Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

I think many of you would agree, one of the best things about Thanksgiving is the Leftover Sandwich the day after. There is no wrong way to make it, but today I'm sharing how I make our leftovers into sandwiches for my family. I figure if I share it with you, maybe you’ll pick up on a way yours can be improved!

First, I use loaves of ciabatta bread because it toasts so well on the stove. This would definitely work well with rolls or any other kind of bread you have, too, but ciabatta is my favorite. Then, I moisten both sides with the cranberry sauce. The stuffing and turkey are the centerpieces of the sandwich, then it is toasted to perfection on the stovetop.

You’ll see that I put some weight on top of the sandwiches while they toast. This is they can warm really evenly all the way through. If you don’t have a weight, you can use a kettle filled with water or a heavy pot. Keep the heat at medium so the bread doesn’t burn, you want to give everything a chance to get nice and warm and softly melt together.

I know some people like to make their sandwiches with gravy, or add leftover vegetables. Like I said, there is really no wrong way to do it. The whole point of this sandwich is to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner for a little while longer. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season full of lots of good food!

Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich

This is an informal title for an informal sandwich. We all make these a hundred different ways the day after Thanksgiving. I figured I’d share how we make our favorite leftover sandwich in case you want a new method for yours!

Makes 4 sandwiches

• 1 loaf Ciabatta bread

• 24 ounces Turkey

• 3 cups stuffing

• 1 ½ cups cranberry Sauce

1. Assemble your sandwiches as follows: Slice the ciabatta into 4 even pieces and split them in half.

2. To make one sandwich: Spread about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce on each side of the bread. Then, on one of the sides top the cranberry sauce with 6 ounces of turkey, and about ¾ cup of the stuffing. Close the sandwich with the other half the bread. Repeat to make remaining sandwiches.

3. Warm a skillet or sandwich press and bring it to medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the hot surface and place a press, or something weighted, on top to flatten the sandwiches a little bit. Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is toasted and the filling is warm. Flip the sandwiches to toast them evenly, cooking them on the other side for about 2 minutes.

4. Remove the sandwiches to a cutting board and slice and serve!

Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.