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Pizza night does not have to be ordinary. This cranberry chicken and brie pizza is a bold twist on a classic, perfect for when you want something intriguing yet easy. I started making this as a festive treat for holiday gatherings, but now it is a favorite year round in my kitchen.
The first time I brought this to a family birthday, there was not a single slice left. I have even doubled the recipe for parties because it disappears so quickly.
Ingredients
- Pre made pizza crust: gives you a shortcut while still allowing a delicious base look for one that is not too thick so it crisps up nicely in the oven
- Cooked shredded chicken: makes prep quick and is perfect for using up leftovers from another meal
- Cranberry sauce: brings brightness and a sweet tang use whole berry for more texture if you have it
- Brie cheese: adds richness with its creamy and melty texture stick with double or triple cream for best results
- Mozzarella cheese: helps everything meld together and brings that signature pizza stretch opt for whole milk mozzarella if you can
- Red onion: offers a bit of crunch and sharp flavor slice it extra thin for even baking
- Olive oil: helps crisp the crust and offers subtle fruitiness go for extra virgin for best taste
- Fresh thyme: perks up the whole pizza with herbal notes you can use dried too but fresh is lovely if available
- Salt and pepper: make sure every bite is seasoned just right
- Arugula or spinach (optional): add bite and freshness especially once the pizza comes out of the oven
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven:
- Set your oven to four hundred twenty five degrees Fahrenheit to make sure the crust cooks evenly and cheese gets golden and bubbly
- Get the Crust Ready:
- Roll out the pizza crust on your chosen baking surface a light brush of olive oil is the secret for extra crispiness along the edge and bottom
- Mix Chicken with Cranberry:
- Toss the shredded chicken with cranberry sauce in a bowl keep stirring until all the chicken is coated and glossy
- Assemble Toppings:
- Spread the cranberry chicken mix evenly over the crust then place slices of brie all over sprinkle with mozzarella and scatter the red onion for color and crunch
- Finish with Flavor:
- Drizzle just a touch more olive oil over the top add fresh thyme a pinch of salt and a bit of black pepper for balance
- Bake the Pizza:
- Slide the tray into the oven bake for twelve to fifteen minutes watch for cheese to fully melt and start to bubble the crust will turn golden at the edges
- Add Fresh Greens:
- Once out of the oven let it cool slightly before topping with a generous handful of arugula or spinach if you prefer serve as soon as it is safe to handle for best flavor
- Slice and Serve:
- Cut the pizza into wedges and get ready for rave reviews each bite should be sweet creamy and comforting
I have always loved the combo of brie and cranberry because it reminds me of holiday dinners. The first time I put them on a pizza together my sister could not stop talking about how much she loved the flavors.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in a toaster oven or skillet to keep the crust crisp instead of microwaving which can make it soggy. If you want to meal prep assemble the pizza in advance but bake it just before eating for the freshest texture.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Rotisserie chicken works just as well as homemade and you can even try turkey. Swap out the brie for camembert if you like a little more earthiness. For the cranberry sauce any type will do and you can even use a touch of fig or plum jam in a pinch for a different but equally delicious result.
Perfect Ways to Serve This
I love serving this pizza as a main course with a simple green salad tossed in a vinaigrette. It also makes a lovely appetizer when sliced into small squares. For extra crunch toss toasted walnuts over the hot pizza before the greens.
Give this cranberry chicken and brie pizza a try and watch it become a household favorite. The combination is a crowd pleaser every single time whether for holiday gatherings or just a weeknight dinner that feels a little special.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use homemade pizza crust?
Yes, homemade crust works perfectly and can add extra flavor and texture to your pizza.
- → What can I substitute for Brie cheese?
Camembert or goat cheese are great alternatives, offering a similar creamy texture and taste.
- → Is leftover turkey a good swap for chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded turkey pairs well with the cranberry and cheese ensemble.
- → How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Brush the crust lightly with olive oil and pre-bake for a few minutes before adding toppings for extra crispness.
- → Can I add extra toppings?
Feel free to try walnuts, spinach, or sliced apples for additional textures and flavors.
- → Should spinach or arugula be added before or after baking?
Add arugula or spinach after baking to maintain their fresh taste and texture.