Cranberry Turkey Sandwich: A Festive, Flavor-Packed Twist on the Leftover Classic

Why the Leftover Turkey Sandwich Beats the Main Event

I still remember sitting at the Thanksgiving table as a kid, eyes glazed from stuffing overload, but heart secretly waiting for later. Because let’s be honest—nothing hits like a leftover turkey sandwich. Cold or hot, it’s the ultimate holiday encore.

And every year, there’s the debate: mayo or Miracle Whip? I’m firmly on Team Mayo (don’t @ me), but whatever your condiment creed, let’s agree—we can do better than plain cold slices between soft bread. Let’s turn this into a hot, broiled, cheesy masterpiece: the cranberry turkey sandwich you’ll crave before the dishes are even done.

How to Make a Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Melt Sandwich

Use What You’ve Got—But Better

• Leftover turkey (thick slices, not deli-thin)
  
• Cranberry sauce (the real twist here)
  
• Soft cream cheese (plain or flavored)
  
• Mayonnaise (for the broiled top—trust me)
  
• Melt-friendly cheese (like Gouda or Havarti)
  
• Baby spinach or spring mix
  
• Sturdy rolls (ciabatta recommended)
  

This is a turkey melt sandwich meets holiday flair. It’s rich, bright, gooey, and stacked with texture.

The Best Bread for a Broiled Turkey Sandwich

Why Ciabatta Rolls Make a Better Base

Let’s be clear: not all bread is built for broiling.

Recommended:

• Ciabatta rolls (hold up to the broiler, nice crumb)
  

Alternatives:

• Sourdough
  
• Baguette halves
  
• Rustic onion rolls
  

Avoid:

• Super soft sandwich bread—it’ll collapse under the heat and fillings.
  

Chef tip: Lightly toast the bread bottoms before assembling for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step: Hot Oven-Broiled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Cranberry Sauce

1. Get the Oven Hot

Set oven to Broil (High). Middle rack. Not too close to the heat—burned bread is the enemy.

2. Layer Up (The Right Way)

• Split the roll lengthwise.
  
• Bottom half: Spread 2–3 Tbsp cream cheese.
  
• Top half: Spread 1 Tbsp mayonnaise (this is key for that golden finish).
  
• Add thick turkey slices over the cream cheese.
  
• Top with two slices of Gouda (or your preferred cheese).
  

3. Broil Smart

Slide both halves (open-faced) onto a baking sheet. Broil 4–5 minutes.

Watch closely — cheese should melt, and the mayo-top should get golden. Pull earlier if it starts to over-toast.

4. Add Holiday Flair

Once out of the oven:

• Spoon 2–3 Tbsp cranberry sauce on top of the turkey/cheese side.
  
• Add a handful of spinach or spring mix.
  

5. Close It, Cut It, Serve It

Place the top roll over the greens (mayo side down). Press gently. Cut in half for that gorgeous cross-section.

Holiday Sandwich Ideas: Customizing Your Turkey Cranberry Wrap or Panini

Get Creative with Your Layers

• Use flavored cream cheese (cranberry-jalapeño, herb garlic)
  
• Swap Gouda for Havarti, Swiss, or smoked cheddar
  
• Add a scoop of stuffing for a true turkey sandwich with stuffing vibe
  
• Skip the top roll for an open-faced turkey sandwich
  
• Wrap it all up in a tortilla for a turkey cranberry wrap
  
• Use a panini press instead of the oven for a turkey panini with cranberry
  

The combos are endless. Just keep that sweet-savory balance.

Make It a Holiday Habit: Turkey Cream Cheese Slider to Ham & Apple Twist

Make Ahead or Remix

• Turn this into cranberry cream cheese turkey sliders for party trays
  
• Use deli turkey for convenience — but thicker is better
  
• Sub ham and thin apple slices for a ham and apple sandwich version
  
• Want it grilled? Use sourdough and a skillet for a killer grilled turkey sandwich
  

Don’t forget: toasted bread and cheese = flavor multiplier. You’re making an oven broiled sandwich, not a cold lunchbox filler.

FAQ: How to Make Turkey Sandwich Magic

More Recipes to Pair with This Sandwich 

If you’re looking to build a full meal or explore other comfort recipes, check out these:

• For cozy leftovers: use your Thanksgiving leftovers in a perfect chicken pot pie
  
• For a Southern twist: serve alongside southern-style fried catfish for a soul food holiday spread
  
• For sandwich sides: a refreshing Italian spaghetti salad with spinach as a perfect sandwich side
  
• Or a classic pairing: classic pasta salad to complete your holiday leftover lunch plate
  

Conclusion: The Sandwich You’ll Look Forward To More Than the Turkey Dinner

This isn’t just about leftovers—it’s about transformation. You’ve taken basic ingredients and turned them into something craveable, comforting, and seriously satisfying.

So go ahead—make this cranberry turkey sandwich once, and you’ll never look at leftovers the same way again.

Want more chef-worthy home recipes? Follow my Pinterest page

This is the sandwich I want to eat—and now, so will you.

Print