This post may contain affiliate links. See our Privacy Policy.
This hot turkey sandwich is the perfect way to enjoy Thanksgiving leftovers in a simple, comforting meal. Warm slices of turkey are piled onto lightly buttered bread and topped with hot gravy for a classic diner-style open-faced sandwich.
This recipe uses stuffing, cranberry sauce, turkey, and gravy, all on one plate. You can always swap out mashed potatoes for the dressing or green bean casserole, or add a side of fruit salad—it’s incredibly versatile.
It’s quick to make, wonderfully satisfying, and pairs beautifully with leftover cranberry sauce or dressing. This is one of those next-day meals that feels just as comforting as the holiday feast itself.
If you are low on gravy, you could make some from a mix or use a jar of turkey gravy. Or make this easy no-drippings gravy.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Uses holiday leftovers. A delicious way to enjoy turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce the next day.
Quick comfort food. Ready in minutes and perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.
Simple ingredients. Just turkey, bread, and gravy—everything else is optional.
Easy to customize. Works with stuffing, rolls, sourdough, or whatever you have on hand.
Ingredient Notes
- Leftover turkey: Sliced turkey heats quickly and stays tender in hot gravy.
- Turkey gravy: Homemade or jarred gravy both work—just heat until simmering.
- Bread: White, wheat, sourdough, or Texas toast all work well; lightly buttered adds richness.
- Salt and pepper: A sprinkle of seasoning brightens the flavors.
- Cranberry sauce: Adds a sweet-tart contrast to the savory gravy.
- Leftover dressing: Optional, but makes the plate feel like a mini Thanksgiving replay.
Steps to Make After the Holiday Hot Turkey Sandwich
- Heat the gravy in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer.
- Place two lightly buttered slices of bread on each plate.
- Top with sliced leftover turkey.
- Pour hot gravy over each serving and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with cranberry sauce and reheated leftover dressing.
Tips
- Warm the turkey slices briefly in the gravy for extra flavor and moisture.
- Toast the bread lightly if you prefer it sturdier under the gravy.
- Use thick-cut deli-style bread for an open-faced presentation.
- If gravy is too thick, thin it with a splash of broth or water as it heats.
- Add a pat of butter to the gravy for an even richer finish.
Recipe Variations
- Classic open-faced turkey sandwich: Serve with the bread sliced thick and cut corner-to-corner.
- Turkey-and-stuffing stack: Layer reheated dressing on the bread before adding turkey.
- Cheesy turkey melt: Add a slice of Swiss or provolone and broil briefly before adding gravy.
- Hot turkey and mashed potatoes: Serve the turkey and gravy over leftover mashed potatoes instead of bread.
- Cranberry mustard version: Spread a thin layer of cranberry mustard on the bread for sweet-tangy flavor.
- Herb upgrade: Add a sprinkle of thyme, parsley, or poultry seasoning to the gravy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with leftover cranberry sauce or relish.
- Pair with a small side of leftover green beans, carrots, or roasted vegetables.
- Add mashed potatoes or dressing on the side for a full post-holiday plate.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, thyme, or a twist of black pepper.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover turkey and gravy separately for 3 to 4 days. Keep bread at room temperature.
Freeze: Turkey and gravy can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm the turkey gently in hot gravy on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
After the Holiday Hot Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients
- ⅓ to ½ cup turkey gravy, homemade or from a jar
- 4 to 6 ounces leftover cooked turkey, sliced
- 3 to 4 tsp butter (optional, for the bread)
- 2 slices bread
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- ½ cup stuffing (optional), heated
- ½ cup leftover mashed potatoes (optional), heated
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Heat about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of turkey gravy in a small saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Add the turkey slices and cook until the meat reaches 165°F.1/3 to 1/2 cup turkey gravy | 4 to 6 ounces leftover cooked turkey
- Butter the bread, if desired, and arrange the slices on a dinner plate. Top the bread with several slices of turkey.3 to 4 tsp butter (optional, for the bread) | 2 slices bread
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of hot gravy over the turkey; sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Serve the hot turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce and add reheated leftover dressing and mashed potatoes, if desired.1/2 cup cranberry sauce | 1/2 cup stuffing (optional) | 1/2 cup leftover mashed potatoes (optional)
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
