Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

It isn’t too late to share a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich with you, is it?

This delicious sandwich is made with all of my favorite leftovers and quite possibly your favorite leftovers, too. Inspiration comes from mom who says her inspiration comes from my uncle. Mom says my uncle doesn’t have a huge Thanksgiving feast anymore because it’s just him and my aunt since my cousins live far away from them. So each year mom takes a pic of her leftovers sandwich and sends it to my uncle. I took a pic of mine and now I’m sharing it with you.

This sandwich is totally customizable to suit your preferences. I’m kicking myself in the butt for not putting macaroni and cheese on it but the mac n cheese was the first side to be totally demolished and devoured. I better save some for next time.

And btw, if you’re out of gravy and want to really make this indulgent, whip up this easy sausage gravy recipe and pour it over the top.

Oh and if you think this leftovers sandwich is only for Thanksgiving, well I have news for you. It isn’t. Christmas is around the corner and your Christmas leftovers will make a great leftovers sandwich. Ham, turkey, whatever you have, pile it on the bread and commence to eating.

Skip to My Special Recipe!

Ingredients for My Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

The beauty of this recipe is that you should have everything you need waiting for you in the refrigerator. The key is using good quality leftovers and assembling them with a little care. The amounts here are for one truly epic sandwich, so feel free to adjust to your appetite and what you have on hand. It’s all about creating your perfect post holiday bite.

Here’s what you’ll need to build the ultimate sandwich:

• Sturdy Bread: 2 thick slices. I recommend a good sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta. You need something that can stand up to all these wonderful ingredients without falling apart.
• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons. Use a good quality, full fat mayonnaise. It creates a necessary barrier to prevent sogginess and adds a rich, creamy flavor base.
• Cranberry Sauce: 2 to 3 tablespoons. Whether you prefer jellied or whole berry, the tartness is essential for cutting through the richness of the other ingredients.
• Leftover Turkey: About 1/2 cup, sliced or shredded. Both white and dark meat work beautifully here, so use your favorite or a combination of the two.
• Leftover Gravy: 1/4 cup, warmed. This is key for moisture and that classic Thanksgiving flavor. Make sure it’s nicely warmed through before you start building.
• Leftover Cornbread Dressing: About 1/2 cup, warmed. Your favorite stuffing will also work, but the texture and flavor of a classic Southern cornbread dressing is just perfect here.
• Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole: 1/4 to 1/3 cup. This is my secret weapon! The sweetness is the perfect surprise that balances everything out. Don’t be shy about including some of that delicious marshmallow or pecan streusel topping.

The most important ingredient note here is about the bread. Please, do not use standard, flimsy sandwich bread for this creation. It will simply disintegrate under the weight and moisture of the gravy and other fillings. A trip to a local bakery for a good loaf of artisan bread is well worth the effort and will make all the difference in your final Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich. Think of the bread as the foundation of your house, it needs to be strong!

Step-by-Step Instructions For Making a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Assembling this masterpiece is less about strict cooking and more about thoughtful construction. The goal is to layer the flavors and textures in a way that gives you a perfect bite every single time. Before you begin, I recommend gently warming the turkey, dressing, and gravy. You don’t want them piping hot, just warm enough to take the chill off and feel comforting. It makes a world of difference.

Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Base

Take your two thick slices of sturdy bread. Spread a generous, even layer of mayonnaise on the inside of each slice, going all the way to the edges. This step is crucial. The fat in the mayonnaise creates a moisture barrier, protecting the bread from the wetter ingredients like cranberry sauce and gravy, and preventing a dreaded soggy sandwich. Think of it as priming a canvas before you paint.

Step 2: Layer the Tang and Turkey

On one of your mayonnaise-coated slices, spread your cranberry sauce. I like to use the bottom slice for this. The tangy sauce mingles wonderfully with the creamy mayo. Next, layer your leftover turkey on top of the cranberry sauce. Arrange it evenly so you get turkey in every bite. Whether you use thick slices or shredded pieces is entirely up to you.

