Best Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich Ever

Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Ellen Christian

This is seriously the best Thanksgiving leftover sandwich ever! Learn how to make my favorite leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich recipe.

Best Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich Ever

Every year we plan for leftovers by getting a really big turkey. After all the craziness of cooking Thanksgiving dinner, I prefer to take a few days off from cooking. Planning for leftovers means that I don’t have to cook. 

My family tends to prefer not to eat too many meals of cold turkey and leftovers, so I need to get a little bit creative with how I cook present them. This leftover sandwich is a big hit and is also fairly flexible.

We use leftover turkey, brie, whole cranberry sauce, and sandwich bread. However, you could easily substitute jellied cranberry sauce and a different cheese like cheddar if you prefer.

What type of bread should I use?

If you have rolls leftover from Thanksgiving dinner, you could certainly slice those and have the sandwich on rolls. But, we tend to have ours on white bread. If you have a panini machine, turn it into a panini.

If not, you can have it like an adult grilled cheese sandwich as we do. Use gluten-free bread if desired. Or, feel free to have it on rye, pumpernickel or whole wheat bread.

What is a Thanksgiving sandwich called?

So, I had no idea that there was an actual name for a leftover Thanksgiving sandwich. But, it turns out that if you layer stuffing, cranberry sauce, and turkey on a sandwich, it is called a Pilgrim sandwich.

So, feel free to add a bit of stuffing to this leftover Thanksgiving sandwich and enjoy!

What condiments do you put on a turkey sandwich?

I don’t typically add any condiments to this sandwich because the cheese keeps everything moist. But, if you feel the need, you can add chipotle mayonnaise, pesto, avocado or even Greek yogurt. Or, why not try sriracha sauce if you like it spicy.

If you’re looking for the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich Friends showed, you want the Turkey Moist Maker. Check out the video to see exactly how to make this amazing Thanksgiving sandwich recipe.

What type of cranberry sauce should I use?

This is such an amazing way to use up leftovers from Thanksgiving. It’s definitely the best Thanksgiving leftover sandwich ever! Of course, for the very best cranberry sauce, you need to make it homemade.

What’s your favorite way to use up leftover turkey?  With this recipe, you can use either whole cranberry sauce or jellied cranberry sauce. Of course, I like my homemade the best. But, any variety will taste delicious.

More toppings for this Thanksgiving leftover sandwich

The more the merrier for this sandwich. If you’re wondering what else you can add to this leftover Thanksgiving sandwich, why not think about adding mashed potatoes and gravy? That sounds absolutely delicious to me.

How long does leftover turkey last?

So, if you have a lot of leftover turkey, you can store cooked turkey in the refrigerator for three to four days. Or, you can store it in the freezer in a freezer bag for two to three months.

Or, why not send home leftovers with friends and family. That way they can enjoy their own Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Sharing is always good.

How else can I use up turkey?

If you want a few more turkey recipes besides this Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, why not try my leftover turkey casserole with rice. It’s a huge family favorite that we make every year after Thanksgiving.

And, it’s very easy to make (plus it’s gluten-free). Or, you can try these turkey stuffing muffin cups. They are kid-friendly and super easy to make.

If you love grilled cheese recipes, check out my Apple Cheddar Pancetta Panini! I love the combination of flavors. It makes a wonderful fall or winter sandwich.

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Before you know it, Christmas will be here. Why not try a few of these holiday recipes with your next meal.

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