Amazing Leftover Turkey Sandwich in 18 Minutes

Oh, that post-Thanksgiving slump! You know the one. You’re staring at a mountain of perfectly good turkey, and the thought of *another* plate of it feels… well, a little sad. Trust me, I’ve been there! My grandma always said the best meals come from using every last bit, and after that huge feast, the last thing we want is waste. That’s why I’m obsessed with turning leftover turkey into the most amazing sandwich. It’s ridiculously simple, packed with flavor, and honestly, it makes the days after Thanksgiving feel special all over again. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a glorious, flavorful leftover turkey sandwich that honors that Thanksgiving classic tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Sandwich

This isn’t just *any* sandwich, it’s a post-holiday hero! You’ll absolutely love it because:

• It’s lightning fast – ready in about 18 minutes total!
• Uses up those precious Thanksgiving leftovers, cutting down on waste.
• Packs a HUGE flavor punch with sweet, savory, and tangy layers.
• Makes your post-holiday lunches exciting instead of… well, boring.
• It’s pure comfort food on a plate!

Gather Your Ingredients for the Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Okay, let’s get this amazing sandwich built! You don’t need a ton of fussy stuff, just the good bits from your Thanksgiving spread. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 slices of your favorite bread – Sourdough, challah, or even just a good sturdy white bread works great!
• 1 cup shredded leftover cooked turkey – Make sure it’s nice and shreddable.
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce – This is for that pop of sweet-tart goodness.
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise – Our creamy base!
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Just a little kick to liven things up.
• 1/4 cup stuffing, warmed – Gotta have that cozy stuffing flavor!
• 2 slices provolone cheese – Melty, cheesy goodness is key here.
• Butter, for grilling – For that golden, crispy exterior.

SAVE IT

Essential Equipment for Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich

You really don’t need much to whip up this fantastic sandwich. Grab a small bowl and a whisk or fork for mixing your spreads, and then you’ll want a reliable skillet – a good non-stick or cast-iron number works like a charm for grilling. You can check out some great skillet options if you’re looking to upgrade! A spatula is super handy for flipping those beauties. That’s pretty much it! Easy peasy, right?

How to Prepare the Perfect Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Alright, let’s get down to business and build this incredible leftover turkey sandwich! It’s really not complicated at all, just a few simple steps to bring all those amazing Thanksgiving flavors together. You’ll be so happy you did this instead of just staring sadly at the leftovers!

Crafting the Flavorful Spreads

First things first, grab a small bowl. We’re going to mix up our creamy, zippy spread. Just stir together the mayonnaise and that little bit of Dijon mustard until they’re well combined. This gives our sandwich a lovely tangy base! Now, take two slices of your bread and spread this mixture evenly on the inside of them. On the *other* two bread slices, spread a nice layer of your cranberry sauce. Don’t be shy – this is where that beautiful sweet-tart balance comes in!

Layering Your Thanksgiving Classic

Now for the fun part: building the layers! Pile that shredded leftover turkey high on top of the cranberry sauce. Seriously, don’t skimp here! Then, spoon that warmed stuffing right over the turkey. Oh, the smell is already divine! Next, lay those two slices of provolone cheese over the stuffing; they’ll melt into gooey perfection. You want to get all these goodies on there so every bite of your Thanksgiving classic is packed with flavor.

SAVE IT

Grilling Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich to Golden Perfection

Time to make it a grilled masterpiece! Close up your sandwiches with the mayo-mustard side facing outwards. Now, butter the *outside* of each slice of bread. Trust me on this – it’s what gives you that incredible crispy, golden crust. Pop them into a skillet over medium heat. Let them grill for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden-brown color and that cheese to be all melty and oozy. This is how to make a turkey sandwich that truly sings!

SAVE IT

Tips for the Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Making this leftover turkey sandwich is already pretty darn fabulous, but if you want to take it from great to legendary, I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! My own kitchen adventures have taught me a thing or two about elevating this simple meal. Remember how my grandma always used what she had? That applies here too!

