If you’re anything like me, pizza is a year-round obsession—but that doesn’t mean it has to be the same old marinara-and-mozzarella situation every time. When the leaves start to fall and cranberry sauce makes its annual comeback, this Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza becomes an instant favorite in my kitchen.

This pizza is everything I love about cozy, festive meals—sweet, savory, creamy, and perfectly satisfying. It feels fancy enough to serve to guests during the holidays but comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re working with leftover Thanksgiving turkey or you’ve got some rotisserie chicken to use up, this pizza is the perfect way to give those ingredients new life.

Let’s be honest—pizza night doesn’t have to mean the same pepperoni-and-cheese combo. This version is elevated, elegant, and yes, totally weeknight-friendly. It’s got that golden, crispy crust, melty mozzarella, rich Brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to tie it all together. Honestly? It tastes like autumn on a pizza crust.

Alright, ready to get started? Let’s make it happen.

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken (leftover turkey works too!)

• ¾ cup whole berry cranberry sauce (not the jellied kind)

• 4 ounces Brie cheese, sliced with rind on

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary or thyme

• Olive oil for brushing

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cornmeal or flour for dusting the pan or peel

STEP 1: PREHEAT AND PREP YOUR DOUGH

Start by preheating your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using a pizza stone (which I highly recommend for that crispy, restaurant-style crust), go ahead and pop it in the oven while it heats up. This helps the crust cook evenly and get that nice golden bottom.

Lightly flour your work surface and roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If it starts snapping back while you roll, let it rest for a few minutes to relax the gluten—this will make it much easier to shape. Once it’s rolled out, transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza peel that’s been dusted with cornmeal or flour. This helps prevent sticking and gives your crust a little extra crunch.

STEP 2: BUILD YOUR FLAVOR BASE

Now for the fun part—layering those flavors. Brush your pizza dough lightly with olive oil to give it that golden glow as it bakes. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to season the crust.

Next, spread your whole berry cranberry sauce evenly over the surface of the dough, leaving a small border around the edges. Don’t go too heavy here—it’s meant to complement the savory elements, not overwhelm them.

STEP 3: ADD THE CHICKEN, CHEESE & TOPPINGS

Time to pile on the good stuff. Evenly scatter your shredded chicken (or turkey) over the cranberry base. Then tuck in slices of Brie cheese—yes, rind and all. The rind is totally edible and adds a subtle earthiness that works beautifully with the cranberry and herbs.

Add a handful of thinly sliced red onions for a little bite and crunch, then sprinkle on your shredded mozzarella for that classic melty cheese moment. Finally, finish it off with a light sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme—either herb adds a cozy, aromatic note that just screams fall.

Now that your pizza is assembled with all that beautiful flavor—sweet cranberry sauce, creamy Brie, and herby shredded chicken—it’s time to get it in the oven and bring it all together. This is the part where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing, and you realize just how special this pizza really is.

Whether you’re prepping this for a cozy fall night in or want to impress guests at your next get-together, this next step is where the magic happens. Trust me, once that Brie starts melting and the crust gets golden and crisp, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made this combo before.

Let’s finish this delicious masterpiece.

STEP 4: BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION

With your oven fully preheated to 475°F (245°C), it’s time to bake. If you’re using a pizza stone, carefully slide your pizza onto it from the peel. If you’re using a baking sheet, just place it directly into the oven.

Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and crisp around the edges and the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—Brie melts quickly, and you want those lovely little browned spots on the mozzarella and the edges of the crust, but not a scorched bottom.

STEP 5: COOL SLIGHTLY, THEN SERVE

Once baked to perfection, remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set up just a bit and keeps everything from sliding off when you cut into it.

Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice into 4-6 pieces, depending on how hungry everyone is. And just like that—you’re ready to serve a pizza that’s anything but ordinary.

PRO TIPS FOR THE PERFECT HOLIDAY PIZZA

Even though this pizza is simple to make, a few little tricks can take it from good to absolutely amazing. Here are my go-to tips to make sure your Cranberry Chicken & Brie Pizza turns out just right every time:

• Use Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: The texture and tartness of whole berry sauce work so much better here than the jellied version. It holds up during baking and adds little bursts of fruity flavor.

• Leave the Brie Rind On: It’s totally edible and adds a subtle, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness. Plus, it helps the Brie slices hold their shape a bit as they melt.

• Add Fresh Herbs After Baking (Optional): If you want a brighter herbal note, sprinkle a bit of fresh thyme or rosemary on top after baking. It adds great aroma and a fresh pop of flavor.

• Crispier Crust Tip: Pre-bake your crust for 3-4 minutes before adding toppings if you like a super crisp bottom. Just brush with olive oil and give it a quick head start in the oven.

• Make It a Meal: Pair this pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette for a complete, well-balanced meal that’s perfect for dinner parties or holiday brunches.

FUN VARIATIONS TO TRY

Once you’ve made this pizza once, you’ll probably be inspired to put your own twist on it. Here are a few easy ways to switch things up:

• Swap the Brie for Goat Cheese or Blue Cheese: If you’re a fan of bold flavors, goat cheese adds a tangy richness, and blue cheese brings an intense, savory punch that pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce.

• Try a Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top after baking gives the pizza a sweet-tangy finish that feels super gourmet.

• Add Arugula for Freshness: Toss a handful of arugula with olive oil and lemon juice, then scatter it over the hot pizza right before serving. It adds a peppery freshness and a pop of green color.

• Use Turkey Instead of Chicken: This recipe is the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. It tastes just as delicious as chicken—maybe even better with those holiday flavors.

• Make Mini Pizzas: Use smaller portions of dough to make individual-sized pizzas—great for holiday gatherings or personalized pizza night with the family.