Leftover Turkey Panini (Thanksgiving Sandwich)
Forget the turkey dinner. This Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Panini is what I look forward to the next day! I’ve been making some version of this sandwich for close to 20 years, piling leftover turkey and stuffing between slices of buttered bakery bread, then pressing it until golden and crispy. Add cranberry sauce if you’ve got some, warm up a little gravy for dipping, and you’ve got my favorite part of Thanksgiving. 😂
- Serves: 1
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 slices bakery bread (I prefer Italian)
- Butter, for spreading
- Leftover turkey, shredded or chopped
- Leftover stuffing or dressing
- Cranberry sauce, optional
- Leftover turkey gravy, for dipping
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions.
Step 1: Shred the leftover turkey by hand or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Butter one side of each slice of bakery bread.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of stuffing on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Pile on the turkey and add a little cranberry sauce, if using. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Step 3: Place the sandwich in a preheated panini press and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the filling is heated through.
Step 4: While the sandwich cooks, warm the leftover gravy in the microwave or a small saucepan. Serve alongside the hot panini for dipping.
🍋 Simply Made Suggestions
- No panini press? Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and cook the sandwich for 3–5 minutes per side, gently pressing down with a spatula until golden brown and heated through.
- Don’t overstuff it: Tempting as it is to pile on every last Thanksgiving leftover, leave enough room for the sandwich to press properly without everything spilling out.
🥪 Before You Go…
Need a turkey to make those leftovers happen? Start with our Oven Roasted Turkey with Gravy, then check out our Thanksgiving Dinner Menu & Cooking Timeline to plan the whole feast. For more sandwich inspiration, try our Cuban Sandwich or Pulled Pork Sandwich.
Leftover Turkey Panini with Stuffing
Ingredients
- 2 slices bakery bread (I prefer Italian)
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 3 oz leftover turkey (shredded or chopped)
- ⅓ cup leftover stuffing/dressing
- leftover cranberry sauce (optional)
- 3 Tbsp gravy (for dipping)
Instructions
- Shred the leftover turkey by hand or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Butter one side of each slice of bakery bread.
- Spread a thin layer of stuffing on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Pile on the turkey and add a little cranberry sauce, if using. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
- Place the sandwich in a preheated panini press and cook for 5–10 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the filling is heated through.
- While the sandwich cooks, warm the leftover gravy in the microwave or a small saucepan. Serve alongside the hot panini for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
- Bread: Italian bakery bread is my favorite, but any sturdy sliced bakery bread works.
- Cranberry sauce: Optional! Add as much or as little as you like.
- No panini press? Cook in a skillet over medium-low heat for 3–5 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula.
- Gravy: Warm leftover gravy and serve on the side for dipping.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
