Maya Chen
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
💡 Clever Tip: The Moisture Barrier
To prevent your sandwich bread from becoming soggy due to the gravy and cranberry sauce, create a moisture barrier. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or cream cheese on both inner slices of bread before adding the wet ingredients.
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Zero Waste: Uses up all the best components of the holiday dinner.
- Ultimate Flavor Bomb: Every classic Thanksgiving flavor hits at once.
- Fully Customizable: Perfect base for adding extras like cheese or bacon.
Ingredients
For 4 Sandwiches:
- ▢ 8 slices sourdough or brioche bread
- ▢ 1 lb cooked turkey meat, sliced or shredded
- ▢ 1 cup leftover stuffing (any variety)
- ▢ 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (whole or jellied)
- ▢ 1/2 cup pan gravy, warmed
- ▢ 4 Tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for barrier)
- ▢ 1 cup **shredded lettuce or arugula**
Optional Add-ins:
- ▢ 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
- ▢ 8 slices cooked bacon
📝 Ingredient Notes
Turkey: Use a mix of white and dark meat for the best texture and flavor contrast. Reheat the meat gently with a splash of broth before assembly if you prefer a warm sandwich. Bread: A sturdy, slightly chewy bread like sourdough holds up best to the heavy fillings. Brioche offers a delicious sweet/savory contrast.
Instructions
- Prepare Components: Ensure the gravy is warmed (but not boiling) and that the turkey is either room temperature or gently warmed. Lightly toast the bread slices, if desired.
- Build the Base: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or the gravy itself on one side of each slice of bread. This acts as a moisture barrier and adds flavor.
- Layer the Turkey: On four slices of bread, layer an even amount of turkey meat. If using cheese, place it directly on the turkey.
- Add Stuffing: On top of the turkey (and cheese, if used), layer the cold or warmed stuffing. Press it down lightly.
- Add Cranberry and Gravy: Spread the cranberry sauce on the other four slices of bread. Drizzle a small amount of warm gravy directly over the stuffing. Avoid soaking it!
- Finish and Serve: Top the sandwich with the cranberry-side bread. If you want a hot, melty sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or press it on a griddle/panini press. Cut in half and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips for Success
- The secret to a great leftover sandwich is layering. Ensure every component is spread out and balanced, not piled high in one spot.
- For an extra tangy kick, add a thin layer of dijon mustard to the bread alongside the mayo.
- If your stuffing is dry, warm it up briefly with a tablespoon of gravy or stock to keep the sandwich moist.
🔬 Expert Tips: The Monte Cristo Method
Take this sandwich to the next level: after assembly, dip the whole sandwich in an egg batter (like French Toast) and pan-fry it in butter until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a true Monte Cristo experience.
Meal Prep and Freezing
- Leftover Storage: All Thanksgiving components should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking. They can be safely used for sandwiches for up to 3 days.
- Assembly Prep: Do not assemble the sandwiches until you are ready to eat, as the bread will absorb moisture very quickly. You can portion out the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How should I reheat the turkey for this sandwich?
A: The best method is to reheat the turkey slices in a skillet with a tablespoon of chicken or turkey stock over medium heat until just warm. This prevents dryness.
Q: Can I use mashed potatoes in this sandwich?
A: Absolutely. While not traditional, a thin layer of cold mashed potatoes acts as another excellent moisture barrier and adds a lovely creamy texture. Treat it like a spread.
🎉 Conclusion: The Post-Holiday Hero
This sandwich is more than just leftovers; it’s a celebration of the holiday flavors in a convenient format. It requires no complex cooking, only smart layering. Grab your biggest glass of milk and settle in—you’ve earned it.
Nutrition (Estimated per Sandwich)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
*Nutrition facts are approximations and highly dependent on bread, gravy, and add-ins.
