This hot turkey sandwich is the ultimate comfort food! We’re talking thick-sliced turkey, warm gravy and soft, squishy bread – it’s sandwich heaven.
Whether you’re using leftovers from Thanksgiving dinner or freshly cooked turkey breast, this simple recipe comes together in minutes and tastes just like a cozy holiday dinner.
There are few things cozier than a post-Thanksgiving hot turkey sandwich. But honestly, I’ll eat them all season long if I can!
We all have our favorite little additions when it comes to hot turkey sandwiches, and I hope you’ll try mine, because once you try my secret ingredient you’ll never have it any other way.
Fair warning: this recipe makes one monster-sized sandwich. Big enough for two, but I’ll never judge.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Perfect for leftover turkey: This is one of the best ways to use leftover turkey after a holiday meal. Instead of serving the same turkey dinner again, transform it into something delicious and new.
- Quick and easy: With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can have an easy dinner ready in about 10 minutes.
- Rich, savory gravy: Leftover gravy makes this recipe even easier, but you can also use prepared gravy.
- Customizable: Use white bread, whole wheat, Texas toast, or French bread. You can even add provolone cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Budget-friendly: You don’t need to make a special trip to the grocery store. This recipe works with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Comfort food at its best: Warm bread, tender turkey and hot gravy make this a cozy meal that’s especially welcome on a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- Cooked turkey: Use leftover turkey breast or any cooked turkey you have available. You can even get it from the deli. I like thick slices, but if you like them thin, that works too.
- Bread: White bread is a classic choice for a hot turkey sandwich, and we’re using an extra slice just to be… extra.
- Turkey gravy: Use leftover gravy from your holiday dinner or make gravy from a mix in 5 minutes.
- Horseradish: This is my secret ingredient that takes an ordinary hot turkey sammie over the top. Trust me.
How to Make a Hot Turkey Sandwich
Spread the Horseradish First
Take two slices of white bread and divide the horseradish between them. Spread a thin layer onto one side of each bread slice.
Warm the Turkey and the Gravy
If you have leftover gravy, simply reheat it in a small saucepan or microwave. Preparing gravy from a mix takes 5 minutes on the stovetop, which is very easy to do. Then, either warm the turkey directly in the gravy, or warm it separately in the microwave.
I like to leave the turkey and gravy separate so I can pour the gravy over the whole sandwich just before serving.
Build this Monster Sandwich
Place half the of the warmed turkey onto a horseradish-topped slice of bread. Place the other horse-radish topped slice of bread over the turkey. Then, place the rest of the turkey on top of it.
Finish with the remaining plain slice of bread.
Gravy the Sandwich
Now, pour your hot gravy over the entire sandwich. Grab a knife and fork, and dig in!
Serving Suggestions
- French fries: A side of fries adds a crispy contrast to the soft bread and savory gravy. Sweet potato fries are fitting, but any kind will do!
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a natural pairing, especially if you love extra gravy.
- Sweet potatoes: Roasted sweet potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes provide a slightly sweet contrast to the savory turkey.
- Green beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans make a simple vegetable side that balances the richness of the gravy.
- Cranberry sauce: A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart flavor that brings back all the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve with carrots, Brussels sprouts, or other seasonal vegetables for a comforting turkey dinner..
Variations
1. Make it open-faced. Forget the top slice of bread and enjoy it open-faced, like I remember having as a kid.
2. Add cheese. My second favorite addition to a hot turkey sandwich, aside from the horseradish, is a few slices of sharp provolone cheese. It’s got to be sharp!
3. Change the bread. If you want a sandwich you can hold with your hands, try a kaiser roll, hoagie roll or thick-sliced, toasted sourdough.
4. Add more leftovers. Pile on some leftover stuffing, cranberry sauce or even mashed potatoes for the ultimate leftover sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions
White bread is the traditional choice because it softens beautifully under hot gravy. Texas toast is thicker and heartier, while whole wheat bread offers a nuttier flavor. French bread and hamburger buns are great alternatives if you prefer a sandwich that’s easier to pick up.
Absolutely! Leftover turkey is ideal for this recipe. Both white and dark meat work well, although turkey breast is especially easy to slice.
Definitely. If you don’t have leftover gravy from your Thanksgiving dinner, store-bought gravy is the next best thing. Make it from a mix packet or buy it in a jar for even easier heating.
Toast the bread until golden brown and assemble the sandwich right before serving. You can also serve the gravy on the side for dipping. If you love the traditional soft texture of an open-faced hot turkey sandwich, let the gravy soak into the bread just enough to soften it without completely falling apart.
Gravy is what makes this recipe special, but you can use a little warm chicken broth mixed with butter and seasonings to moisten the turkey. For the classic comfort food experience, though, a generous helping of hot gravy is the way to go.
When you make this hot turkey sandwich, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more sandwich recipes, try these:
Hot Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients
- 10 oz. carved or deli turkey meat
- 1 cup turkey gravy
- 3 slices white bread
- 1 Tbsp. horseradish
Instructions
- Spread horseradish onto 2 of the 3 slices of white bread.
- Warm the turkey and shred it with forks. Place half of the turkey on top of one horseradish-topped slice of bread. Place the other horseradish-topped slice on top of the turkey, and put the remaining turkey onto it. Then, top it all with the plain slice of bread.
- Warm the turkey gravy and gently pour it over top of the sandwich. Serve warm.
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