The Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipe: A Thanksgiving Classic

Craving a taste of Thanksgiving long after the holiday has passed? Look no further! This leftover turkey sandwich recipe is not only incredibly easy to make, but it also captures the essence of a Thanksgiving feast in every single bite. Inspired by the famous “Bobbie” sandwich from Capriotti’s, this homemade version is just as delicious and satisfying.

What Makes This Leftover Turkey Sandwich So Special?

This isn’t just any ordinary turkey sandwich. We’re talking about a culinary masterpiece crafted from the best Thanksgiving has to offer. It’s the ideal way to transform your holiday leftovers into something truly extraordinary. This recipe focuses on the key elements that make the “Bobbie” sandwich a fan favorite: a harmonious blend of savory and sweet flavors, a creamy texture, and the comforting familiarity of Thanksgiving.

Ingredients for the Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich

Forget complicated recipes and lengthy ingredient lists. This sandwich is all about simplicity and using what you already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own Thanksgiving-inspired delight:

• Soft Rolls or Bread: The foundation of any great sandwich is the bread. Opt for soft, fluffy dinner rolls, your favorite sliced bread, or even a sturdy hoagie roll. The choice is yours!
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise is a must for achieving that authentic “Bobbie” flavor. A generous spread on both sides of the roll adds moisture and richness. Feel free to use your preferred brand or even make your own!
• Shredded Turkey: The star of the show! Finely shredded turkey ensures a perfect texture in every bite. Avoid large chunks that can make the sandwich difficult to eat.
• Cranberry Sauce: Tangy and sweet cranberry sauce provides a burst of flavor that perfectly complements the savory turkey and stuffing. Use homemade or store-bought – both work equally well. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
• Stuffing: The final piece of the puzzle! Add a layer of your favorite stuffing for that classic Thanksgiving taste. If your stuffing contains large pieces of bread, chop it into smaller pieces for easier eating.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. The exact amount of each ingredient will depend on the size of your bread and your personal taste. Think of this as a guide to sandwich perfection, not a rigid set of rules.

Step-by-Step Guide: Assembling Your Dream Sandwich

Now for the fun part! Follow these simple steps to create your own mouthwatering leftover turkey sandwich:

1. Prepare the Roll: Cut the dinner roll (or bread) in half and spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on both sides.
2. Layer the Turkey: On the bottom half of the roll, create a layer of finely shredded turkey. Make sure to distribute it evenly for the best flavor in every bite.
3. Add the Cranberry Sauce: Dollop a generous amount of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. The sweetness and tartness will balance the savory flavors perfectly.
4. Pile on the Stuffing: Add a layer of stuffing on top of the cranberry sauce. Gently press it down to help it adhere to the other ingredients.
5. Top it Off: Place the top half of the roll on top of the stuffing.

Give the sandwich a gentle squeeze to bring all the flavors together. Before you take a bite, consider warming it up for an extra layer of deliciousness (see instructions below).

Serving Options: Warm or Cold?

This leftover turkey sandwich is fantastic served immediately after assembling. The combination of cold ingredients creates a refreshing and satisfying meal.

However, for an extra layer of comfort, consider serving it warm. Here are a few different ways to heat up your sandwich:

• Microwave: Microwave the assembled sandwich for 15-20 seconds for a quick and easy warm-up.
• Oven: Place the sandwich in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 250-degree oven for 10-12 minutes.
• Panini Press: Pop the assembled sandwich on a panini press and cook until warmed through and slightly toasted.
• Toaster Oven: Warm the sandwich in a toaster oven set to 350 degrees for about 3 to 4 minutes.

If you have leftover gravy, this sandwich is absolutely divine dipped in a bowl of warm gravy. However, it’s equally delicious without the gravy, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.

A Sandwich Lover’s Dream

As a self-proclaimed sandwich enthusiast, I can confidently say that this leftover turkey sandwich is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had. Every time I visit Capriotti’s, I order their “Bobbie” sandwich. And now, I can recreate that same deliciousness at home with my Thanksgiving leftovers. I’m already planning on hoarding the leftovers just so I can make this sandwich again and again!

I hope you try this recipe and love it as much as I do! It’s the perfect way to extend the joy of Thanksgiving and enjoy a truly unforgettable sandwich.

Important Note: The quality of this sandwich depends on the quality of the ingredients. For the best results, use fluffy and soft rolls, tender and flavorful turkey, tangy and sweet cranberry sauce, and stuffing that is bursting with flavor (and not soggy!).

Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 fluffy dinner roll (or two slices of bread)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• ½ cup finely shredded turkey
• 2 to 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce
• ¼ to ½ cup stuffing
• Warm gravy, for dipping (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the dinner roll in half and spread both sides with mayonnaise.
2. Layer the bottom half with turkey, cranberry sauce, and stuffing – these ingredients can be chilled or room temperature, depending on your preference. Top with the top half of the roll.
3. Serve immediately or serve warm. To warm the sandwich, microwave the assembled sandwich for 15-20 seconds OR place the sandwich in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 250-degree oven for 10-12 minutes OR pop the assembled sandwich on a panini press and cook until warmed through.
4. If you have leftover gravy, this sandwich is delicious served with a side of warm gravy for dipping.

Recipe Notes

• Turkey: The original sandwich (at Capriotti’s sandwich shop) is made with turkey that is finely shredded (not cubed or chunked).
• Stuffing: If the stuffing (leftover or freshly made) you are using has bread in large pieces, roughly chop the stuffing so it is in small pieces. It will work better in the sandwich that way.
• Ingredient Amounts: All of the ingredient amounts can be varied depending on the size of roll/bread you are using, your taste preferences, etc. Think of this recipe as a guideline to deliciousness more than a hard and fast way to make a sandwich.
• To Serve: This sandwich is delicious served warm or cold. My preference is to serve it lightly warmed.
• Important Disclaimer: This sandwich will only be as delicious as the different components used. So if you want an incredible sandwich, make sure the roll is fluffy and soft, the turkey is tender and flavorful, the cranberry sauce is tangy and sweet, and the stuffing is exploding with flavor (and preferably NOT soggy!).

Recipe Source: Inspired by the “Bobbie” sandwich at Capriotti’s sandwich shop