Thanksgiving Sandwich
If you love Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll love this Thanksgiving Sandwich, the perfect way to use up all whatever is left of your meal! This leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe takes everything you love about Thanksgiving and puts it in between two slices of bread.
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This sandwich is the best way of using up not just turkey leftovers, but the whole thing! This Thanksgiving leftover sandwich features layers of leftover stuffing, tart cranberry sauce, slices of turkey, nestled on a bed of mashed potatoes in between two pieces of bread.
Can you think of a better way to enjoy the flavors of Thanksgiving after the fact? This makes the perfect lunch for black Friday or even the next day after that.
The key to making the best Thanksgiving Sandwich is in the bread. Make sure you use a nice, hearty bread. Something like white bread may turn too soggy, especially if you add a drizzle of gravy or plan on dipping it.
We’ve found it best to reheat the separate ingredients to prevent the bread from getting soggy, but if it’s easier to store the entire Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When you reheat it, the bread will crisp up a bit, preventing it from getting too soggy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
All the holiday favorites in one bite: Juicy turkey, creamy potatoes, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce layered into the ultimate comfort sandwich.
Zero food waste: A delicious and creative way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Warm and satisfying: Toasty bread and warm fillings make this sandwich hearty and cozy.
Quick and easy: Just heat, layer, and enjoy, no extra cooking required.
Perfect for next-day cravings: Tastes just as festive as the big meal, with a fraction of the effort.
Ingredients to Make Thanksgiving Sandwich:
- bread. Use sturdy slices like sourdough, multigrain, or ciabatta; something that can hold up to the warm, layered fillings. Toasting is optional but recommended.
- mashed potatoes. Spreadable and creamy, mashed potatoes create a flavorful base layer.
- leftover turkey. Sliced or shredded leftover turkey works perfectly, white or dark meat, warmed until tender.
- cranberry sauce. Adds sweet-tart contrast to the savory layers. Use whole berry, jellied or homemade.
- stuffing. Adds a savory, herby element and extra texture. If it’s dry, stir in a little broth before reheating.
- gravy. Warm and pourable, gravy ties everything together, don’t skip it!
How to Make Thanksgiving Sandwich:
- Heat the mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and gravy until hot, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Lightly toast the bread slices if you prefer extra crunch or need sturdier slices to hold the fillings.
- Spread mashed potatoes onto the bottom slice of bread.
- Layer with sliced turkey, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Add the stuffing on top, then drizzle with warm gravy.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, press gently, and slice in half. Serve warm.
Recommended Equipment
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Warm ingredients separately: Heating each layer individually ensures even warmth throughout the sandwich and avoids soggy bread.
- Use hearty bread: Softer sandwich bread can get soggy, use something sturdy, especially if adding warm gravy.
- Customize to your leftovers: Add green beans, roasted vegetables, or a slice of cheese if you have extras to use up.
- Press gently before slicing: This helps hold everything together and prevents the fillings from sliding out.
- Serve with extra gravy: For a dip-style experience, serve warm turkey gravy on the side for dunking, like a holiday take on a French dip.
- Make it open-faced: Serve on a single slice of toasted bread and pile on the toppings for a fork-and-knife version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Gluten-Free Sourdough Bread
- Winter Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Avocado Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Green Bean Smashed Potatoes
How to Store:
Refrigerator: If storing leftovers, keep the sandwich components separate and assemble just before serving to avoid soggy bread. Store turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Assembled sandwich: If already assembled, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to crisp the bread and warm the filling.
Freezer: Not recommended once assembled, but individual components like turkey and stuffing can be frozen for up to 2 months.
FAQs:
Yes! Assemble the sandwich and grill it in a panini press or skillet until the bread is golden and the fillings are warmed through.
Absolutely; roasted veggies, green bean casserole, or even a layer of mac and cheese can work. Just stack carefully and don’t overload.
It’s best assembled just before eating to keep the bread from getting soggy. However, you can prep and store all the components ahead and reheat quickly.
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Thanksgiving Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices bread
- ½ cup mashed potatoes, warmed
- 6 slices leftover turkey, warmed
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup stuffing, warmed
- ½ cup gravy, warmed
Instructions
- Heat the mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, and gravy until hot, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Lightly toast the bread slices if you prefer extra crunch or need sturdier slices to hold the fillings.
- Spread mashed potatoes onto the bottom slice of bread.
- Layer with sliced turkey, followed by a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce.
- Add the stuffing on top, then drizzle with warm gravy.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, press gently, and slice in half. Serve warm.
Notes
-
- Warm ingredients separately: Heating each layer individually ensures even warmth throughout the sandwich and avoids soggy bread.
-
- Use hearty bread: Softer sandwich bread can get soggy, use something sturdy, especially if adding warm gravy.
-
- Customize to your leftovers: Add green beans, roasted vegetables, or a slice of cheese if you have extras to use up.
-
- Press gently before slicing: This helps hold everything together and prevents the fillings from sliding out.
-
- Serve with extra gravy: For a dip-style experience, serve warm turkey gravy on the side for dunking, like a holiday take on a French dip.
-
- Make it open-faced: Serve on a single slice of toasted bread and pile on the toppings for a fork-and-knife version.
Nutrition Facts:
These nutrition facts are estimated and can vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Always consult product labels or a nutrition professional for precise information.Calories: 570
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 880mg
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 30g
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