After Thanksgiving, when you have so much leftover turkey, you don’t want just a boring turkey sandwich. My Thanksgiving 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 turkey sandwich 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!
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 longer than two hours discard the turkey leftovers.
Recommendations for Making the Turkey Sandwich Recipe
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 Pres, 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 Thanksgiving Panini
- 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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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.
Notes
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.
Nutrition
- Want to scale a recipe up or down? Simply type in a new serving amount and the recipe will automatically adjust!
- When a recipe call for House Seasoning Blend, you can use this recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- I always use unsalted butter in my recipes.
- I always use a meat thermometor to test for doneness when cooking meat. This one is my favorite.
- When a recipe is made in the oven, it should be pre-heated to the temperature in the recipe, unless otherwise noted.
- The nutritional information provided in this recipe is an estimate. Learn more on how I calculate nutritional information for my recipes.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
That is a great idea & a nice spin on the regular old leftover turkey sandwich.