This Thanksgiving Sandwich is the ultimate cozy leftover mash-up-turkey, stuffing, creamy tangy spreads, and cranberry all piled between your favorite bread. It's fast, comforting, and just what your holiday table needs to live on into lunch.
Jump to:
Why This Recipe Works
- Layered Textures - Soft bread, creamy spreads, and hearty leftovers make every bite satisfying.
- Balanced Flavors - The tart cranberry cuts through the richness of turkey and stuffing.
- Leftover-Friendly - A delicious way to repurpose Thanksgiving extras without fuss.
- Flexible Build - You can tailor this sandwich to your tastes (more cranberry, extra greens, etc.).
What This Recipe Needs
Bread- I like to use sourdough or something like brioche, but if you have leftover sweet potato rolls those would work too!
Leftover Turkey- Light or Dark Meat it's all tasty as leftovers.
Cranberry Sauce- I love a homemade cranberry sauce or cranberry orange relish but leftover canned is tasty too!
Other Leftovers- I am partial to homemade stuffing, sweet potato soufflé, and a little homemade gravy, but any of your favorite leftovers will be great!
Cream Cheese - this takes that sandwich to another level, but it is optional. You can try it with some smoked cream cheese to really elevate it.
Greens - You can also add some herbs, lettuce, or green onions if you have them on hand. This provides a fresh contrast and a little "pop" of flavor.
Now, as most of us know, leftovers are just as good, if not better than, the big meal itself. I've shared recipes like leftover turkey tacos, leftover turkey enchiladas, and this tasty open-faced hot turkey sandwich previously.
However, one of my favorite ways to eat up leftovers is to pile everything into a big, delicious Turkey Cranberry Sandwich.
Substitutions For Thanksgiving Sandwich
- Bread - Use ciabatta, whole wheat, gluten-free bread, or even tortilla wraps.
- Cream Cheese - Swap with mascarpone, goat cheese, brie, or a soft cheese spread.
- Gravy - Use pan drippings, turkey stock, or even a homemade mayo or aioli.
- Stuffing - Replace with mashed potatoes, sweet potato mash, or cooked rice.
How to Make a Thanksgiving Sandwich?
- Step 1: Toast your bread. This gives it extra flavor and crunch. You can toast it by adding a little mayo or butter and either broiling in the oven or browning in a pan. Read How to Toast Bread in the Oven.
- Step 2: Build your sandwich. I layer everything differently each time, but I like to start with a creamy layer of spread or cream cheese first.
- Step 3: Then pile on the rest of your tasty leftovers and enjoy!
Save this for later!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Don't worry, I promise not to spam you!
Variations on Thanksgiving Sandwich
- Cheesy Twist - Add slices of sharp cheddar or provolone for an ooey-gooey layer.
- Crunchy Add-In - Toss on some toasted pecans, add glazed walnuts, or even crispy oven-baked bacon bits for textural contrast.
- Other Cheeses - This would be delicious with a sharp cheddar, baked brie with honey, or provolone.
- Flavor - Add some candied jalapenos, candied cranberries, or pickled onions for some extra flavor!
- Extras - Try this with sour cream mashed potatoes, cream cheese green bean casserole, or even Thanksgiving corn!
Expert Tips For Turkey Cranberry Sandwich
- Use slightly stale (but not dried out) bread-it holds up better than fresh soft slices. However, fresh still tastes great and works!
- Spread cream cheese first (next to the bread), then cranberry sauce, so the moisture doesn't seep through.
- If using leftover cold turkey, warm it briefly to avoid chilling the whole sandwich.
- Press gently before slicing to help everything stick together.
- For a clean slice, use a serrated knife and saw slowly-don't smash it down hard.
- Broil or microwave the sandwich to make it warm and even tastier!
Thanksmas Sandwich
This turkey cranberry sandwich reminds me so much of the Thanksmas Sandwich, aka Holiday Sandwich, from Disneyland. That sandwich features turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy.
(Check out my other Disney recipes like these Twice-Upon-A-Mickey Cupcake, Mint Julep, Cranberry Julep, Peppermint and Strawberry Wands, and Beignets- Classic Beignets, Hot Cocoa Beignets, and Peppermint Beignets!)
Frequently Asked Questions
Toast or grill the bread lightly first, or spread cream cheese or a thin layer of butter to create a moisture barrier.
Yes-making a grilled or pan-pressed version melts the layers, giving a cozy, melty texture. You can also broil and microwave the sandwich.
Serve this Turkey Cranberry Sandwich with a side salad, kettle chips, or leftover soup to keep the meal balanced.
Great condiments for a turkey sandwich include mayo, mustard, or a little ranch, pepper gravy, horseradish, or cream cheese.
More Related Recipes
If you like this turkey Cranberry Sandwich, make sure to check out my tri-tip sandwich, bacon jalapeno deviled eggs, bacon brie grilled sandwich, and this easy grilled chicken sandwich!
If you like this recipe, make sure to give it a 5-star review and leave a comment down below!
Also, don't forget to sign up for my newsletter, and make sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Video
Thanksgiving Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices Bread
- ½ cup Stuffing
- ½ cup Leftover Turkey
- 2 tbs Gravy
- 3 tbs Cranberry Sauce or Cranberry Relish
- 4 tbs Cream Cheese
- Green onion or Herbs
- Other additions: Lettuce, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn
Instructions
- Toast bread either in a toaster or by broiling in the oven, or with a bit of butter/mayo, and in a fry pan.2 slices Bread
- Build a sandwich with any of your favorite leftovers. I like to start with cream cheese on the bottom, followed by stuffing, turkey, gravy, cranberry sauce, and then topped with another piece of toasted bread. Then enjoy!½ cup Stuffing, ½ cup Leftover Turkey, 3 tbs Cranberry Sauce, 4 tbs Cream Cheese, Green onion, Other additions: Lettuce, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Corn, 2 tbs Gravy
Notes
- Use slightly stale (but not dried out) bread-it holds up better than fresh soft slices.
- Spread cream cheese first (next to the bread), then cranberry sauce, so the moisture doesn't seep through. However, fresh still tastes great and works!
- If using leftover cold turkey, warm it briefly to avoid chilling the whole sandwich.
- Press gently before slicing to help everything stick together.
- For a clean slice, use a serrated knife and saw slowly-don't smash it down hard.
- Broil or microwave the sandwich to make it warm and even tastier!
Lisa says
Leftover sandwiches are the best!