Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pizza—the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is a delightfully different experience that brings together comfort, sophistication, and a punch of bright flavors. Sweet-tart cranberry sauce, creamy Brie, savory chicken, and a tangle of red onions melt together over a golden, crispy crust, while fresh greens add color and a peppery bite. It’s one of those pizzas that’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a festive conversation starter at gatherings. Every bite is a delicious way to use up leftovers, dazzle your family, or simply treat yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love most about this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is how each item comes together so effortlessly to create pizza magic! These simple but impactful ingredients punch above their weight in both flavor and texture, making every bite unforgettable.
- Pre-made pizza crust: The perfect base—choose store-bought for convenience, or homemade if you want to go the extra mile.
- Cooked chicken (or leftover turkey): Shredded for a tender, protein-packed topping that soaks up the cranberry sauce beautifully.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart zing that ties the whole pizza together; use homemade or high-quality store-bought.
- Brie cheese: Creamy, rich, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth; slice it thinly for perfect melting coverage.
- Mozzarella cheese: For that classic pizza gooeyness, mozzarella acts as the glorious glue for all the toppings.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a pop of color and a pleasant, aromatic crunch.
- Olive oil: Helps the crust crisp and gives a touch of richness to the finished pizza.
- Fresh thyme (or dried thyme): Herbaceous and fragrant, thyme adds a savory layer that complements the sweet and creamy elements.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste—don’t skip, as these make all the flavors shine.
- Arugula or fresh spinach (optional): A handful of fresh greens looks gorgeous and adds a peppery, fresh finish after baking.
How to Make Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe journey by preheating the oven to 425°F (220°C), or use the temperature suggested on your pizza crust package. Starting with a hot oven is crucial for a crisp, golden crust and bubbling cheese—that’s the secret to a truly swoon-worthy homemade pizza!
Step 2: Prepare the Pizza Crust
Roll out your chosen pizza crust onto a baking sheet or a pizza stone. Give it a generous brush of olive oil all over; this helps build a crisp, flavorful base that holds up to your toppings and delivers that irresistible bite. Trust me, this little step makes all the difference.
Step 3: Mix Cranberry & Chicken
In a medium bowl, stir together your shredded chicken (or turkey) with the cranberry sauce until every little morsel is coated. This blends the sweet, tangy cranberry with juicy chicken, creating a balanced topping you’ll crave over and over. It’s the flavor twist that makes Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe so memorable!
Step 4: Assemble Toppings
Spread the cranberry-chicken mixture evenly across your prepared crust, making sure every slice will get a bit of everything. Nestle your Brie slices throughout, then generously sprinkle mozzarella on top to create that gorgeous cheesy finish. Scatter over the thinly sliced red onion for bursts of color and sweetness.
Step 5: Season & Drizzle
Take a quick moment to drizzle just a bit more olive oil over the top, then sprinkle your pizza with fresh or dried thyme, plus salt and pepper to taste. This step brings harmony to the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe, adding complexity without overwhelming the main flavors.
Step 6: Bake
Pop your masterpiece into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for gooey, golden cheese, bubbly edges, and a crust that snaps when you cut it. The aroma alone will have everyone hovering around the kitchen!
Step 7: Add Fresh Greens (Optional)
Let the pizza cool for a couple of minutes after baking, then shower it with fresh arugula or spinach. The greens will gently wilt, giving your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe a lovely contrast in color, texture, and a hint of earthiness.
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Finish by slicing your pizza into wedges and serving immediately. Each piece is an irresistible celebration of savory, sweet, and creamy elements—these flavors are meant to be enjoyed together, fresh and hot!
How to Serve Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Amp up the wow factor by adding a sprinkle of extra fresh thyme, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of quality olive oil just before serving. If you want to really play up the cranberry notes, scatter a few whole berries or a tiny dollop of extra cranberry sauce on each piece.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of comforting butternut squash soup. For casual entertaining, line up some marinated olives, seasonal fruit, or warm breadsticks to complement the pizza’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pizza on a rustic wooden board for a cozy feel, or slice it into smaller squares or triangles for party-perfect finger food. If you’re hosting, lay out a pizza buffet with other unique flavors and let Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe take center stage. Don’t forget to scatter a few edible flowers or microgreens for that extra pop!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pizza cool completely before wrapping the slices in foil or placing them in an airtight container. The Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to three days—meaning lunch the next day is sorted!
Freezing
Want to freeze your pizza for future cravings? Place cooked, cooled slices on a parchment-lined tray to freeze until firm, then transfer to a heavy-duty zip-top bag. The Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe will retain its flavor and texture for up to two months in the freezer—perfect for planning ahead!
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes straight from the fridge (or a bit longer from frozen). This preserves the crispy crust and melty cheese, ensuring your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe tastes oven-fresh, every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese if I don’t have Brie?
Absolutely! While Brie brings a signature creaminess to the Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe, you can try Camembert, goat cheese, or even cream cheese for a different but still delicious twist.
Is there a dairy-free option for this pizza?
Of course! Substitute your favorite dairy-free cheese for both the Brie and mozzarella to create a version of Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe that still has all the flavor and fun, with a vegan or lactose-free twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pizza crust. All the toppings in Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so no need to sacrifice any deliciousness.
What kind of cranberry sauce works best?
You can use homemade or high-quality store-bought whole berry or jellied cranberry sauce. The tartness and texture are what bring balance to your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe, so choose one you genuinely love the taste of.
How can I prepare this ahead for a party?
Prepare and assemble your pizza up to the baking step, then refrigerate (tightly covered) for up to eight hours before baking as directed. This method makes Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe the ultimate make-ahead hostess trick!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fresh twist on pizza night or a showstopping dish for your next gathering, Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe is guaranteed to impress. With its beautiful hues and irresistible blend of flavors, it just might become your new tradition. Dive in and enjoy every last delicious slice!
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Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet cranberry, savory chicken, and creamy Brie on a crispy pizza crust. This Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza is a unique and delicious twist on traditional pizza, perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
Toppings:
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or leftover turkey)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 8 oz Brie cheese, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Arugula or fresh spinach for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), or follow the instructions on your pizza crust package.
- Prepare Pizza Crust: Roll out your pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Lightly brush the crust with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Mix Cranberry & Chicken: In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with cranberry sauce until well coated.
- Assemble Toppings: Spread the cranberry-chicken mixture evenly over the crust. Arrange Brie slices across the pizza, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and thinly sliced red onion.
- Season & Drizzle: Drizzle the pizza with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the crust is golden.
- Add Fresh Greens: Let the pizza cool for a few minutes, then top with arugula or spinach if desired.
- Slice & Serve: Slice and enjoy the flavorful blend of cranberry, chicken, and creamy cheese!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Cranberry Chicken Brie Pizza, Thanksgiving Pizza Recipe, Chicken and Brie Pizza, Festive Pizza Recipe
