Give those holiday leftovers new life with this simple, satisfying turkey sandwich. Layers of leftover turkey, creamy mayo, crisp lettuce, tomato, cheddar, and a bit of cranberry sauce are tucked between toasted bread for the perfect sweet and savory bite.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights
- Flavor: Savory turkey, tangy cranberry, and creamy mayo come together for the ultimate leftover lunch.
- Prep Note: The easiest way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers with no cooking at all. Everything’s prepped and ready to layer.
- Swaps: No leftover turkey? Use pre-sliced deli turkey and your favorite cheese for a quick shortcut.
What You’ll Need:
- Bread: My family loves sturdy breads like hearty grain bread, ciabatta, rye, or sourdough. Wrap all the ingredients in crisp romaine lettuce for a lighter option.
- Turkey: Use sliced deli turkey or leftover sliced turkey breast. Add other deli meats like ham, chicken, or cotto salami for variety, or crispy bacon for some extra flavor.
- Cheese: Choose your cheese; cheddar will give it an extra bite, while mozzarella and provolone will add a milder flavor to the sandwich.
- Vegetables: Add crunch with lettuce, tomatoes, or cucumbers. For extra creaminess, try sliced avocado.
- Condiments: Mix mayo with pesto for a flavorful aioli, add a chipotle aioli for a smoky kick, or use honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Variations: Layer in leftover stuffing or drizzle on some gravy to turn it into a hearty, indulgent meal.
More Turkey Sandwich Ideas
- Hot Open Face: Top slices of turkey on bread, crumble on some dressing, and smother in gravy, like this hot turkey sandwich.
- Turkey Reuben Panini: If you have a panini press, pile turkey, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut on buttered rye bread slices, and cook to a golden, crispy crunch. Grilling in a skillet will work too. Serve this one with Thousand Island dressing on the side.
- Turkey Salad: Make an easy turkey salad recipe and fill croissants or toasted English muffins!
Storage and Leftovers
Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly and refrigerate up to 1 day for the best texture. Freezing leftovers is not recommended once assembled, but you can freeze leftover turkey for up to 4 months!
Perfect Post Holiday Recipes
Did you enjoy this Turkey Sandwich? Leave us a rating and comment below!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices wheat bread
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 ounces cheddar cheese sliced, provolone or mozzarella
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 4 leaves lettuce
- 6-8 slices deli sliced turkey or 4 slices leftover turkey
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Lightly toast the bread.
- Spread mayonnaise on 2 of the slices of toasted bread.
- Top with cheese, turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes. Season with salt & pepper if desired.
- Spread remaining slices of bread with cranberry sauce and top sandwich.
- Cut in half and serve.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Lunch, Sandwich, Turkey
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
“Kick this up a notch” by using cream cheese instead of mayo! This has been my fave sandwich for decades!!
Yummy idea Jeff, thanks for sharing!
Giving the information with clear details, such as the recipes and explanations. I really learnt a lots about the turkey sandwich. Thank you Holly!!!
Glad you enjoyed it, Steve! Thanks for trying our recipe.
I used your recipe for Roast Turkey Breast for these sandwiches and your other Turkey sandwiches. Yummy
So glad you enjoyed them, Sherry!