Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich: Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Recipe

The Best Part of Thanksgiving

Hello, dear. It’s Anna. Let’s talk about the day after Thanksgiving. The big meal is done. The table is cleared. But the best part is just beginning. I mean the leftovers.

All those little containers fill the fridge. They hold so much promise. My grandson calls it “Thanksgiving Round Two.” I still laugh at that. Turning them into one sandwich feels like a little miracle. It’s a way to make the joy last.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made this sandwich for my husband, Frank. He was watching a football game. I brought him this messy, towering thing. His eyes got so wide. He took one bite and just nodded. He didn’t say a word until it was gone.

That’s how I knew it was a winner. Now, it’s our little tradition. Fun fact: The day after Thanksgiving is actually called “National Leftovers Day.” Isn’t that perfect? Tell me, what’s your favorite leftover to snack on straight from the fridge?

Why This Sandwich Works

Let’s build it. Start with a good roll. Butter it and sprinkle a little garlic powder. Toast it in a pan. Doesn’t that smell amazing? That crispy start matters. It holds everything together.

Then, the layers. Turkey first. Then mashed potatoes and gravy. This is important. The gravy soaks into the bread. It keeps everything moist. Next comes the stuffing. Pile it high! Top it with cranberry sauce. The sweet and tart pop is everything.

The Magic of Layers

You might think it’s just a pile of food. But it’s more. Each layer has a job. The turkey and potatoes are the hearty base. The gravy is the cozy blanket. The stuffing adds herby crunch. The cranberry is the bright, happy finish.

Eating it is an adventure. You get every flavor in one bite. That’s why this matters. It’s not just a sandwich. It’s a memory of your whole Thanksgiving table. Do you like lots of cranberry sauce, or just a little?

Making It Your Own

My recipe is just a guide. You are the boss of your sandwich. Use the stuffing your family loves. Have extra turkey? Add more! Prefer sweet potatoes? Try them. This is the fun part.

That’s the second reason this matters. Cooking should be joyful, not strict. This sandwich is a celebration of your own feast. It’s a hug from yesterday’s meal. What would you add to make it perfect for you?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
roll, sliced	1
butter	1 teaspoon
garlic powder	1 teaspoon
turkey	1 slice
Mashed Potatoes	2 Tablespoons
brown beef gravy	1 Tablespoon
stuffing	2 Tablespoons	cornbread stuffing used
Cranberry Sauce with cranberries	2 Tablespoons

The Best Part of Thanksgiving

Hello, my dear. It’s Anna. Come sit a moment. The best part of Thanksgiving isn’t the big meal. It’s the day after. The kitchen is quiet. The fridge is full of little treasures. My favorite thing is making a special sandwich. It holds all the best flavors in one hand. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Let’s make a memory together.

We’ll build our masterpiece step-by-step. I still laugh at that time I tried to use a tiny dinner roll. What a mess! So, let’s do it right. Grab your leftovers and a nice, sturdy roll. Are you ready? Here we go.

Step 1: First, slice your roll in half. Spread a little butter on each cut side. Now, sprinkle on that garlic powder. It makes the kitchen smell amazing. Place the halves face-down in a warm skillet. Let them toast until they are golden and crispy. (A hard-learned tip: use medium-low heat. This keeps the butter from burning.)

Step 2: Now for the turkey. Lay it on the bottom bun. You can use a big slice or lots of little pieces. I love the little pieces. They fit just right. It reminds me of my grandson picking at the turkey platter. He thinks I don’t see him!

Step 3: Next, spoon on the mashed potatoes. Be generous! Then, drizzle the brown gravy right over them. This is the glue that holds everything together. It’s so rich and cozy. Do you like more gravy or less? Share below!

Step 4: Time for the stuffing. Pile it high! I used my cornbread stuffing. You use whatever you have. The stuffing adds a wonderful soft crunch. It’s the heart of the sandwich, I think.

Step 5: Finally, the cranberry sauce. Spoon it right over the top. I love the little tart berries. They make everything pop. Now, gently place the top bun on your creation. Press down softly. Take a big, happy bite. Isn’t that just the best thing?

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 glorious serving
Category: Lunch, Snack

Make It Your Own

This sandwich is like a friendly hug. But you can dress it up different ways. Here are three fun twists for your next one. They are all quite tasty.

The Green Gobble: Add a big handful of fresh spinach or arugula. It adds a nice, peppery crunch.

The Day-After Breakfast: Top your turkey with a fried egg. Let the yolk run into the stuffing. Oh my.

The Sweet Heat: Mix a little hot sauce into the cranberry sauce. It gives you a sweet and spicy surprise.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Right

This sandwich is a full meal. But a little side makes it a feast. Try some crisp pickle spears on the plate. They cut through the richness. A few potato chips for crunch are nice, too. Or just a simple apple slice.

What to drink? For a cozy night, a glass of chilled apple cider is perfect. For the grown-ups, a pale ale pairs wonderfully. It tastes like a fall afternoon. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Sandwich Happy for Later

Hello again, dear. Let’s talk about saving your sandwich. The filling is best fresh. But you can plan ahead. Store the parts separately in the fridge. Keep gravy, potatoes, and stuffing in their own little containers. This stops everything from getting soggy. It will be good for about three days.

You can freeze parts, too. I freeze gravy and shredded turkey in small bags. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently in a pan. My first time, I froze a whole sandwich. It was a mushy mess when thawed. Learn from my mistake. Keep the parts apart until you’re ready.

Batch cooking the parts saves holiday stress. Make extra stuffing and gravy on purpose. This matters because a relaxed cook makes a happier kitchen. Then you can make this sandwich any busy weeknight. It feels like a holiday hug on a plain Tuesday. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Fixing Little Kitchen Hiccups

Sometimes our cooking has little hiccups. That’s okay. First, a soggy bottom bun. Your roll gets wet from warm fillings. The fix is simple. Toast your buttered roll well in the pan. Make it nice and crispy. It creates a strong shield.

Second, everything falls out when you bite. I remember when my first one fell apart. The layers were too tall and loose. Now, I press down gently as I build. This packs the layers together. It makes a sturdier sandwich.

Third, the sandwich is cold in the middle. Your fillings might be fridge-cold. Warm your turkey, potatoes, and gravy first. This matters for flavor and comfort. Warm layers melt together beautifully. Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that you can always find a solution. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Questions, My Answers

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes, easily. Use your favorite gluten-free roll and stuffing. Check your gravy mix or make it from scratch.

Q: Can I prepare parts ahead? A: Absolutely. Chop and store everything separately. Assemble just before heating and eating for best texture.

Q: What if I don’t have cranberry sauce? A: A slice of apple or pear adds a nice sweet crunch. Or use a little apple butter.

Q: Can I make a lot for a crowd? A: You can! Set up a sandwich bar with all the parts in bowls. Let everyone build their own.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A little sprinkle of fresh herbs on top is lovely. *Fun fact: The turkey and cranberry combo is a truly American tradition.* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy sandwich as much as I do. It is a story of Thanksgiving on a plate. Cooking is about sharing stories and full bellies. I would love to see your creation. Did you add your own special twist? Please share your kitchen adventures with me.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me there as @AnnaWhitmoreKitchen. I love seeing your photos. Thank you for cooking with me today.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.