Quick Meals

Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

This simple leftover turkey cranberry sandwich turns last night’s roast into a bright, satisfying lunch. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs with savory turkey and crisp lettuce for a mix of flavors and textures: soft bread, tender turkey, a jammy smear of cranberry, and a cool crunch from greens. It takes minutes to build and makes a colorful plate that smells faintly of warm turkey and sweet fruit.

You might also enjoy a warm slider version like these Havarti cranberry turkey sliders for a change of pace.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (optional 3–5 minutes to toast or warm turkey)
Total Time: 5 minutes (or 8–10 minutes if toasting/warming)
Servings: 1 sandwich
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 700 mg

Why Make This Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

This sandwich is fast, delicious, and forgiving. It refreshes leftover turkey with a sweet cranberry kick and adds crunch from lettuce or spinach. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner. The flavors are familiar but bright — sweet cranberry, savory turkey, creamy mayo (if used), and the fresh snap of greens. It’s also easy to customize to what you have on hand.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

This recipe is assembly-focused. Gather your bread, sliced leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, and greens. Decide whether you want the bread toasted or the turkey warmed. Then spread, layer, season, and serve. The whole process is quick and clean, with a great balance of tastes and textures.

Ingredients:

sliced leftover turkey
cranberry sauce
bread (your choice)
lettuce or spinach
mayonnaise (optional)
salt and pepper

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Start by preparing your ingredients. If you want warm turkey, heat slices in a microwave for 20–30 seconds or briefly warm them in a skillet with a tiny drizzle of oil. Choose your bread and wash the lettuce or spinach. If using mayonnaise, have it ready to spread.

Step 2: Mixing

Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread (if using). Layer sliced turkey on one slice of bread, arranging the slices so they slightly overlap for even coverage. Add a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey and spread gently if you prefer it more even.

Step 3: Cooking

(Optional) Toast the bread lightly before assembly for extra crunch. Or after assembling, grill the sandwich in a skillet for 1–2 minutes per side to warm and meld the flavors. If you warmed the turkey already, no further cooking is needed.

Step 4: Finishing

Place lettuce or spinach over the cranberry sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the second slice of bread, mayo side down. Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.

How to Serve Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Serve the sandwich warm or cold. Pair it with crisp chips, a simple green salad, or a bowl of soup. For a picnic, wrap it in parchment to keep the bread from getting soggy. Garnish with a sprig of thyme or a few extra cranberries for a festive touch.

How to Store Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Short term: If unassembled, store leftover turkey and cranberry sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Assembled, refrigerated: Wrap tightly and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours; bread may soften.
Freezing: Not recommended after assembly (bread and lettuce won’t hold up). Freeze turkey slices separately for up to 2–3 months.
Reheat tip: Warm turkey gently in a microwave or skillet before assembling to keep texture tender.

Expert Tips for Perfect Leftover Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Use day-old bread or toast fresh bread to prevent sogginess.
Warm the turkey slightly for better aroma and softer texture.
Spread cranberry sauce thinly if you prefer less sweetness, or add a second thin layer of mayo to balance tang.
Choose hearty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or whole-grain) for better structure.
Add a slice of cheese (cheddar or Havarti) and melt briefly for a richer sandwich.
Season turkey lightly — a pinch of black pepper and a dash of salt heighten flavor.
If cranberry sauce is very runny, drain slightly on a spoon before adding.

Delicious Variations

Turkey Melt: Add a slice of sharp cheddar and grill the sandwich until the cheese melts.
Crunchy Apple: Add thin apple slices for juicy crunch and extra sweetness.
Herb Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with chopped fresh tarragon or thyme for an herb-forward spread.
Spicy Kick: Add a smear of Dijon or a few drops of hot sauce for heat.
Wrap Style: Use whole-wheat tortilla, layer ingredients, and roll tightly for a portable wrap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned cranberry sauce?
A: Yes. Canned cranberry sauce works well and is convenient. Homemade cranberry sauce can be more textured and less sweet. Either option tastes great.

Q: How much turkey should I use per sandwich?
A: Aim for 2–3 ounces (about 2–4 slices) of turkey for a balanced bite. Use more if you want a meatier sandwich.

Q: Will the sandwich get soggy if I add cranberry sauce?
A: To avoid sogginess, spread mayonnaise on one slice to create a barrier, or toast the bread first. Also add cranberry sauce just before serving.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace turkey with roasted mushrooms, a slice of grilled halloumi, or a thick layer of roasted sweet potato for a vegetarian version.

Q: Is it okay to pack this for lunch?
A: Pack turkey, cranberry sauce, and greens separately and assemble at lunchtime for the freshest texture. If you must assemble, use sturdy bread and eat within a few hours.

Q: How long will leftover turkey keep for sandwiches?
A: Cooked turkey kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container is safe for 3–4 days. Freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

This leftover turkey cranberry sandwich is an easy, satisfying way to revive Thanksgiving-style flavors any day of the week. Its mix of sweet, savory, and crisp textures makes each bite bright and comforting. For another simple take on the same idea, see LEFTOVER CRANBERRY TURKEY SANDWICH + WonkyWonderful for extra inspiration. Give it a try — it’s fast, tasty, and a great way to enjoy leftovers.