This leftover Turkey Panini is a great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers that the whole family will love. With layers of leftovers smooshed into a crispy sandwich, this sandwich has it all!
After Thanksgiving, when you have so much leftover turkey, you don’t want just a boring turkey sandwich, this is one of my favorite go to Thanksgiving leftover recipes.
This Thanksgiving Turkey Panini is a wonderful way to use all the leftovers in a hot turkey sandwich which everyone will love.
Why This Thanksgiving Panini Works
Everyone loves Thanksgiving Dinner but even the best cooks can be disheartened by what to do with all the leftovers. This is one of my family’s favorite turkey sandwich recipes, it will make even the most finicky eaters taste buds sing.
After all, what could be better then tender turkey encased into two toasty pieces of bread with gooey cheddar cheese! This makes for an amazing turkey panini everyone will love.
How to Make The Thanksgiving Panini- Step by Step
- First, spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Next, apply mayo on the other side.
- Then, place once slice of bread, butter side down, onto a panini press or hot skillet. Next, top with slices of leftover turkey.
- Follow with a spoonful (or two) of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey. Next, place a layer of stuffing on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Then top with cheddar cheese.
- Finally, place remaining slice of bread, mayo side down, on top and grill until toasted on both sides.
How Long Can I Keep Leftover Cook Turkey
According to the Food and Drug Administration, refrigerated turkey leftovers are usually considered safe to eat within three to four days after initial cooking.
Remember to store everything properly within two hours of cooking in air tight containers. If out for more than two hours discard the turkey leftovers.
Recommendations for Making the Turkey Sandwich Recipes
You need a sturdy bread, nothing too light and airy. Focaccia, hard rolls, ciabatta or whole grain breads work well.
If you don’t have a Panini Press, you can use a large skillet, with another heavy skillet on top or a brick wrapped in foil works well to create your Thanksgiving Panini.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hot Turkey Sandwich
- Use Leftover Gravy: Put a cup of leftover gravy on the side for dipping your hot turkey sandwich
- Try a Different Cheese: I like to use Cheddar Cheese in this recipe but you can use any good melting cheese.
- Add Ham: Try adding a few slices of ham to the sandwich to make a Monte Cristo type sandwich.
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Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below! 
Thanksgiving Panini
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick bread
- Butter
- Mayo
- turkey
- stuffing
- cranberry sauce
- Cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Spread mayo on the other side.
- Place once slice of bread, butter side down, onto a panini press or hot skillet.
- Top with slices of leftover turkey.
- Spread a spoonfull (or two) of cranberry sauce on top of the turkey.
- Place a layer of stuffing on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Top with cheddar cheese.
- Place remaining slice of bread, mayo side down, on top.
- Grill until toasted on both sides.
- Use a sandwich press (or a plate and sauce pan) to press down on the sandwich while it's cooking.
Expert Tips
Try a Different Cheese: I like to use Cheddar Cheese in this recipe but you can use any good melting cheese.
Add Ham: Try adding a few slices of ham to the sandwich to make a Monte Cristo type sandwich.
Thanks for the idea! This is going to be delicious.
Thank you so much for this really tasty Panini recipe! Super easy to make, will surely have this again! Highly recommended!
Such a great turkey recipe!
I live paninis! This was a great one. I’ll definitely be saving and making again.
Crispy, savory Thanksgiving leftover perfection! This is a fabulous sandwich and leftovers never tasted so good.
That is a great idea & a nice spin on the regular old leftover turkey sandwich.