Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich

WAKE UP EVERYONE - WE’RE MAKING SANDWICHES! A Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich to be exact with 2 kinds of cheese (you know I’d settle for nothing less than the best), some leftover veg, a cranberry mayo and obviously some turkey! Bring it on!

Why I Love This Recipe

If you have leftovers from yesterday then this is for you. I'm obsessed with this Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich recipe because it's like reliving Thanksgiving in sandwich form. Every bite is a perfect mix of savory turkey, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and that sweet-tangy cranberry mayo that ties it all together. The stuffing and roasted veggies add just the right amount of hearty comfort, and the golden, buttery sourdough gives it that irresistible crunch. Plus, it’s a deliciously clever way to use up leftovers, but honestly, I’d make it even without them!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Sourdough bread
Butter
Leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken
Cooked bacon
Mozzarella and White Cheddar Cheese
Leftover stuffing
Roasted leftover veggies (e.g., sweet potatoes, Delicata squash)
Cranberry mayo (cranberry sauce + mayonnaise)

How to Make

Toast the Bread: Melt the butter in a medium sized skillet and lightly toast both pieces of bread until just lightly golden.

Cheese the Turkey: Preheat the broiler in your oven. Place the shredded Tillamook Sharp White Cheddar Cheese on top of the leftover turkey and transfer to the broiler (or microwave) to melt the cheese. Remove.

Assemble the Sandwich: Spread cranberry mayo on one side of each slice of sourdough. Layer on turkey with Sharp White Cheddar, bacon, sliced mozzarella. Add stuffing and roasted veggies for that perfect leftover flavor boost.

Grill It Up: Heat a panini press or skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and press down gently. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melty.

Slice and Serve: Once the Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich is grilled to perfection, slice in half and enjoy every bite of your Thanksgiving feast, all over again

Tips & Tricks

Choose the Right Bread for Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwiches - Sourdough, ciabatta, or a sturdy artisan bread works best to hold all those hearty fillings without getting soggy.

Balance Flavors - Layer sweet, savory, and tangy flavors for a well-rounded bite. Cranberry sauce or mayo adds brightness to balance rich turkey, stuffing, and cheese.

Melt the Cheese Perfectly - Broil or microwave the cheese on top of the turkey before assembling to ensure gooey, even melting throughout.

Add a Crunch Factor - Toast the bread with butter for a golden, crispy crust or toss in a handful of crispy onions for texture.

Heat Evenly - Use a panini press or a skillet with a heavy pan on top to evenly press and grill the Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich, ensuring that the inside stays warm and melty.

Customize Your Stuffing & Veggies - Use whatever veggies you have—roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or green beans all work. If your stuffing is crumbly, pack it tightly before adding to the sandwich.

Make Extra Cranberry Mayo - This spread for Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwiches is a game-changer! Keep extra on hand for dipping or spreading on future sandwiches.

Don’t Overload It -As tempting as it is, overfilling the Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich can make it difficult to grill and eat. Aim for a balanced filling-to-bread ratio.

FAQ's

How long can I safely keep Thanksgiving leftovers?

Turkey: 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.
Stuffing: 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 1 month in the freezer.
Gravy: 1-2 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.
Cranberry Sauce: Up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator or 2 months in the freezer.
Mashed Potatoes & Veggies: 3-4 days in the refrigerator or up to 6 months in the freezer.