While Thanksgiving Day garners all the culinary limelight, it’s time we shine a well-deserved spotlight on the often-overlooked days that follow. The true magic, arguably, unfolds when the pressure is off, and we’re left with a treasure trove of holiday bounty. And what could be a more glorious resurrection for your festive feast than these incredibly flavorful Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches? They aren’t just a meal; they’re a celebration of smart eating, unparalleled comfort, and the enduring spirit of the holiday season.
After hours, perhaps even days, of meticulous planning, shopping, and cooking an array of succulent mains, delightful sides, and decadent desserts, letting any of it go to waste feels like a culinary crime. Moreover, it’s a common, cherished ritual for many of us to leave our heartwarming family and friend gatherings with at least one, if not several, Tupperware containers brimming with delicious remnants. These leftovers are not merely scraps; they are an extension of the holiday joy, patiently waiting to be transformed.
So, let’s seize this opportunity to put every last bit of that festive goodness to spectacular use. These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are not just a convenient solution; they’re a power-packed fuel source for whatever the post-holiday weekend holds. Whether you’re navigating the bustling aisles of Black Friday sales, joyfully decking the halls for Christmas, or simply embracing the ultimate comfort of a relaxed weekend at home with loved ones – because taking it easy is absolutely, unequivocally, a valid post-holiday plan.
The Ultimate Comfort Food: Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
Let’s be unequivocally clear: these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are the epitome of comfort food. This isn’t just a bold claim; it’s a culinary truth that many discover post-holiday. Dare I suggest that they might even surpass the perfectly plated meal you savored on Thanksgiving Day itself? There’s a certain magic to how the flavors meld and deepen over time, creating a symphony of taste that’s both familiar and exhilarating.
Imagine this: tender, succulent leftover turkey generously coated in rich, savory gravy, nestled between slices of artisanal sourdough bread that have been perfectly toasted. Add to this a luscious layer of melty goat cheddar cheese, the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the refreshing sweetness and crispness of honey crisp apples, the vibrant, herbaceous notes of pepita pesto, and a fresh, peppery greens mixture. All these incredible components are carefully layered and pressed into a cohesive, unbelievably satisfying sandwich. It’s a flavor profile that speaks volumes – a true “say less” moment of pure culinary bliss!
This is, without a doubt, the most ingenious and delicious way to elevate your Thanksgiving leftovers. Because, let’s face it, any sandwich that begins with the foundation of savory leftover turkey and its accompanying rich gravy is intrinsically destined for perfection. It transforms what could be a simple, unremarkable reheat into an extraordinary gastronomic experience, a testament to the versatility and deliciousness of your holiday feast.
Crafting the Leftover Turkey Sandwiches of Your Dreams
These aren’t just any sandwiches; they are meticulously crafted to deliver maximum satisfaction. Each bite of my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches is packed with essential protein from the turkey and bacon, healthy fats from the ghee and pesto, and an abundance of vital nutrients from the fresh greens and apples. This makes them an ideal choice for a nourishing, yet utterly delicious, lunch or dinner during those bustling days immediately following the holiday festivities. They offer a balanced meal without compromising on the comfort and indulgence we crave post-Thanksgiving.
Let’s be honest with ourselves: by the time the post-holiday period rolls around, most of us are in desperate need of a well-deserved break from the kitchen. The thought of another elaborate cooking session can be daunting. This recipe provides the perfect reprieve, coming together in approximately 25 minutes – an ideal solution for those seeking quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meals without the hassle of extensive prep or cleanup.
What truly sets this particular recipe apart is its inherent flexibility. It’s less of a rigid set of instructions and more of a creative springboard, designed to inspire you to construct *your* ideal leftover turkey sandwich. Do you have a craving for some roasted vegetables from the big day? Feel free to add them! Perhaps you’d prefer the tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce over the herbaceous zest of pesto? Absolutely, make the swap! The beauty lies in its adaptability. I’ll share more inventive ideas and delicious variations below, but you undoubtedly grasp the core concept: this is your canvas to personalize and perfect.
Anticipating your enthusiasm for this delightful creation, I wanted to share it well in advance. This foresight allows you to properly stock up on all the necessary components before, or even on, Thanksgiving Day itself. That way, when the holiday rush settles, you’ll be perfectly prepared to assemble these masterpieces without a hitch. You can certainly thank me later for this ingenious post-holiday culinary strategy!
