These Open Faced Turkey and Gravy Sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food and a great way to use up leftover turkey. If you get some really good sliced turkey meat from your local deli counter, they also make the easiest dinner ever!
This is a go to meal for me when we need extra easy on the table. These are especially comforting on a cold night because they are so easy to prepare, and I can have the sandwiches ready in under 15 minutes! For these sandwiches, I usually grab my all-time favorite sliced turkey deli meat—boars head pitcraft smoked turkey breast. But, I figured with the holidays here. The only actual “cooking” involved in these open-faced turkey and gravy sandwiches is making the simple skillet gravy, which is all that’s needed!
Traditionally, an open-faced hot turkey sandwich consists of a plain slice of white bread topped with a mountain of turkey and gravy, accompanied by mashed potatoes on the side. I decided to give it just a small upgrade by using (and lightly toasting) some French bread. Lightly toasted bread really kicks the sandwich up a notch. I’m obsessed with the skillet gravy that I pour over all of it. This is my go-to gravy recipe; it’s very simple and lends itself to a rustic feel thanks to the chopped onions.
Open faced turkey and gravy sandwich is such a great recipe to reinvent leftover turkey from the holiday. No leftover turkey? No problem! Use your favorite deli turkey, but make sure it’s really good because that will significantly affect how delicious these turn out!
The holidays are over, the decorations are packed away, and the last of the fruitcake has been devoured. But wait, there’s still a treasure trove of leftover turkey lurking in the fridge, just begging to be transformed into a delicious and comforting meal. Enter the hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes, a classic dish that’s perfect for using up those Thanksgiving leftovers and satisfying your cravings for cozy comfort food.
Two Delicious Takes on a Classic
While the basic concept of a hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes is simple, there are several ways to approach this dish, each with its own unique flavor and texture Let’s explore two popular variations:
1. Leftover Hot Turkey Sandwich with Gravy:
This recipe from Buns in My Oven is a nostalgic ode to the classic hot turkey sandwich served at diners. It features tender slices of leftover turkey, piled high on soft white bread and generously drenched in rich, flavorful gravy. A generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes completes the picture, making this sandwich a hearty and satisfying meal.
Key Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- White bread
- Gravy (leftover or homemade)
- Mashed potatoes
- Butter
2, Open-Faced Turkey and Gravy Sandwiches:
This recipe from The Skinnyish Dish offers a lighter and more modern take on the classic hot turkey sandwich. It features open-faced slices of toasted French bread, topped with juicy turkey and a simple, homemade skillet gravy The addition of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of salt and pepper adds a touch of sophistication to this comforting dish
Key Ingredients:
- Leftover turkey
- French bread
- Skillet gravy (made with butter, flour, water, and chicken or vegetable stock concentrate)
- Fresh herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Hot Turkey Sandwich
No matter which recipe you choose, there are a few key tips and tricks to ensure your hot turkey sandwich is truly exceptional:
- Use high-quality bread: Whether you opt for soft white bread or toasted French bread, choose a variety that’s fresh and flavorful.
- Warm the turkey and gravy: This will help to melt the cheese and create a more cohesive sandwich.
- Don’t skimp on the gravy: The gravy is the star of the show, so be generous when pouring it over your sandwich.
- Add a touch of crunch: A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts can add a delightful textural contrast.
- Get creative with your toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as cranberry sauce, stuffing, or green bean casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use leftover chicken instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely! Leftover chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Q: Can I make the gravy ahead of time?
A: Yes, the gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated when you’re ready to assemble your sandwiches.
Q: What kind of mashed potatoes should I use?
A: You can use leftover mashed potatoes or make a fresh batch. If using leftover mashed potatoes, you may need to add a little milk or butter to thin them out.
Q: Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can make this sandwich vegetarian by using leftover roasted vegetables or tofu instead of turkey.
Additional Resources
- Leftover Turkey Soup: https://www.bunsinmyoven.com/leftover-turkey-soup/
- Leftover Turkey Casserole: https://theskinnyishdish.com/leftover-turkey-casserole/
- Easy Turkey Tetrazzini: https://www.bunsinmyoven.com/easy-turkey-tetrazzini/
- Turkey Noodle Soup: https://theskinnyishdish.com/turkey-noodle-soup/
- Keto Leftover Turkey Casserole: https://www.bunsinmyoven.com/keto-leftover-turkey-casserole/
The hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Whether you prefer the classic diner-style sandwich or a lighter, more modern version, there’s a recipe out there that’s sure to please. So grab your leftover turkey, crank up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
How to make Open Faced Turkey Sandwiches
Start by preparing the gravy and preheating the oven to 375 degrees.
In a large skillet, heat half of a chopped yellow onion and light butter over medium heat. Continue to melt butter and cook onions until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Stirring almost constantly so they don’t get too brown.
After adding three tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cook it for one minute or until it turns golden in color. Stirring constantly.
Whisk water in slowly and then add 2 teaspoons of chicken, vegetable, or turkey better than bouillon concentrate. Bring to a boil and cook for another one to two minutes, or until thickened (this shouldn’t take longer than three minutes). Remove from heat and set aside. Season with pinch of salt and ground pepper to taste, but it probably doesn’t need anything.
Any grocery store will have the superior to bouillon stock concentrate next to the other cartons or cans of broth. If you can’t find it or don’t want to use it. You can certainly use premade chicken broth, but I would like to add some additional seasoning to the gravy, such as crushed sage, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and/or poultry seasoning.
I understand that some people find gravy difficult, and I agree! The secret is to be patient and to stir and whisk constantly. Thats really it. It’s finished when you can drag your spoon and it takes a moment or two for it to “come back together.” If you can’t make space then it’s probably not thick enough. If not, continue and don’t forget that you can always thin out the gravy by adding a little water or milk if it becomes a little too thick.
Grab a loaf of French (or Italian) fresh bakery bread and cut into 6 equal portions. The loaf of bread I normally get from the grocery store bakery is 16 ounces. Slice the loaf in half lengthwise and then into 3 even sections. Open it and lay it on the parchment paper for 6 “open faced faced sandwiches”. Then, spray with a little cooking spray and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. I add about 2. 5 ounces of turkey to each slice of bread. Cook it in the oven for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the bread is lightly toasted and the turkey is heated through.
*You can also use white sandwich bread. I’ve used Texas toast and it’s super yummy too! Follow same instructions, just replace the bread.
Distribute gravy evenly onto each sandwich. For the ultimate dinner, arrange on a plate alongside a heaping serving of homemade mashed cauliflower potatoes and green beans or peas!
