The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce and Stuffing

The day after Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year. Why? Because it’s time to make leftover turkey sandwiches! These sandwiches are the perfect way to repurpose turkey cranberry sauce and stuffing into an easy and delicious sandwich the whole family will love.

As someone who loves Thanksgiving dinner, especially the turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing, I look forward to leftovers almost as much as the main event. There are so many creative ways to transform leftovers into new dishes, but in my opinion, nothing beats a good old turkey sandwich piled high with all the fixings.

The star of this sandwich is obviously the turkey. I prefer a combination of white and dark meat for the best flavor and texture contrast. Cranberry sauce adds a touch of sweet tartness that perfectly complements the savory turkey. And then the stuffing provides those lovely notes of sage, onions, celery, and cornbread. With just three ingredients, you’ve got a flavorful representation of the whole Thanksgiving meal conveniently packed between two slices of bread.

Of course, the possibilities don’t stop there. You can customize your leftover turkey sandwich in endless ways by incorporating different breads, spreads, cheeses, vegetables, and more leftover sides. But for me, turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing form the holy trinity of ultimate leftover enjoyment.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to use up those Thanksgiving leftovers or simply want an easy and delicious sandwich recipe, read on for tips, tricks, and my favorite combinations for crafting the best leftover turkey sandwich.

Choosing the Right Bread

A good sandwich starts with good bread, so choose something sturdy that won’t fall apart under the weight of all those delicious fillings. I like to use crusty artisan bread, French bread, ciabatta rolls, potato bread, or even leftover dinner rolls or cornbread.

For added flavor and texture, toast or grill the bread before assembling your sandwich. The crunch stands up well to the soft and moist fillings. Just be sure not to overload it too much or you’ll end up with a mess on your hands!

Turkey – The Star of the Show

When it comes to the turkey, don’t be shy. Pile it on! Use a combination of white and dark meat for optimum flavor and texture.

If you have any larger chunks or pieces, chop or shred them into bite-size pieces so they’re easier to eat. And don’t forget to raid that picked over turkey carcass for any last succulent morsels. Every bit counts when constructing the perfect leftover turkey sandwich!

Cranberry Sauce Adds Tart Sweetness

Cranberry sauce is truly the unsung hero of Thanksgiving in my opinion. It adds such a lovely fruity tartness that pairs perfectly with savory turkey and dressing.

Use leftover homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce, or for a fun twist, substitute cranberry relish or chutney. Spread it generously on one or both bread slices. The cranberry will melt into the other ingredients, infusing each bite with its sweet-tart flavor.

Heaping Helpings of Stuffing

What’s Thanksgiving without stuffing? For the optimal leftover sandwich experience, use your leftover stuffing liberally.

I prefer homemade stuffing chockfull of celery, onion, sage, and other aromatic ingredients. But even store-bought stove top stuffing adds pleasant texture and savoriness.

Warm the stuffing before adding to your sandwich to allow the flavors to bloom. The mixture of soft, buttery stuffing and tender turkey is pure sandwich magic.

Amp It Up With Additional Ingredients

Part of the fun of leftover sandwiches is customizing with other ingredients to create your perfect bite. Here are some of my favorite additions:

• Gravy or turkey stock – moistens the sandwich and adds rich flavor

• Cranberry sauce – sweet, tart burst of fruity flavor

• Mashed potatoes – creamy accompaniment to the other ingredients

• Sweet potatoes – for sweet contrast to complement the turkey and cranberry

• Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, provolone) – gooey, melty goodness

• Crispy bacon pieces – salty, smoky crunch

• Avocado – creaminess and fresh flavor

• Leafy greens like spinach or arugula – freshness and texture

• Sliced onions or bell peppers – crunch and flavor

• Herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme – aromatic flavors

• Condiments like mayo, mustard, or creamy salad dressing

Mix and match components to create your perfect bite. The possibilities are endless!

Putting It All Together

Constructing the ultimate leftover turkey sandwich is simple:

1. Choose your bread and toast if desired

2. Slather the bottom slice with condiment or dressing of choice

3. Pile on turkey, layering white and dark meat

4. Spread cranberry sauce evenly over turkey

5. Add stuffing next, dividing evenly between sandwiches

6. Top with any additional ingredients like gravy, veggies, or cheese

7. Finish with the top slice of bread

8. If desired, butter the outsides of the bread and pan fry the sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown

9. Slice in half diagonally and enjoy!

Pan frying adds a crispy exterior that perfectly complements the soft, saucy interior. But you can certainly enjoy the sandwich cold as well.

Cutting it diagonally makes for easier, more satisfying bites. Let the delicious Thanksgiving flavors come flooding back with each mouthwatering bite!

Sandwich Combinations and Add-Ins

Here are some of my favorite turkey sandwich combinations beyond the basic trio of turkey, cranberry, and stuffing:

• For an Italian flare, add sliced provolone, roasted red peppers, spinach, and basil pesto or sun-dried tomato spread.

• Go classic deli style with Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and mustard.

• Kick up the flavor with pepper jack cheese, bacon, avocado, and chipotle mayo.

• Get cheesy and indulgent with brie, apple slices, bacon, and fig jam.

• Make it saucy with gravy, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and creamy horseradish sauce.

• For a sweet twist, use leftover cornbread stuffing and add bacon and honey mustard.

• Get healthy with havarti, spinach, cucumber, sprouts, and avocado.

The possibilities are endless, so unleash your creativity and make the most delicious use of those leftovers!

Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipes

Beyond the basic sandwich formula, here are full recipes for some of my favorite leftover turkey sandwich creations:

Thanksgiving Club

Ingredients:

• 4 slices rustic bread, toasted
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 8 oz sliced roasted turkey
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup leftover stuffing
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 4 leaves romaine lettuce
• 1 plum tomato, sliced

Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise evenly on one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, Swiss cheese, and bacon on 2 bread slices.
3. Top with lettuce, tomato, and remaining bread slices.
4. Enjoy immediately or wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 5 days.

Italian Turkey Melt

Ingredients:

• 2 ciabatta rolls, split
• 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto
• 6 oz roasted turkey, shredded
• 1/4 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
• 2 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Small handful fresh spinach
• 2 tsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Spread pesto on cut sides of rolls.
2. Layer turkey, red peppers, mozzarella, and spinach on roll bottoms.
3. Replace tops and brush oil on the outsides.
4. Grill in panini press or skillet until bread is toasted and cheese melted.
5. Slice and serve warm.

Tex Mex Turkey Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices cornbread, toasted
• 1/4 cup chipotle mayo
• 6 oz shredded roasted turkey
• 1/4 cup canned or leftover roasted green chiles
• 2 oz pepper jack cheese, sliced
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Spread chipotle mayo on toast.
2. Layer with turkey, chiles, cheese, bacon and cilantro.
3. Grill or toast until cheese is melted.
4. Slice on a diagonal and enjoy!

Storing Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

Leftover turkey sandwiches hold up well for several days in the fridge. To maximize freshness:

• Allow sandwich fillings to cool completely before assembling.

• Store sandwiches loosely wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. This prevents the bread from getting