I sincerely hope you all have the most wonderful and joyous holiday season. Enjoy every single bite!
Essential Ingredients for Your Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
Gathering the right components is key to constructing these phenomenal sandwiches. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to transform your leftovers into a culinary masterpiece:
For the Vibrant Greens:
- 1 cup baby arugula
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Perfect Bread Base:
- 4 thick slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons ghee, softened to room temperature
The Heart of the Sandwich: Turkey & Gravy:
- 1 heaping cup of shredded leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience
- ⅓ cup turkey gravy (for a gluten and dairy-free option, try a bone broth gravy)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, for seasoning
For Assembling Your Dream Sandwich:
- ¼ cup pepita pesto (a delicious recipe for this can be found on my blog)
- ½ cup very thinly sliced honey crisp apples
- 4 slices goat cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked and cooled no-sugar added bacon
How to Make My Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
Get ready to transform your Thanksgiving leftovers into an extraordinary meal with these simple, step-by-step instructions. Each stage is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a perfectly balanced sandwich experience.
First things first, preheat your oven to a comforting 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything will be warmed and toasted to perfection.
Prepare the Refreshing Greens:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the fresh baby arugula, thinly sliced red onion, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Season generously with a pinch of kosher salt, a good grind of fresh black pepper, and the aromatic dried oregano. Gently toss all these ingredients together until they are well combined and evenly coated. Set this vibrant mixture aside; it will add a crucial burst of freshness and a delightful peppery kick to your finished sandwich.
Prepare the Toasty Sourdough Bread:
Lay the four thick slices of sourdough bread onto a baking sheet. Take your room temperature ghee and spread a generous 1 tablespoon across both sides of each slice of bread, ensuring a thorough and even coating. This ghee will not only provide a rich, buttery flavor but also help achieve that coveted golden, slightly crispy exterior.
Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and place it on the middle rack. Bake for approximately 10 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, remember to flip the bread slices to ensure even toasting on both sides. You’re looking for a beautiful golden hue, with the bread remaining slightly soft in the center – the perfect texture to hold all your delicious fillings.
Warm the Hearty Turkey Mixture:
While your bread is toasting to perfection, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the turkey. In a medium skillet, over a gentle medium-low heat, combine the shredded leftover turkey (or rotisserie chicken, if you’re using that option) with the rich turkey gravy. Add a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the savory notes. Stir gently and heat the mixture until it is thoroughly warmed through, which should take approximately 3 minutes. Once heated, remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking.
Assemble Your Magnificent Sandwiches:
- Once the bread is toasted, take each slice and generously spread 1 tablespoon of the flavorful pepita pesto. Ensure it forms a thin, even layer that coats the entire surface of each slice. This creates a delicious base for the fillings.
- For the first sandwich, arrange ½ of the thinly sliced honey crisp apples onto one of the pesto-coated bread slices. Layer 2 slices of the crispy, cooked bacon over the apples, and then top with one slice of goat cheddar cheese. This combination of sweet, savory, and tangy will be a delight.
- On the other slice of bread, spoon ½ of the warm turkey mixture. Spread it evenly, then cover this with the remaining slice of goat cheddar cheese.
- Repeat these layering steps to assemble your second magnificent sandwich, ensuring each one is equally generous with its fillings.
- Carefully transfer the assembled, open-faced sandwiches back onto the baking sheet. Place the sheet on the upper rack of your oven.
- Turn on the broiler to high. Broil the sandwiches for 1 to 3 minutes, watching them meticulously. The goal is perfectly melted, bubbly cheese with a slight golden edge – do not let them burn! Remove from the oven as soon as they reach this stage.
- Finally, on the side of each sandwich featuring the turkey mixture, pile on ½ of the prepared greens mixture. Gently place the other half of the sandwich on top and press down slightly to bring all the components together.
- For a professional and easy-to-eat finish, slice each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately and savor every glorious bite!
Recipe Substitutions & Frequently Asked Questions
One of the greatest joys of this Thanksgiving leftover turkey sandwich recipe is its incredible versatility. Feel absolutely free to unleash your inner chef and get creative with additional fillings or exciting substitutions. This recipe is designed to be a flexible canvas for your post-holiday cravings!