Step 3: Add the Dressing and Gravy

Now, take your warmed cornbread dressing and spoon it over the turkey. Gently press it down to create a relatively flat, stable layer. This is where the magic happens. Drizzle your warm gravy evenly over the dressing. You want enough to add moisture and flavor, but not so much that it becomes a soupy mess. Let the dressing absorb that wonderful, savory gravy for a moment.

Step 4: The Secret Sweet Layer and Final Assembly

Here comes my favorite part. Carefully spoon the sweet potato casserole over the gravy-soaked dressing. Try to spread it as evenly as you can without disturbing the layers beneath it. If you have any of that wonderful toasted marshmallow or crunchy pecan topping, make sure it’s facing up. Now, take the second slice of bread, mayo side down, and gently place it on top. Press down firmly but gently with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds. This helps meld all the layers together and makes the sandwich easier to handle. Slice it in half with a sharp serrated knife, and prepare for the best bite of your life.

How To Serve a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Serving this sandwich is all about embracing its glorious, over the top nature. It’s not a delicate tea sandwich, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that deserves a proper presentation. My favorite way to serve it is immediately after making it, while the gravy and dressing are still warm and the flavors are at their peak. A clean, diagonal cut is a must. It showcases all those beautiful, distinct layers you just worked to create, making it as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the stomach.

While this sandwich is a complete meal on its own, sometimes you want a little something on the side. It’s best to keep the accompaniments simple, as the sandwich itself is so complex and flavorful. A small side of something crunchy and acidic is often the perfect partner.

Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it up:

• With a Dipping Side: Serve the sandwich with a small bowl of extra warm gravy on the side. There is nothing more indulgent than dipping a corner of this already perfect sandwich into more savory gravy. It takes the “moist maker” concept to a whole new level.
• Panini-Style: For an extra special treat, you can grill it! Butter the outside of the bread and toast it in a skillet or a panini press until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the inside is wonderfully warm and gooey. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the soft interior is just heavenly.
• Classic Comfort Pairing: You can never go wrong with a classic pairing. Serve it with a handful of good quality potato chips and a crisp dill pickle spear. The crunch and vinegary bite of the pickle are the perfect foil for the rich sandwich.
• A Touch of Green: If you want to add a little freshness, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is a wonderful choice. The acidity from the dressing helps cut through the richness and cleanses the palate between bites.

No matter how you choose to serve it, just be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. This is a sandwich you’re meant to lean into and enjoy with gusto. It’s the ultimate reward after all your holiday cooking.

How To Store & Reuse Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Leftovers

Let’s be honest, this is a substantial sandwich. Sometimes, your eyes are bigger than your stomach, or you might be tempted to make an extra one for later. While the Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich is definitely at its absolute best when made fresh, you can certainly store it for a day or two with a little care. The key is to manage the moisture to prevent the bread from becoming overly soggy as it sits.

If you have a whole or half sandwich leftover, the best way to store it is to wrap it tightly. I recommend wrapping it first in parchment paper or wax paper, and then wrapping that tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. The parchment provides a slight barrier to prevent the plastic from sticking, while the outer layer keeps air out. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two days.

When it comes to reheating, the microwave is not your friend here. It will make the bread soft and chewy. Instead, here are a few better options for reviving your leftover sandwich:

• In a Skillet: This is my preferred method. Place the sandwich in a dry, non-stick skillet over medium low heat. Cover the skillet and let it warm through for a few minutes on each side. This gently reheats the filling while helping to re-crisp the bread slightly. For a richer, grilled-cheese style result, you can add a little butter or mayonnaise to the outside of the bread.
• In an Air Fryer: The air fryer works wonders for reviving leftovers. Place the sandwich in the air fryer basket and heat it at around 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt rather quickly. This method is fantastic for getting the bread nice and crispy.
• In the Oven: For a softer, more gently warmed sandwich, you can use the oven. Wrap the sandwich loosely in aluminum foil and place it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes. The foil will trap the steam, warming the inside without making the outside too hard.

