If there’s one thing I look forward to almost as much as Thanksgiving dinner, it’s making the ultimate leftover turkey sandwich the next day! Thick slices of roasted Thanksgiving turkey, crispy bacon, smoky Gouda cheese, and homemade cranberry mayonnaise are piled high on a crusty hoagie roll for a sandwich that’s anything but ordinary.
The cranberry mayo is what makes this recipe so special. Made with leftover homemade cranberry relish, it adds the perfect sweet and tangy contrast to the salty bacon, creamy cheese, and tender turkey.
Whether you’re using leftover roasted turkey, Thanksgiving smoked turkey, or extra turkey from Christmas dinner, this easy sandwich is a delicious way to turn holiday leftovers into a completely new meal.
For more ways to plan your holiday feast, browse my Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner Menu.
More Turkey Recipes You’ll Love
The Ultimate Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
Is there anything better than a leftover turkey sandwich the day after Thanksgiving?
I really don’t think so!
As much as I love sitting down to a big Thanksgiving dinner with all the traditional fixings, there’s something about those leftovers that I look forward to just as much.
Especially when I can turn them into something as delicious as this sandwich.
I’ve been making this ultimate leftover turkey sandwich for years, and the combination of smoked Gouda, crispy bacon, and cranberry mayonnaise is what makes it so special.
The cranberry mayo is really the star of the show. I mix leftover homemade cranberry relish with mayonnaise to create a sweet and tangy spread that tastes incredible with roasted turkey.
Add smoky cheese, salty bacon, and a little crunch from fresh lettuce, and you’ve got one seriously good sandwich.
It’s one of my favorite ways to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipe
There are plenty of leftover turkey sandwich recipes out there, but this one has a few things that make it extra delicious.
- Ready in minutes: If your bacon is already cooked, the sandwiches come together in about 5 minutes.
- Uses Thanksgiving leftovers: A great way to enjoy extra roasted turkey and cranberry relish without making an entirely new meal.
- Homemade cranberry mayo: The sweet and tangy spread adds so much flavor to every bite.
- Smoky, savory flavor: Crispy bacon and smoked Gouda complement the mild roasted turkey beautifully.
- Easy to customize: Enjoy it cold on a crusty hoagie roll or toast it until the cheese melts.
- Perfect for lunch or dinner: These hearty turkey sandwiches are filling enough to serve as a quick meal.
Ingredients for the Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these delicious turkey sandwiches.
Leftover Turkey
You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked turkey.
I love using thin slices of leftover turkey breast, but shredded turkey and dark meat work just as well.
If you’re making my Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey, save a little extra because the smoky flavor is fantastic in this sandwich.
Crispy Bacon
Eight slices of crispy cooked bacon add a delicious salty crunch.
The combination of bacon and turkey is always a winner, but when you add cranberry mayo and smoked Gouda, it’s even better.
You can cook the bacon ahead of time to make assembling these sandwiches even faster.
Smoked Gouda Cheese
You’ll need 6 slices of smoked Gouda cheese.
Smoked Gouda has a rich, creamy texture and a mild smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with turkey, bacon, and cranberry sauce.
I like to cut the slices in half so they’re easier to layer onto the hoagie rolls.
Mayonnaise
A quarter cup of mayonnaise creates the creamy base for our homemade cranberry mayo.
Use your favorite mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise gives the spread a rich, creamy texture.
Cranberry Relish
You’ll need ¼ cup of leftover cranberry relish.
My Fresh Cranberry Relish with Orange and Apple is my favorite for this sandwich. It has a wonderful sweet-tart flavor that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.
You can also substitute a thick, homemade cranberry sauce if that’s what you have left over from Thanksgiving.
Hoagie Rolls or Baguettes
I use two 12-inch hoagie rolls or baguettes, cut in half to make four sandwiches.
Look for bread with a slightly crusty exterior and a soft enough interior that it doesn’t squeeze all the fillings out when you take a bite.
Romaine Lettuce
Fresh romaine lettuce adds a little color and crunch.
It’s completely optional, but I love the contrast between the crisp lettuce and the rich, savory sandwich fillings.
How to Make Cranberry Mayo for Turkey Sandwiches
Before assembling the sandwiches, let’s make the easiest homemade cranberry mayonnaise.
This is what takes an ordinary leftover turkey sandwich and turns it into something really special!
Ingredients
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cranberry relish
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and leftover cranberry relish.
Stir until the cranberry relish is evenly distributed throughout the mayonnaise.
The finished spread should be creamy, lightly pink, and full of little bits of cranberry.
