This easy recipe for cranberry mayonnaise is the ideal spread for a straightforward turkey sandwich if you have leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving.
Use immediately or store in a mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. We love a good leftover remix (there are only so many times you can eat the same reheated Thanksgiving dinner, right?) and this simple cranberry mayo is one of our favorite ways to use extra cranberry sauce after the holidays!
PS: Check out our complete collection of Thanksgiving Leftovers Recipes → for delicious ideas on how to reinvent your leftovers from Thanksgiving.
This is a very loose “recipe” that only requires mayonnaise and some leftover cranberry sauce (candied cranberry sauce also works well, but homemade is our favorite!)
The amount of mayonnaise you make will vary depending on your cranberry sauce, so taste it after mixing and add more mayo or cranberry sauce as necessary to balance the flavors. We’ve provided approximate measurements in the recipe card below. This spread is very forgiving!.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course an abundance of delicious food. But what happens to all those leftovers? Fear not fellow foodies, for we have the perfect solution – a delectable cranberry spread that will elevate your turkey sandwiches to gourmet heights.
This versatile spread combines the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce with the creamy richness of mayonnaise, creating a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect way to transform your leftover turkey into a culinary masterpiece, whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or a festive holiday gathering.
The Perfect Cranberry Spread Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons leftover cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and cranberry sauce until well combined.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. If your cranberry sauce is particularly tart, consider adding a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. If it’s too sweet, a splash of lemon juice can bring back that tartness.
- For a smoother spread, consider blending the mixture in a food processor or immersion blender. However, keep in mind that this may require doubling or tripling the recipe to ensure sufficient volume for smooth blending.
- Feel free to get creative! Add chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage for an extra burst of flavor.
Ways to Use Your Cranberry Spread:
- The Classic Turkey Sandwich: Slather the spread on crusty bread, pile on leftover turkey breast, add a slice of brie or cheddar cheese, some fresh greens, and you’ve got yourself a Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich that’s bursting with flavor.
- Aioli Dip: Elevate your homemade crab cakes with a dollop of this tangy cranberry aioli.
- Salad Dressing: Add a spoonful to your favorite vinaigrette for a unique and festive twist. It’s the perfect replacement for Dijon mustard in our 5-minute lemon arugula salad dressing.
- Turkey Burger Spread: Give your turkey burgers a flavor boost with a generous spread of this cranberry delight.
More Cranberry Sauce Recipes:
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple but its versatility extends far beyond the holiday table. Here are a few more ideas to repurpose your leftover cranberry sauce:
- Cranberry Brie Grilled Cheese: A warm and gooey grilled cheese with the sweet and tart cranberry sauce and melty brie cheese is a match made in heaven.
- Cranberry Brie Stuffed French Toast: Take your French toast to the next level with a sweet and savory filling of cranberry sauce and brie cheese.
- Cranberry Sauce Video: Check out our video for four creative ways to use leftover cranberry sauce.
Additional Tips:
- This cranberry spread is best enjoyed within 5 days of preparation. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness.
- While freezing the spread isn’t recommended as the mayonnaise may separate upon defrosting, cranberry sauce freezes beautifully on its own. Simply defrost as needed and whip up a fresh batch of this delicious spread.
With this versatile cranberry spread in your arsenal, you’ll be able to transform your leftover turkey into a culinary delight, whether you’re crafting a simple sandwich or a gourmet appetizer. So get creative, have fun, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Thanksgiving all year round!
More Cranberry Sauce Recipes
One of our favorite Thanksgiving leftovers is cranberry sauce, which tastes great in both savory and sweet dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to use it up:
Ways to use cranberry mayo
- For an incredible turkey sandwich, slather it on homemade crusty bread with leftover herb-roasted turkey breast, sliced tomato, brie or white cheddar cheese, and a ton of greens or lettuce. (Instead of turkey, you could use sliced or shredded chicken from a slow cooker!)
- Serve as a simple aioli dip for homemade crab cakes.
- A dollop of salad dressing adds a tart, creamy vinaigrette (try our 5-minute lemon-arugula salad dressing, which works well with cranberry mayo in place of Dijon mustard!).
- Use as a spread for a simple turkey burger!
Turkey Cranberry Sandwich (Thanksgiving Sandwich)
FAQ
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