Another great strategy is to think about deconstruction. If you have leftover components of the sandwich, you can always create a “Thanksgiving Leftover Bowl.” Simply chop up the sandwich and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a hearty salad, or warm the components in a bowl for a comforting, bread-pudding-like dish.

Substitutions & Variations For a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

One of the best things about a recipe like this is its flexibility. It’s designed to use what you have, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Your family’s specific holiday menu can lead to some wonderful and unique sandwich creations. Think of this recipe as a blueprint, a starting point for your own post-holiday tradition. There are so many ways to switch things up based on your dietary needs or just what sounds good at the moment.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients you have on hand. It’s all about capturing that holiday feeling in a single bite, and your family’s favorite dishes are the best way to do that. Here are some simple swaps and fun variations to get you started:

• Bread Swaps: If you don’t have sturdy sliced bread, try using leftover dinner rolls or croissants. Slice them in half and build smaller, slider-sized sandwiches. A toasted onion roll or a hearty rye bread would also add a wonderful new flavor dimension.
• Spread Variations: Not a fan of mayonnaise? A creamy Dijon mustard or a savory aioli would be a delicious substitute. For a sweeter touch, you could even use apple butter or a thin layer of cream cheese as your base spread.
• Protein Changes: This sandwich is fantastic with leftover holiday ham instead of turkey. The combination of sweet ham with the sweet potato casserole is truly a match made in heaven. You could even use leftover roast beef if that’s what you have.
• Dietary Adjustments: For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free bread. For a lower-carb option, skip the bread entirely and serve all the fillings in a warm bowl, or use large, crisp lettuce leaves like romaine or iceberg to create a wrap.
• Add Some Crunch: If you like a little extra texture, consider adding a layer of crispy fried onions, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or even a few crunchy potato chips right inside the sandwich. You could also add a layer of fresh greens like arugula or spinach for a peppery bite.

You can also create a regional spin. For instance, if your Thanksgiving table includes a spicy sausage stuffing, use that instead of cornbread dressing for a little kick. If you serve a savory squash casserole instead of sweet potato, that would make a wonderful substitution. The possibilities are truly endless, so have fun with it!

Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

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Ingredients

• Slices of bread or dinner rolls
• Mayonnaise
• Cranberry Sauce
• Turkey
• Gravy
• Cornbread Dressing (or your favorite dressing)
• Sweet potato casserole (include those marshmallows or pecan streusel!)

Instructions

1. Spread the mayonnaise on the inside of the bread or dinner rolls.
2. Layer with cranberry sauce, turkey, dressing, gravy, sweet potato casserole and then top with the top slice of bread or dinner roll.

5 FAQs About Making a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich

Here are some straightforward answers to the most common questions I receive about this Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich recipe.

How do I keep my Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich from getting soggy?

This is probably the most important question, because nobody wants a soggy sandwich. The battle against sogginess is won with a few key defensive strategies during assembly. First and foremost is your choice of bread. You must use a thick, sturdy bread like sourdough, a dense brioche, or a crusty ciabatta. Flimsy, standard sandwich bread will surrender to the moisture almost instantly. Think of the bread as the foundation, it needs to be strong.

The second critical step is creating a moisture barrier. That’s what the mayonnaise is for. Spreading a generous layer of full fat mayo from edge to edge on the inside of both slices of bread creates a fatty layer that repels the moisture from the cranberry sauce and gravy. Don’t be shy with it! Finally, be mindful of your gravy application. Make sure your gravy is warm, not piping hot, as excess heat and steam can make the bread soft. Drizzle it directly onto the dressing, which is very absorbent, rather than onto the bread itself. Don’t drown the sandwich, just use enough gravy to add flavor and moisture.

What is the best bread for a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich?