Taste it and adjust if needed. If you prefer a sweeter cranberry spread, add a little more cranberry relish. If you want it creamier, stir in a little extra mayonnaise.
I love using this cranberry mayo on turkey sandwiches, but it’s also delicious on leftover ham sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, and turkey wraps.
Tip: If you’re using homemade cranberry sauce instead of relish, make sure it’s thick and chilled before mixing it with the mayo so the spread doesn’t become too runny.
How to Make the Ultimate Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Once your cranberry mayo is ready, assembling these Thanksgiving turkey sandwiches couldn’t be easier.
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
If your bacon isn’t already cooked, cook it in a skillet until crispy.
Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess grease.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Mayonnaise
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and cranberry relish until creamy and well combined.
Step 3: Slice the Bread
Cut the two 12-inch hoagie rolls in half crosswise to make four 6-inch portions.
Slice each portion lengthwise without cutting completely through, if you prefer a hinged sandwich.
If you like your turkey sandwich toasted, lightly toast the bread before adding the fillings.
Step 4: Spread on the Cranberry Mayo
Generously spread the homemade cranberry mayo onto both sides of each hoagie roll.
Make sure to spread it all the way to the edges so you get that delicious cranberry flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Layer the Turkey, Cheese, and Bacon
Place the smoked Gouda cheese onto the bottom half of each roll.
Add a generous portion of leftover turkey, followed by two slices of crispy bacon per sandwich.
The smoked cheese, salty bacon, and roasted turkey are what give this sandwich its incredible savory flavor.
Step 6: Add Lettuce and Serve
Finish with fresh shredded romaine lettuce and any additional toppings you love.
Close the sandwich, slice it in half if desired, and enjoy!
You can serve these Thanksgiving leftover turkey sandwiches cold, or toast them for a warm, melty version.
How to Make a Hot Leftover Turkey Sandwich
If you prefer a warm turkey sandwich, this recipe is absolutely delicious toasted.
In fact, the smoked Gouda becomes even better when it’s melted over the leftover turkey!
To make a hot Thanksgiving turkey sandwich:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the split hoagie rolls on a baking sheet.
- Layer the turkey and smoked Gouda onto the bottom halves of the rolls.
- Bake for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through to 165°F and the cheese has melted.
- Remove from the oven and add the crispy bacon, cranberry mayonnaise, and lettuce.
- Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.
You can also make these in a panini press. Just leave the lettuce off until after grilling so it stays crisp.
My favorite tip: If your leftover turkey seems a little dry, warm it with a spoonful of homemade turkey gravy before adding it to the sandwich.
The Best Bread for a Leftover Turkey Sandwich
Bread makes a big difference when you’re making a sandwich with lots of fillings.
You want something sturdy enough to hold all that turkey, bacon, cheese, and cranberry mayo without falling apart.
Here are a few of my favorite options.
Hoagie Rolls: My original choice for this recipe. Soft enough to bite into, but sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
French Baguette: Perfect if you prefer a crustier turkey sandwich with a little extra chew.
Sourdough Bread: Delicious toasted with melted Gouda. The slight tang complements the cranberry mayonnaise.
Ciabatta Rolls: Great for a pressed turkey panini with crispy edges and melted cheese.
Leftover Dinner Rolls: Make miniature turkey sliders using the exact same ingredients. These are especially good for feeding a crowd.
If you’re using crusty bread, I recommend lightly warming it before assembling so it’s easier to bite through.
Tips for Making the Best Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich
A few simple tricks make a big difference when you’re working with leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Thinly slice the turkey. Thin slices make the sandwich easier to eat and help distribute the turkey evenly throughout the bread.
Don’t skip the cranberry mayo. The sweet and tangy spread is what balances all the smoky, salty flavors.
Use crispy bacon. It adds the perfect crunch, especially if you’re using tender leftover turkey.
Choose smoked Gouda. Regular Gouda works, but the smoked version adds an extra layer of flavor.
Toast the bread. Even if you’re making a cold turkey sandwich, lightly toasted bread adds texture and helps prevent sogginess.
Keep the lettuce fresh. Add lettuce just before serving, especially if you’re making a toasted sandwich.
Avoid overfilling. It’s tempting to pile on every leftover in the refrigerator, but keeping the fillings balanced makes this sandwich easier to eat.
Delicious Variations to Try
One of the best things about Thanksgiving leftovers is how easy they are to turn into something different.
Here are a few ways to change up this turkey sandwich recipe.
Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Sandwich
Swap the smoked Gouda for creamy Brie cheese.
