Real talk: Thanksgiving day gets all the attention when it comes to food content, but I think it’s time we show some love for those few days post-holiday. And what better way to celebrate leftovers than with these insanely delicious Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches.

We all work too hard prepping all the yummy sides, mains and desserts to let it all go to waste. Plus, I imagine most of us end up leaving our family and friend gatherings with at least one Tupperware of leftovers.

So we might as well put everything to good use and make these sandwiches to fuel us for whatever Black Friday and the weekend has in store – shopping, decorating for Christmas, or just taking it easy at home with the fam, because that’s totally ok too.

THE ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD TURKEY SANDWICHES

Real talk part 2: these Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are the ultimate comfort food. Dare I say they taste even better than the fresh plate you’ll make on the big day?

I mean… leftover turkey & gravy, melty cheese, crispy bacon, honey crisp apples, pesto and the tastiest greens mixture – all sandwiched between two toasty pieces of sourdough?! Say less!

It’s seriously the most insane combo and the best way to step up your Thanksgiving leftovers. Because any sandwich that involves leftover turkey and gravy is bound to be perfection.

THE LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICHES OF YOUR DREAMS

Packed with protein, healthy fats, tons of nutrients and just so much deliciousness, my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches make for the perfect lunch or dinner those next few days.

Because let’s be honest, by the time that post-holiday period rolls around, we’re all likely needing a break in the kitchen. This takes about 25 minutes to whip up, which is ideal.

But what’s really great about this recipe is it’s actually less of a “recipe” and more so meant to serve as inspo for whatever your ideal leftover turkey sammie is. Want to add some roasted veggies or swap the pesto for cranberry sauce? Feel free! I’ve got more ideas below, but you get the idea.

Anyways, I know you’re going to love this one, so I wanted to share it ahead of time so you can properly stock yourself up before/on the big day. You can thank me later 🙂

I hope you guys have the best holiday season! Enjoyyy.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Greens:

• Baby arugula 
• Small red onion
• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar 
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Dried oregano 

Bread:

• Sourdough bread
• Ghee

Turkey:

• Shredded leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken 
• Turkey gravy (try my Bone Broth Gravy – it’s gluten and dairy-free!)
• Freshly cracked black pepper

To Assemble: 

• Pepita pesto 
• Honey crisp apples
• Goat cheddar cheese slices
• No-sugar added bacon (cooked and cooled)

HOW TO MAKE MY THANKSGIVING LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICHES

Preheat the oven to 375.

Make the Greens:

In a medium bowl, add the arugula, onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to combine and set aside.

Prep the Bread:

Add the sourdough to a baking sheet. Spread 1 tablespoon of ghee across each slice of bread, coating the front and back of each slice.

Transfer to the oven and bake on the middle rack for about 10 minutes, flipping the bread halfway through, cooking until golden but slightly soft. 

For the Turkey:

Meanwhile, warm the turkey. In a medium skillet over medium-low, add the turkey, turkey gravy, and pepper. Heat until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. 

To Assemble:

To each slice of toasted bread, add 1 tablespoon of the pepita pesto, spreading it into a thin layer to coat the entire slice.

For each sandwich, add ½ of the sliced apple to one of the slices, cover with 2 slices of bacon, and one slice of cheese.

To the other slice, add ½ of the turkey mixture and cover with the other slice of cheese.

Repeat to assemble the other sandwich.

Transfer the sheet back to the oven on the upper rack. Turn the broiler on high and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 1 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully so it doesn’t get burnt! Remove from the oven.

To each sandwich’s side with the turkey, pile on ½ of the greens mixture. Top with the other slice and press down. Slice in a diagonal. Enjoy!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

Feel free to get creative with any other additions to this sandwich. For example, option to add stuffing, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or cranberry sauce. Whatever you prefer!

Basically, this sandwich can and totally should serve as a starting place for a foolproof leftover sammie of your dreams. Let me know in the comment section below any other combos you try and love too!

HOW LONG IS LEFTOVER TURKEY GOOD FOR?

Once the turkey is cooked, I’d recommend using up leftovers within 3-4 days so that the turkey is still good. Be sure to store it in the fridge in the airtight container, and don’t be afraid to get creative with how you use up the turkey and/or all of your leftovers! These Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are just one, but incredibly delish, idea for starters.

WHAT IS THE BEST BREAD FOR LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICHES?

My preferred option is sourdough – it’s generally my go-to for all sandwiches and holds up the best with all the thanksgiving leftover ingredients.

But feel free to use whatever you like (gluten-free works too if needed!). You could even try making these sandwiches into a wrap if you’d like (Siete Foods wraps are my favorite).

LOOKING FOR MORE YUMMY COMFORT FOOD SANDWICHES? TRY THESE:

Avocado Turkey Pesto Paninis  

Roasted Tomato Basil Soup & Grilled Cheese

Grilled Honey Chipotle Chicken & Avo Melts

Toasty Baguette Steak Sandwiches with Chimichurri

Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich for a Crowd