Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe

If you’re anything like me, the absolute highlight of Thanksgiving is what comes after—the epic Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe that turns simple scraps into utter magic. I’m talking about a sandwich with juicy turkey, cozy stuffing, cranberry jam, and the secret weapon: a slice of bread soaked in rich, savory gravy right in the middle. If you haven’t tried this before, buckle up—this is leftover turkey done the way you’ve always dreamed. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never look at Thanksgiving leftovers the same way again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient brings something special to this sandwich—think creamy mayo, tangy cranberry sauce, and plenty of tender turkey. I always recommend using good-quality turkey and fresh stuffings if you have them around from your holiday feast, but store-bought works great too.

• Bread: I prefer sturdy slices like sourdough or country white that can hold up to the gravy soak without falling apart.
• Mayonnaise: Adds a smooth, rich layer that complements the turkey perfectly—you can switch it for aioli or mustard if you want a twist.
• Cranberry Sauce: The sweet and tart burst is essential; homemade or canned both work, just pick your favorite flavor.
• Roasted Turkey: Thinly sliced for easy layering—leftover turkey breast is ideal for lean, tender bites.
• Stuffing: Adds savory, herbaceous flavor and a nice textural contrast; leftover stuffing or pre-made works wonderfully.
• Green Leaf Lettuce (optional): I like adding it for a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
• Turkey Gravy: The star of the show — warms up the sandwich and keeps it moist and mouthwatering.

Variations

I love mixing things up for this Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Feel free to make it your own—there’s no wrong way here!

• Stuffing Swap: I once tried it with cornbread stuffing instead of classic herb stuffing, and it added a lovely sweet corn flavor.
• Protein Variation: When turkey runs out, sliced roast chicken or even leftover ham works beautifully and still gives you that cozy comfort food vibe.
• Gluten-Free Option: Just swap bread for your favorite gluten-free loaf and use cornstarch-thickened gravy.
• Extra Veggies: Adding roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes makes this sandwich even more hearty.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe

Step 1: Spread the Love with Mayonnaise

Start by spreading a thin layer of mayonnaise on two slices of your chosen bread. This little step might seem simple, but it forms a flavorful barrier that keeps your bread from getting soggy too quickly from all the juicy goodness yet to come.

Step 2: Dip the Middle Slice in Gravy

This is the signature move in the Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe. Take the third slice of bread and gently dip it into your warm turkey gravy until it’s soaked but not falling apart. Set it aside for the next step.

Step 3: Build Your Layers

Begin layering your sandwich on one of the mayo-smeared slices: turkey first for juicy protein, then cranberry sauce for that sweet-tart pop, followed by a generous helping of stuffing. Add green leaf lettuce if you like that fresh crunch. Finally, carefully place your gravy-soaked bread right in the center—that’s the magic middle slice! Top with the last slice of bread spread with mayo.

Step 4: Press and Enjoy

Press the sandwich gently but firmly so everything sticks together nicely. You’ll notice the gravy-soaked bread keeps everything moist without dripping all over your plate. Slice in half if you want and get ready for some serious comfort-food heaven.

How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little freshly cracked black pepper on top and sometimes a few fresh sage leaves if I have them handy—they add an herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. Adding a pickle spear on the side brings a nice contrast too.

Side Dishes

Since this sandwich is pretty rich and hearty, I usually pair it with something light like a crisp apple slaw or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For something warm, creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during holiday gatherings, I’ve layered mini sandwiches on skewers for an impressive appetizer or arranged open-faced slices on a platter with fancy garnishes like microgreens or a drizzle of cranberry reduction. It turns a humble leftover into something party-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of this sandwich (lucky you!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Because of the gravy-soaked bread, I usually find it best to eat leftovers within a day to enjoy the freshest texture and flavor.

Freezing

I recommend freezing the components separately rather than the fully assembled sandwich. You can freeze turkey, stuffing, and gravy individually and reheat when ready, then assemble the sandwich fresh for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your turkey and stuffing in the oven or microwave, heat the gravy until steaming, then assemble your sandwich with fresh bread rather than trying to re-soak the bread. This keeps everything from getting mushy and keeps the flavors bright.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Gravy-Soaked Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my family’s stomachs!). It’s like wrapping all the best parts of the holiday into one gloriously messy, comforting bite. Whether you’re craving a cozy solo lunch or feeding a crowd with leftovers, this sandwich hits the spot every time. So next time you find yourself with turkey and gravy on hand, try this recipe—I promise it’ll become your go-to way to savor those precious Thanksgiving memories (and flavors) all over again.

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