Warm the sandwich until the Brie softens, then add cranberry mayo and fresh arugula.
Thanksgiving Turkey and Stuffing Sandwich
Add a scoop of leftover Thanksgiving stuffing to the turkey and cranberry mayo.
My chicken sausage and apple stuffing is especially delicious with roasted turkey.
A little warm turkey gravy makes it even better.
Turkey Bacon Panini
Use sourdough or ciabatta bread, smoked Gouda, and bacon.
Brush the outside of the bread lightly with butter and grill in a panini press until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Add the cranberry mayo after grilling if you prefer a cooler, creamier spread.
Leftover Turkey Sliders
Use soft dinner rolls instead of hoagie rolls to create smaller turkey sandwiches.
These are perfect for an easy lunch when you don’t want a full-size sandwich.
Turkey Sandwich with Cheddar and Apple
Replace the smoked Gouda with sharp white cheddar and add thin slices of crisp apple.
The apple adds sweetness and crunch that goes beautifully with leftover turkey and cranberry mayo.
The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Mayo and Bacon
This ultimate leftover turkey sandwich is piled high with tender roasted Thanksgiving turkey, crispy bacon, smoked Gouda cheese, fresh romaine lettuce, and homemade cranberry mayonnaise on a crusty hoagie roll. An easy and delicious way to use Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey leftovers!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 if using cooked bacon
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 Sandwiches 1x
- Category: Dinner, HOLIDAYS, Lunch
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Ingredients
For the Turkey Sandwiches
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2 cups leftover roasted turkey, sliced or shredded
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8 slices crispy cooked bacon
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6 slices smoked Gouda cheese
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2 (12-inch) hoagie rolls or baguettes
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4 romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
For the Cranberry Mayonnaise
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¼ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup cranberry relish or whole-berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
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Make the cranberry mayo. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and cranberry relish. Stir until creamy and evenly combined. Set aside.
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Prepare the bread. Cut each 12-inch hoagie roll in half crosswise to make four sandwiches. Slice each portion lengthwise, leaving one side attached if desired.
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Spread the cranberry mayo. Generously spread the homemade cranberry mayonnaise onto the inside of each roll.
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Add the smoked Gouda. Layer the smoked Gouda cheese evenly onto the bottom half of each sandwich.
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Layer the turkey. Divide the leftover roasted turkey evenly among the four sandwiches, using approximately ½ cup per sandwich.
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Add the bacon. Place two slices of crispy cooked bacon over the turkey on each sandwich.
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Finish with lettuce. Add fresh romaine lettuce and close the sandwiches.
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Serve. Enjoy immediately, or toast for a warm turkey sandwich with melted smoked Gouda.
Notes
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Best turkey: Leftover roasted or smoked Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully. Use white meat, dark meat, or a combination of both.
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Cranberry mayo: Homemade cranberry relish gives the spread a fresh, sweet-tart flavor. Whole-berry cranberry sauce is a delicious substitute.
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Cheese substitutions: Brie, provolone, Swiss, or sharp white cheddar can replace smoked Gouda.
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For a hot sandwich: Warm the turkey to 165°F and melt the Gouda on the bread in a 350°F oven. Add the bacon, cranberry mayo, and lettuce afterward.
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Bread options: Hoagie rolls, French baguettes, ciabatta, or sourdough all work well.
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Make ahead: Prepare the cranberry mayonnaise and cook the bacon ahead of time. Assemble just before serving to prevent soggy bread.
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Storage: Refrigerate leftover cooked turkey promptly and use within 3–4 days of its original cooking date.
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Serving suggestion: Serve with potato chips, pickles, homemade soup, or a simple salad.
What to Serve with Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
These sandwiches are hearty enough to enjoy on their own, but if you’re making them for lunch or dinner, there are plenty of delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with them.
Thanksgiving Turkey Chowder
My Thanksgiving Soup with Turkey Chowder is a wonderful way to use up even more leftover turkey.
Serve a smaller bowl alongside your sandwich for a cozy day-after-Thanksgiving lunch.
Homemade Potato Salad
A creamy potato salad is always a delicious choice alongside a hearty sandwich.
It’s especially good if you’re serving these turkey sandwiches cold.
Homemade Soup
If you’ve used up the Thanksgiving turkey, a simple bowl of homemade soup is another great option.
Try my Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup for an easy, comforting meal.
Extra Cranberry Relish
Serve a little bowl of fresh cranberry relish on the side.
The bright, tart fruit flavor is a refreshing contrast to the bacon and smoked Gouda.
