I love making Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich from holiday leftovers when I want comfort food fast. Buttered sourdough turns golden and crispy while Gouda melts over the turkey. Tangy Dijon and sweet cranberry sauce balance perfectly, and arugula adds freshness. It tastes so good you’ll look forward to Thanksgiving just for the leftovers.
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I make these the day after Thanksgiving, for casual lunches during the holiday weekend, and at family gatherings when I need something easy and comforting. They come together in minutes and everyone loves them. The assembled sandwiches stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to a month.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make a Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ll walk you through assembling the best Thanksgiving sandwich so the bread gets crispy while the cheese melts perfectly.
Prep the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of sourdough. On the other side, spread mayonnaise on two slices and Dijon mustard on the remaining two. I like using this offset spatula to make spreading butter and condiments easier and keeps your bread from tearing.
The butter helps the bread toast evenly in the pan, while the mayo adds richness, and the mustard brings tang that cuts through the sweet cranberry sauce.
Build the Sandwiches
Layer the turkey and Gouda on the mustard-spread pieces of bread. Make sure the turkey is distributed evenly so every bite has protein and melted cheese.
Toast Until Golden
Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the assembled slices of sourdough bread in the pan, butter side down, and cook until lightly toasted.
You’ll know they’re ready when the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
Add the Toppings
Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey and cheese, and add the arugula. I always rinse my arugula in a silicone collapsible colander first to remove any grit, then pat it dry so it doesn’t make the sandwich soggy.
The cranberry sauce should be at room temperature so it spreads easily without cooling down the melted cheese. The arugula wilts slightly from the warm turkey but still keeps its peppery bite.
Close and Serve
Top with the mayo-spread slices to close the sandwiches. Press down gently with your spatula so everything melds together.
Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
If you’re packing these for lunch or taking them to a potluck, wrap them in parchment paper or foil while they’re still warm, then pack them in an insulated casserole carrier to keep them warm for a few hours.
Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 slices sourdough toasted
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cups leftover roasted turkey
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 slices Gouda cheese
- ¼ cup arugula packed
Instructions
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the other side, spread mayonnaise on two slices and Dijon mustard on the remaining two.2 tablespoons butter, 4 slices sourdough, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Layer the turkey and Gouda on the mustard-spread slices.2 cups leftover roasted turkey, 2 slices Gouda cheese
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Place the assembled slices in the pan, butter side down, and cook until lightly toasted.
- Spoon cranberry sauce over the turkey and cheese, and add the arugula.½ cup cranberry sauce, ¼ cup arugula
- Top with the mayo-spread slices to close the sandwiches.
- Serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
- Use thick-cut sourdough: Thin bread soaks up the cranberry sauce and doesn’t hold up to grilling, so choose slices at least ½-inch thick.
- Warm the turkey first: Cold turkey straight from the fridge won’t heat through by the time the bread toasts, so microwave it for 30 seconds before assembling.
- Layer strategically: Put the cheese directly on the turkey so it melts from the residual heat and creates a barrier that keeps the bread from getting soggy.
- Don’t overfill: Too much cranberry sauce makes the sandwiches messy and hard to flip, so stick to about 2 tablespoons per sandwich.
- Press gently while cooking: Use your spatula to press down on the sandwiches while they toast so the cheese melts faster and everything melds together.
- Flash freeze for meal prep: Wrap assembled sandwiches individually in plastic wrap and freeze on a baking sheet for 1 hour before transferring to a freezer bag so they don’t stick together.
Nutrition
How to Store Leftovers
Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through and the cheese melts again, or pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
For freezer storage, wrap each leftover Thanksgiving sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. These freezer-safe glass containers with tight-sealing lids work perfectly for stacking multiple sandwiches without them sticking together.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture stays best if you reheat them in a skillet rather than the microwave, which can make the bread soggy.
What to Serve With Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
I love serving these with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or leftover mashed potatoes crisped up in a skillet. The sandwiches are filling on their own, so lighter sides work best. A warm bowl of tomato soup or butternut squash soup makes this feel like a cozy diner meal.
For drinks, iced tea, apple cider, or a light beer complements the rich flavors without overwhelming them. If you’re serving these for a casual gathering, set out extra cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, pickles, or chips on the side so everyone can customize their plates.
More Easy Turkey Recipes for You to Try at Home
I think you’ll also love these other easy turkey recipes I’ve got:
