Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich is the perfect next-day meal when you have extra roast turkey and cranberry sauce from a holiday feast. It brings together savory turkey, tangy cranberry, creamy herbed mayo, crisp lettuce, and hearty, nutty bread, delivered in an easy sandwich you’ll enjoy more than you might expect. This recipe gives you a simple, satisfying way to turn leftovers into something fresh and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
You’ll love this sandwich because it transforms leftovers into a standout meal. The nutty bread adds texture and flavor; the herbed mayonnaise elevates simple turkey; the cranberry sauce gives a sweet-tart pop; and the lettuce provides crunch and freshness. It’s quick, no-fuss, and delivers big flavor without much effort. Plus, it uses what you already have, making it economical and waste-friendly.
Ingredients
- 2 slices nutty bread
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Pinch poultry seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- Green leaf lettuce (enough for your sandwich)
- ½lb sliced leftover turkey
- ¼ cup cranberry sauce
Step-by-Step: How to Make Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, chopped chives, a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the herbed mayo mixture onto both slices of nutty bread.
- On one of the slices (mayo-side up), layer in order: cheese (if you wish, optional) → lettuce → sliced leftover turkey → cranberry sauce.
- Place the second slice of bread (mayo-side down) on top to complete the sandwich.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use good quality bread that’s sturdy enough to hold the layers—nutty or seeded bread is ideal.
- Keep the cranberry sauce relatively thick so it doesn’t make the bread soggy.
- If your turkey is very cold, you can briefly warm the slices (in a microwave or skillet) so the sandwich feels more fresh.
- Don’t over-load the sandwich; you want every bite to get a balance of bread, turkey, sauce and mayo.
- If you like a bit of crunch, add thinly sliced red onion or apple for a contrasting texture.
Substitutions And Variations
- Bread: Swap nutty bread for sourdough, whole grain, rye or even a croissant for a richer variation.
- Mayo mixture: You could use plain mayonnaise, or mix in a bit of Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt for tang.
- Turkey substitute: If you don’t have turkey, leftover roast chicken or even turkey deli meat can work.
- Cheese: Add a slice of Havarti, provolone or mild cheddar under the turkey layer if you like melted cheese.
- Cranberry sauce: If you don’t have cranberry sauce, you could use a berry jam or chutney for the sweet-tart element.
- Greens: Swap lettuce for arugula, spinach or baby kale for a different flavor profile.
- Makeit warm: Grill the sandwich in a skillet (butter the outside of bread) to turn it into a warm melt version.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (though this sandwich is best eaten fresh):
- Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Consume within 24hours to avoid bread becoming soggy.
- To reheat: unwrap and warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes per side until warmed through.
- Note: The cranberry sauce may soften the bread over time, so fresh assembly is ideal.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~997kcal
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 72g
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 38g
- Cholesterol: 265mg
- Sodium: 1,396mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 26g
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp side salad (e.g., mixed greens with vinaigrette) to balance richness.
- Pair with crunchy vegetable sticks (carrots, celery) or lightly salted kettle chips for texture contrast.
- A warm bowl of soup (like butternut squash or tomato basil) makes a cozy accompaniment.
- For a brunch twist, serve the sandwich with a side of fresh fruit or an iced tea/lemonade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best eaten immediately because the cranberry sauce and mayo can make the bread soggy if it sits too long. If you must prep ahead, keep the spread (mayo mixture) and cranberry sauce separate from the bread until assembly time.
Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
Absolutely. Canned or homemade cranberry sauce both work fine, just use about ¼cup or adjust to taste.
What if I have no poultry seasoning?
You can replace poultry seasoning with a mix of dried sage, thyme, and a little garlic powder. The idea is to season the mayonnaise to complement the turkey.
Is this sandwich suitable for kids?
Yes, if you skip any toobold flavors (like strong cheese or big chunks of onion) and use bread your child likes, it’s a kid-friendly option for leftovers
Final Thoughts
Thank you for checking out this Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich recipe. I genuinely love how easy it is, yet how full of flavor it turns out—taking ingredients you already have and providing a fresh, delicious lunch or dinner in minutes. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that each bite brings comfort, satisfaction, and a little holidayleftover magic. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of this food-loving community. Enjoy!
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Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
Leftover Cranberry Turkey Sandwich turns holiday leftovers into a craveable, satisfying meal with creamy mayo, turkey, and cranberry sauce on nutty bread.
Ingredients
2 slices nutty bread
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Pinch of poultry seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped chives
Green leaf lettuce
½ lb sliced leftover turkey
¼ cup cranberry sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, poultry seasoning, chopped chives, a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Spread the herbed mayo mixture onto both slices of nutty bread.
- On one of the slices (mayo-side up), layer in order: cheese (if you wish, optional) → lettuce → sliced leftover turkey → cranberry sauce.
- Place the second slice of bread (mayo-side down) on top to complete the sandwich.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Notes
Use sturdy, nutty bread for the best texture. For a warm twist, grill the sandwich like a melt. Add cheese, apples, or arugula for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 997 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Protein: 72 g