You can also serve these sandwiches with potato chips, dill pickles, or a simple green salad for a quick lunch.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Sandwiches
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend assembling these sandwiches right before serving.
If you’re preparing them ahead of time, store the components separately.
Leftover turkey: Keep cooked turkey refrigerated at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days of cooking.
Cranberry mayonnaise: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When made with leftover cranberry relish, use it within the safe storage window of the oldest ingredient.
Cooked bacon: Keep refrigerated in a covered container until you’re ready to use it.
Bread and lettuce: Store separately so the bread doesn’t get soggy and the lettuce stays crisp.
If you’ve already assembled a sandwich, refrigerate it promptly. For the best quality, enjoy it as soon as possible.
Do not leave sandwiches containing turkey and mayonnaise sitting at room temperature for more than two hours.
Can You Freeze Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?
I don’t recommend freezing fully assembled sandwiches with cranberry mayonnaise and lettuce because the texture changes after thawing.
However, leftover cooked turkey freezes beautifully.
Divide the turkey into smaller portions and freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers or bags.
That way, you can thaw a portion whenever you’re craving another turkey sandwich.
For best quality, use frozen cooked turkey within approximately 2–6 months.
More Delicious Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers
If your refrigerator is still full of Thanksgiving leftovers, you’re in luck!
There are so many delicious ways to turn extra turkey and holiday side dishes into entirely new meals.
Thanksgiving Soup with Turkey Chowder – A cozy, creamy soup made with leftover turkey and comforting holiday flavors.
Thanksgiving Leftover Jars – A creative way to package turkey, potatoes, vegetables, stuffing, and cranberry sauce in Mason jars for guests to take home.
Fresh Cranberry Relish with Orange and Apple – The sweet and tart cranberry relish I use to make the homemade cranberry mayonnaise in this sandwich.
Turkey Gravy From Scratch – Perfect for warming up leftover roasted turkey or turning this sandwich into a hot, open-faced turkey sandwich.
For even more Thanksgiving dinner ideas, visit my complete Thanksgiving Dinner Menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes on a leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich?
A classic Thanksgiving turkey sandwich usually includes leftover roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and sometimes gravy.
My version features smoked Gouda cheese, crispy bacon, cranberry mayonnaise, and romaine lettuce on a hoagie roll for a sweet, smoky, savory combination.
What cheese goes best with turkey and cranberry sauce?
Smoked Gouda is one of my favorites because its creamy, smoky flavor balances the sweetness of cranberry sauce.
Brie, sharp white cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are also delicious with turkey and cranberry.
Can I use cranberry sauce instead of cranberry relish?
Absolutely!
You can make cranberry mayonnaise using thick cranberry sauce instead of fresh relish. Simply mix equal parts cranberry sauce and mayonnaise until creamy.
Whole-berry cranberry sauce works especially well.
Is a leftover turkey sandwich better hot or cold?
Both are delicious!
A cold turkey sandwich is quick, convenient, and perfect for lunch the day after Thanksgiving.
A toasted turkey sandwich has warm turkey, melted smoked Gouda, and slightly crispy bread, making it a great option for a more comforting meal.
How do you keep a leftover turkey sandwich from getting soggy?
Lightly toast the bread, use a thick cranberry mayonnaise, and assemble the sandwich shortly before serving.
If you’re packing the sandwich for later, keep the cranberry mayo and lettuce separate until you’re ready to eat.
How long is leftover Thanksgiving turkey good for?
Cooked turkey can generally be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days when it has been refrigerated promptly and kept at 40°F or below.
Freeze any extra turkey within that period if you don’t plan to use it.
Can I make this turkey sandwich without bacon?
Yes! The bacon adds smoky, salty flavor and crunch, but you can leave it out.
The smoked Gouda and cranberry mayo still make this a delicious turkey sandwich.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing I look forward to after Thanksgiving dinner, it’s a really good leftover turkey sandwich!
There’s just something about taking all those delicious holiday leftovers and turning them into an entirely different meal.
This ultimate leftover turkey sandwich is one I’ve loved making for years, and the combination of tender roasted turkey, crispy bacon, smoked Gouda, and sweet-tart cranberry mayonnaise never gets old.
It’s quick, easy, and exactly what I want to eat the day after spending hours in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
Whether you enjoy yours piled high on a crusty hoagie roll or toasted until the cheese is melted and gooey, I think you’ll love this easy way to use leftover turkey.
And if you’re looking for even more holiday recipes and Thanksgiving inspiration, don’t forget to browse my Ultimate Thanksgiving Dinner Menu.