For example, if you have some leftover stuffing, it would make an outstanding addition, adding another layer of texture and savory depth. Creamy mashed potatoes can offer a wonderfully smooth contrast, while some hearty roasted veggies can boost the nutritional content and add earthy flavors. And of course, for a touch of classic holiday sweetness, a dollop of tangy cranberry sauce is always a welcome alternative to the pesto, or even an addition alongside it. The possibilities are truly endless, so experiment with whatever you prefer and whatever delicious leftovers you have on hand!
At its core, this sandwich concept is meant to serve as a foolproof starting point for creating the leftover sammie of your absolute dreams. Don’t hesitate to share your own unique combinations and beloved additions in the comment section below! I’d love to hear about the delicious twists you discover.
How Long Can You Safely Keep Leftover Turkey?
Food safety is paramount, especially when enjoying leftovers. Once your turkey is cooked, it’s generally recommended to consume any leftovers within 3-4 days to ensure optimal freshness and safety. Always make sure to store your leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator promptly after your meal. Don’t shy away from getting creative with how you use up the turkey and all your other holiday remnants! These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches offer just one incredibly delicious idea to get you started on your leftover culinary journey.
What is the Best Bread for Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?
My top recommendation for these sandwiches, and frankly, for most hearty sandwiches, is sourdough bread. Its robust texture holds up beautifully to all the moist and flavorful Thanksgiving leftover ingredients, preventing sogginess and providing a delightful chew. The subtle tang of sourdough also complements the rich flavors of the turkey and gravy wonderfully.
However, feel entirely free to use any bread you love! If you have dietary restrictions, a good quality gluten-free bread works perfectly well too. For those who enjoy a lighter option, you could even transform these incredible fillings into a delicious wrap. My personal favorites for this are the versatile Siete Foods wraps, which offer a great grain-free alternative.
Craving More Delicious Comfort Food Sandwiches? Explore These Recipes:
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting satisfaction of these turkey sandwiches, you’re in for a treat! The world of gourmet sandwiches and cozy meals is vast and inviting. Here are some of my other favorite recipes that deliver on flavor, warmth, and pure comfort:
- Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis: A delightful blend of creamy avocado, savory turkey, and aromatic pesto, pressed to perfection.
- Roasted Tomato Basil Soup & Grilled Cheese: The quintessential pairing for a cozy day, offering rich tomato flavors with gooey, melted cheese.
- Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken & Avo Melts: A vibrant, smoky, and slightly sweet sandwich featuring tender chicken and creamy avocado.
- Toasty Baguette Steak Sandwiches with Chimichurri: An elegant yet hearty sandwich with flavorful steak and bright, fresh chimichurri.
- Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich for a Crowd: The ultimate morning indulgence, scaled to satisfy everyone.
Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
By Rachael DeVaux
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Servings: 2 sandwiches
These Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are protein-packed, so delicious, and the best way to step up your leftovers. The ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
For the Greens:
- 1 cup baby arugula
- ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
For the Bread:
- 4 thick slices sourdough bread
- 4 tablespoons ghee, room temperature
For the Turkey:
- 1 heaping cup of shredded leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken
- ⅓ cup turkey gravy (try my Bone Broth Gravy – it’s gluten and dairy-free!)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
To Assemble:
- ¼ cup pepita pesto (click here for my recipe on the blog)
- ½ cup very thinly sliced honey crisp apples
- 4 slices goat cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked and cooled no-sugar added bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
For the Greens:
- In a medium bowl, add the arugula, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to combine and set aside.
For the Bread:
- Add the sourdough to a baking sheet. Spread 1 tablespoon of ghee across each slice of bread, coating the front and back of each slice.
- Transfer to the oven and bake on the middle rack for about 10 minutes, flipping the bread halfway through, cooking until golden but slightly soft.
For the Turkey:
- Meanwhile, warm the turkey. In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, add the turkey, turkey gravy, and pepper. Heat until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
To Assemble:
- To each slice of toasted bread, add 1 tablespoon of the pepita pesto, spreading it into a thin layer to coat the entire slice.
- For each sandwich, add ½ of the sliced apple to one of the slices, cover with 2 slices of bacon, and one slice of cheese.
- To the other slice, add ½ of the turkey mixture and cover with the other slice of cheese.
- Repeat to assemble the other sandwich.
- Transfer the sheet back to the oven on the upper rack. Turn the broiler on high and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t get burnt! Remove from the oven.
- To each sandwich’s side with the turkey, pile on ½ of the greens mixture. Top with the other slice and press down. Slice in a diagonal. Enjoy!