Combine your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers to make a sandwich that might even be better than the original: Turkey Cranberry Sandwich! This traditional Thanksgiving leftover dish is incredibly tasty!
Although this recipe is very straightforward, there are a few tweaks that, in my opinion, elevate a leftover sandwich to a whole new level.
The Thanksgiving feast is over, but the leftovers are just getting started! This classic turkey cranberry sandwich with stuffing is the perfect way to use up all those delicious remnants and create a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 4 slices sturdy white bread (artisan-style or rustic bread works well)
- Olive oil, mayonnaise, or unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce or cranberry relish
- About 6 ounces leftover roast turkey
- 1/2 cup leftover stuffing, warm or cold
- 1/4 cup gravy, warm
Instructions:
- Slather it on: Spread your chosen condiment (olive oil, mayonnaise, or butter) on one side of each bread slice.
- Cranberry time: Divide the cranberry sauce or relish evenly among all 4 bread slices, spreading it almost to the edge.
- Turkey time: Top the cranberry sauce with the turkey slices, also spreading them to the edge of the bread.
- Stuffing and gravy: Divide the stuffing and gravy evenly between 2 of the bread slices.
- Stack it up: Place the remaining bread slices on top, cranberry sauce side down.
- Cut and devour: Cut each sandwich in half and enjoy!
Tips:
- Bread matters: Choose a sturdy bread that can hold all the fillings without getting soggy. Artisan-style or rustic bread are great options.
- Mix it up: Use a mixture of light and dark turkey meat for the most flavorful sandwiches.
- Get creative: Feel free to add other Thanksgiving leftovers like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or green beans.
- Warm it up: For an extra warm and comforting sandwich, microwave the stuffing and gravy before assembling.
Variations:
- Cream cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese on the bread before adding the cranberry sauce for a richer flavor.
- Cheese it up: Add slices of your favorite cheese, like cheddar, provolone, or brie.
- Spice it up: Add some candied jalapenos or pickled onions for a spicy kick.
- Go green: Include some fresh herbs, lettuce, or green onions for added freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What kind of cranberry sauce should I use? Homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce or relish will work great.
- Can I use leftover stuffing from a box? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s the kind you enjoy.
- What kind of gravy should I use? Leftover turkey gravy is ideal, but any gravy you like will work.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the sandwich and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Additional Resources:
- Leite’s Culinaria Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with Stuffing: https://leitesculinaria.com/101823/recipes-turkey-cranberry-sandwich.html
- A Table Full of Joy Turkey Cranberry Sandwich: https://www.atablefullofjoy.com/turkey-cranberry-sandwich/
This leftover turkey cranberry sandwich with stuffing is a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of Thanksgiving. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. So go ahead dig into those leftovers and enjoy!
Hot or Cold Sandwich?
Often, I’ll just make this sandwich cold and enjoy it like that. But the sandwich tastes even better if I microwave everything that is typically served warm for a few more minutes.
What you need for this recipe:
Bread: Sourdough or something akin to brioche are my favorites, but leftover rolls would also work!
Turkey– Light or Dark Meat
Cranberry Sauce– I love a homemade sauce or relish but leftover canned is tasty too!
Other Leftovers: Any of your favorite leftovers will work well, though I have a soft spot for stuffing, sweet potatoes, and possibly some gravy.
Cream Cheese– this takes that sandwich to another level but it is optional
Greens– You can also add some herbs, lettuce, or green onions if you have those on hand,
Now, as most of us are aware, leftover food is equally as delicious as the main course, if not more so. I’ve shared recipes like leftover turkey tacos, leftover turkey enchiladas, and this tasty open faced turkey sandwich previously.
But making a huge, mouthwatering sandwich out of everything leftover is one of my favorite ways to consume leftovers.