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

So, you ran out of provolone? No worries! Cheddar is fantastic here, or even a nice Swiss. And if stuffing isn’t in the cards, don’t you fret. A smear of leftover mashed potatoes is surprisingly delightful! For a serious flavor boost, I sometimes add a little drizzle of leftover gravy right onto the turkey before the stuffing. It’s pure decadence, trust me. These little swaps make it your own special version of this Thanksgiving classic.

Achieving the Perfect Grill

Getting that golden-brown, crispy exterior is key! Medium heat is your friend here. Too high, and your bread burns before the cheese melts. Too low, and it just gets greasy. I like to give the pan a little wiggle to make sure the heat is even. Don’t be afraid to peek! You want that beautiful uniform color all over. And for super melty cheese, make sure your turkey and stuffing are nicely warmed before they go in – that residual heat helps along the cheese melting process.

SAVE IT

Serving Suggestions for Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich

This incredible sandwich is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round out your plate, a few simple additions are perfect! Think of them as cozy companions. A small cup of leftover creamy mashed potatoes is always a winner, or maybe a light side salad with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the richness. And for drinks? A crisp apple cider or even just a nice glass of water with a squeeze of lemon feels just right for that cozy, post-holiday vibe.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich

So, you made an epic sandwich and, gasp, have a little leftover? Don’t toss it! Let your sandwich cool completely, then wrap it up tight in plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat or in a panini press. This helps keep the bread from getting too soggy and gets that cheese wonderfully gooey again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

Got questions about transforming those glorious Thanksgiving leftovers into the best darn leftover turkey sandwich? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask:

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You know, I’m all about quick and easy, but for this deliciousness, I really recommend assembling and grilling it right before you plan to eat it. The magic really happens when everything is warm and melty! If you absolutely have to prep ahead, assemble it but don’t grill it. Then, when you’re ready, butter the outside and grill as usual. Just be aware the bread might get a little less crispy.

What’s the best bread for a leftover turkey sandwich?

Oh, that’s a fun one! For this sandwich, I really love a hearty bread that can hold up to all those yummy fillings and the grilling. Sourdough is fantastic because of its slight tang, and challah or a good brioche makes it a bit richer. Even a sturdy country white bread works beautifully! The main thing is to avoid anything too delicate that might fall apart during grilling.

Can I use cold turkey instead of warmed stuffing?

Yes, you absolutely can use cold turkey! You’ll definitely want to warm up that stuffing, though. Giving it a quick toast in the pan first really brings out its flavor and helps it meld with the other ingredients. If you do decide to use cold turkey, you might find your cheese doesn’t melt quite as much unless you grill them a smidge longer. We’re going for that gooey, melted cheese perfection!

Nutritional Estimate for Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Now, let’s talk numbers! This is just a ballpark estimate for one of these glorious sandwiches, of course. The exact calories, fat, protein, carbs, and sodium can wiggle around a bit depending on the specific bread you use, how much turkey you pile on, and even the type of cheese. On average, one sandwich comes in around 550 calories, with about 30g of fat (10g of that saturated), 30g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Just a friendly heads-up that these are estimates!

Share Your Leftover Turkey Sandwich Creation!

I’d absolutely LOVE to hear how your ultimate leftover turkey sandwich turned out! Did you try any fun variations? Drop a comment below and let me know your experience, or give the recipe a star rating if you enjoyed it. And please, tag me in your foodie photos on social media – I can’t wait to see your amazing post-Thanksgiving creations!

The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich

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Transform your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers into a delicious and satisfying sandwich, perfect for a quick and easy lunch.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 8 min
• Total Time: 18 min
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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• 4 slices of your favorite bread
• 1 cup shredded leftover cooked turkey
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup stuffing, warmed
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• Butter, for grilling

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
2. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on the inside of two bread slices.
3. On the other two bread slices, spread the cranberry sauce.
4. Layer the shredded turkey over the cranberry sauce.
5. Top the turkey with the warmed stuffing.
6. Place the provolone cheese slices over the stuffing.
7. Close the sandwiches with the bread slices spread with the mayonnaise mixture.
8. Butter the outside of each sandwich.
9. Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10. Slice in half and serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add a layer of leftover gravy to the sandwich before grilling.
• You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Swiss.
• If you don’t have stuffing, you can omit it or use a different spread like mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg