If you ever find yourself with a bounty of holiday fixings and a hungry appetite the next day, my Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe is your new best friend. This sandwich brilliantly transforms those classic flavors—tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and sweet-tart cranberry sauce—into one delicious handheld meal. It’s comfort food wrapped up in bread, bringing together everything you love about Thanksgiving dinner in one satisfying bite. Whether you want a quick lunch or a cozy snack, this sandwich delivers pure joy and zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, using just a handful of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, offering contrasting textures and rich, festive flavor that turn your leftovers into something extraordinary.
- 2-3 Slices of Turkey: The star protein, perfectly cooked and ready to shine in every bite.
- 1/2 cup Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and smooth, they add moisture and a velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup Stuffing: Savory with herbs, providing a flavorful crunch and hearty bite.
- 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce: Sweet and tangy, a vibrant pop of color and zingy balance.
- Lettuce (optional): Fresh and crisp for a refreshing contrast if you prefer a bit of green.
- Bread of your choice: The canvas that holds these delicious layers together—choose something sturdy like sourdough or a classic white sandwich loaf.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather all your leftover favorites, slicing the turkey if needed to ensure it layers nicely. The mashed potatoes should be smooth and spreadable, while the stuffing is ready to add that herbaceous bite. Make sure your cranberry sauce isn’t too runny, so it won’t soak your bread.
Step 2: Build Your Sandwich
On your chosen bread, start with a generous layer of turkey slices. Follow with a comforting spoonful of mashed potatoes, spreading it evenly but gently to prevent tearing the bread. Next, add the savory stuffing—this is where flavor deepens and texture brightens. Dollop your cranberry sauce over the stuffing for that signature sweet-tart kick. If you’re using lettuce, place a few fresh leaves on top.
Step 3: Finish and Enjoy
Top everything with the second slice of bread and press down lightly to keep all those delicious layers together. Slice it in half or dive in whole—the joy is in every messy, flavor-packed bite.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
For a touch of freshness, sprinkle a little chopped parsley or thyme on top or tuck a few crisp pickles alongside the sandwich. A light spread of butter on the bread before assembly can add a luscious finish if you want to elevate it further.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or crunchy sweet potato fries. You can also enjoy it as a standalone treat since it’s packed with so many flavors and textures from Thanksgiving’s best offerings.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Cut your sandwich into sliders for a fun party platter or toast the bread lightly before stacking to add crunch and warmth. You might even try grilling the sandwich for a warm, melty twist that transforms leftovers into a gourmet experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you want to prepare sandwiches ahead of time, store all components separately in airtight containers. This prevents sogginess and lets you assemble just before eating, ensuring every bite stays delightfully fresh.
Freezing
Freezing the sandwich itself is not ideal due to the mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce consistency. However, you can freeze individual leftovers like turkey or mashed potatoes and bring them back to life later for future Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe sessions.
Reheating
For leftovers that you want warm, reheat your turkey and stuffing gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Toast the bread separately and assemble the sandwich once everything is heated, so the textures and flavors hold their best form.
FAQs
Can I use leftover ham instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible—swap turkey for ham, roast beef, or even chicken to match whatever leftovers you have on hand. The flavors will still complement each other beautifully.
Is it better to toast the bread or leave it fresh?
Both options are great! Toasting adds crunch and warmth, while fresh bread offers softness that pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes. Choose what fits your mood.
Can I add gravy to the sandwich?
You can, but it’s best to drizzle it lightly or dip your sandwich as you eat to prevent soggy bread. Gravy adds richness but can overpower the cranberry sauce’s bright notes if overused.
How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?
Layer carefully, using the mashed potatoes as a sort of glue between the turkey and stuffing. Pressing the sandwich gently when assembling helps everything stay together for easier eating.
What’s a good bread choice for this recipe?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or a thick sandwich white bread work best. They can hold all the fillings without getting soggy or falling apart.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe is truly a celebration of all the best flavors from the holiday, wrapped up in a quick and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for turning those leftovers into something new and exciting without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how much joy a simple sandwich can bring after a festive feast.
Print
Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich that layers tender turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, savory stuffing, and sweet cranberry sauce between two slices of bread, perfect for enjoying the flavors of your holiday meal in a quick and satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2–3 slices of turkey
- 1/2 cup mashed potatoes
- 1/2 cup stuffing
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- Lettuce (optional)
- 2 slices of bread
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Start with two slices of your favorite bread as the base of your sandwich.
- Layer the Turkey: Place 2 to 3 slices of cooked turkey evenly on one slice of bread.
- Add Mashed Potatoes: Spread 1/2 cup of creamy mashed potatoes over the turkey layer for a smooth texture and added moisture.
- Top with Stuffing: Add 1/2 cup of savory stuffing over the mashed potatoes to bring in traditional Thanksgiving flavors.
- Spread Cranberry Sauce: Spread 1/2 cup of tart and sweet cranberry sauce on the other slice of bread to balance the savory ingredients.
- Optional Lettuce: Add lettuce if desired for a fresh crunch and contrast.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Combine both slices of bread with the layers and press gently.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half if preferred, and enjoy your delicious Thanksgiving leftovers in sandwich form!
Notes
- This sandwich can be customized with your preferred bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, or white bread.
- Warm the turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing prior to assembling if you prefer a hot sandwich.
- You can add gravy or mayonnaise for extra moisture and flavor if desired.
- Lettuce is optional and can be replaced with other greens like spinach for additional nutrition.
