranberry sauce.
* **Make it a Family Affair:** Involve your family or friends in the cooking process. It’s a fun way to bond and create lasting memories.

## Finding the Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza

The Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza is typically available for a limited time during the fall season, usually from October through November. You can find it at most major grocery stores and supermarkets that carry Digiorno products. Be sure to check your local stores for availability. Because of its popularity, it often sells out quickly. So, if you spot it, grab it! You can also check online retailers or use the Digiorno website to find stores near you that carry the Thanksgiving Pizza.

## Final Thoughts

The Digiorno Thanksgiving Pizza is more than just a frozen pizza; it’s a symbol of fun, creativity, and deliciousness. Whether you enjoy it straight from the box or use it as a base for these creative recipes, it’s a guaranteed way to add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving celebration. So, grab a pizza (or two!) and get ready to experience the magic of Thanksgiving in every bite! Enjoy your culinary adventures, and happy feasting!