The choice of bread can make or break your sandwich experience, so it’s a decision worth considering. You’re looking for a bread with excellent structure and a tight crumb that can hold its own against some very moist ingredients. My top recommendation is a good quality sourdough. Its tangy flavor profile beautifully complements the rich and sweet fillings, and its chewy, sturdy texture is ideal for preventing collapse. It also toasts up wonderfully if you decide to grill your sandwich.

Another fantastic option is brioche. While it’s a softer bread, a thick slice of brioche is rich with butter and eggs, which gives it a surprising amount of strength and a lovely, slightly sweet flavor that works wonderfully with the turkey and sweet potato. Ciabatta is also a great choice, with its airy interior and very firm crust providing excellent structural support. What you want to avoid at all costs is soft, pre-sliced sandwich bread from a plastic bag. It’s simply too delicate for a sandwich of this magnitude.

Can I make a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich ahead of time?

While this sandwich is undeniably at its peak when assembled and eaten fresh, you can certainly prep it ahead of time with a bit of planning. I would not recommend fully assembling the sandwich hours in advance, as even with precautions, the bread will eventually soften. However, you can do all the prep work to make assembly take less than a minute when you’re ready to eat.

The best approach is to package each leftover component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. You can even create individual “sandwich kits.” Portion out the turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, and sweet potato casserole into small containers. When hunger strikes, all you have to do is warm the gravy and dressing, grab your bread, and build your sandwich. This method ensures every ingredient maintains its intended texture and flavor right up until the moment of assembly, guaranteeing a perfect sandwich every time.

What’s the best way to heat up a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich?

Heating this sandwich properly is key to enjoying it the next day. The absolute worst thing you can do is put it in the microwave. This will turn that beautiful, sturdy bread into a soft, steamy, and chewy mess. You have much better options that will revive the sandwich and make it almost as good as it was when fresh. My personal favorite method is in a skillet on the stovetop. You can either do it in a dry non-stick skillet over medium-low heat to gently warm it, or you can butter the outside of the bread and grill it like a panini for a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Another excellent option is the air fryer. It circulates hot air all around the sandwich, making the bread perfectly crisp while warming the fillings. A few minutes at about 350°F is usually all it takes. If you prefer a softer, warmer sandwich without the extra crispiness, wrapping it in foil and placing it in a conventional oven for about 10-15 minutes will do the trick nicely. All of these methods are far superior to the microwave.

Are there any low-carb options for a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich?

Absolutely! The delicious core of this recipe is the combination of Thanksgiving leftovers, and you can enjoy all those wonderful flavors without the bread. The easiest and most popular low-carb option is to create a “Thanksgiving Bowl.” Simply layer all the fillings, the turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, and a drizzle of gravy, into a bowl. You can eat it as is, or for a more complete meal, serve the warmed fillings over a bed of fresh spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. The warm toppings will slightly wilt the greens, creating a fantastic warm salad.

Another great option is to use large, crisp lettuce leaves as a wrap. Butter lettuce, iceberg, or large romaine leaves work very well for this. Just pile the ingredients in the center and wrap it up like a burrito. It gives you that handheld eating experience with a refreshing, crunchy texture. This approach allows you to enjoy the heart of the Thanksgiving meal without the carbs from the bread, making it a perfectly satisfying and healthy alternative.

Try These Recipes Next

If you loved turning your leftovers into this incredible sandwich, here are a few other recipes you’re sure to enjoy!

• 10 Homemade Holiday Leftover Recipes: A fantastic roundup of creative and delicious ideas to make sure no holiday leftovers go to waste.
• Hot Turkey Sandwiches with Bourbon Molasses Mustard: A different but equally delicious take on the hot turkey sandwich, featuring a sophisticated and tangy mustard sauce.
• Oven Roasted Turkey Recipe: If all this talk of leftovers has you wanting to cook a turkey all over again, this is my go-to recipe for a perfectly moist and flavorful bird.

I hope these inspire you to get creative in the kitchen long after the holiday plates have been cleared.