Cozy Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Easy Cranberry Mayo Recipe
A comforting and fresh sandwich using leftover roasted turkey breast paired with a creamy, tangy cranberry mayo. Perfect for cozy fall days and quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 ounces leftover roasted turkey breast, sliced thickly
- 2 slices hearty bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or crusty artisan loaf), toasted
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole cranberry sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 slices sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese (optional)
- A handful of fresh baby spinach or arugula
- 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (for toasting the bread)
Instructions
- Make the cranberry mayo: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons whole cranberry sauce, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently until smooth but still slightly chunky. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
- Prep the bread and turkey: Lay out two slices of your chosen bread. If your turkey slices are large, cut them into sandwich-sized pieces.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spread a generous layer of cranberry mayo on one slice of bread. Layer the turkey slices evenly over the mayo. Add cheese slices on top of the turkey, then scatter a handful of fresh spinach or arugula. Spread the remaining cranberry mayo on the second slice of bread and place it mayo-side down on top to close the sandwich.
- Toast the sandwich: Heat 1 teaspoon of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the sandwich in the pan. Press down slightly with a spatula. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve warm: Remove from skillet and let it rest for 1 minute before slicing in half to keep the layers intact.
Notes
Use freshly carved thick turkey slices for juiciness. Toast bread on medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning and ensure cheese melts. Spread cranberry mayo on both slices of bread for moistness. Let sandwich rest 1 minute before slicing. Variations include gluten-free bread, vegan mayo, adding thin apple slices or toasted nuts for crunch, and swapping turkey for roasted sweet potato or grilled portobello for vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, turkey sandwich, cranberry mayo, leftover turkey recipe, cozy sandwich, quick sandwich, fall recipe