This recipe is perfect for those who want to savor the flavors of a traditional holiday meal in a more casual setting. The hot turkey sandwich is a staple comfort food, making it the perfect choice for a cozy weekend lunch or a quick weeknight dinner. With tender, savory turkey, rich gravy, and crisp, toasted bread, this is a dish that is sure to satisfy.
In this recipe, we'll be using four main ingredients. Chances are, you already have bread and mayonnaise at your home, but you might need to pick up some turkey and gravy. While you can use leftover turkey from a previous meal, you can also purchase pre-cooked turkey slices from the deli section of your supermarket. For the gravy, you can make your own from scratch or opt for the convenience of canned gravy.
Ingredients for the Delicious Hot Turkey Sandwich
Bread: In this recipe, the bread acts as the vessel for our sandwich. You can use any type of bread that you prefer, but a hearty whole grain or sourdough bread can add an extra layer of flavor.
Mayonnaise: This condiment adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the sandwich, enhancing the overall taste.
Gravy: The gravy is what makes this sandwich 'hot'. It adds moisture and a savory flavor to the turkey. You can use homemade or store-bought gravy.
Turkey: This is the star of our sandwich. Using pre-cooked turkey makes this recipe quick and easy, but you can also use leftover turkey.
One reader, Deedee Rhodes says:
This hot turkey sandwich recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender turkey and savory gravy is simply divine. The mayo adds a creamy touch, and when it's all sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread, it's pure bliss. I highly recommend trying this recipe - it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Techniques Required for Making a Delicious Hot Turkey Sandwich
How to heat the gravy: In a small saucepan, heat the gravy until it reaches a boiling point.
How to cook the turkey slices: Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the turkey slices to the gravy. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through.
How to toast the bread: Place the bread in a toaster or under the broiler until it reaches the desired level of toasting.
How to spread the mayonnaise: Using a knife or spatula, spread the mayonnaise evenly on the toasted bread slices.
How to assemble the sandwich: Place the turkey slices on top of the mayonnaise-covered bread and pour extra gravy over the turkey. Top with the remaining bread slices to complete the sandwich.
You would think that after Thanksgiving Day, everyone would be done with turkey. But, to be honest, what I always look forward to are the holiday leftovers. My hot turkey sandwich recipe is one that my family often looks forward to having me make the day after.
For this hot turkey sandwich recipe with gravy, I used leftover turkey. But you can also grab deli turkey from the grocery store and make it anytime. It comes together with a few slices of bread, mayonnaise, and gravy. All of these you probably already have from your Thanksgiving dinner! And have I got a few tips on how to make the best hot turkey sandwich and keep it moist. After all, “dry” just isn’t the best word to describe a sandwich.
For starters, we don’t only rely on spreads to add flavor to sandwiches — you can also use them to add and seal in moisture. Mayonnaise is great, but you can also use pestos, BBQ sauces, butter, cream cheese, and mustard. They also double as a barrier to stave off sogginess. Toasting the bread is a clever trick, too.
Do NOT add wet ingredients like pickles, tomatoes, and cucumbers right away! Simply add them to the sandwich when you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Lettuce lends moisture, crunch, and a fresh taste to your sandwich. It is, however, prone to wilting when left for extended periods, making your bread soggy. So, you also might want to add it later.
Although the recipe calls for any kind of bread, I would advise against using soft, fluffy bread. As a rule of thumb, the moister the filling, the drier and denser the bread should be, like bagels and sourdoughs. For the final touch and the star ingredients of the sandwich: turkey and gravy. Simply heat the leftover gravy. You can also try melting some butter and sauteing onions before adding the gravy. Add the sliced cooked turkey and heat until the meat is completely coated and heated through.
Hot turkey sandwiches work well as an easy lunch or dinner option. It is traditionally served with mashed potatoes, but you can also try a variety of other side dishes like steamed vegetables or green salads. Add cheese to your sandwich for that satisfying cheese pull, and extra stuffing like bacon and sausage to make it more filling. Really, the possibilities are endless with this classic sandwich! Arrange everything on a plate, and voila! Personally, serving your hot turkey sandwich open-faced is the best way to have this Thanksgiving leftover.
How To Make Hot Turkey Sandwich
Got leftover turkey from the holidays? Turn it into a mouthwatering hot turkey sandwich! You only need 4 ingredients to make this easy recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4slicesbread,any kind
- 4tbspmayonnaise
- 1⅓cupsgravy,leftover, canned, or homemade
- 10ozturkey,leftover or sliced deli turkey
Instructions
-
Heat the gravy in a small saucepan until boiling.
-
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the turkey slices. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through
-
Toast the bread and spread with mayonnaise.
-
Top with the turkey slices and extra gravy.
Recipe Notes
If desired, replace the bread with leftover mashed potatoes. Combine 2 cups of leftover mashed potatoes and 2 eggs. Form into 4 patties and fry in butter or olive oil, until crisp on each side.
Nutrition
- Calories: 557.37kcal
- Fat: 32.11g
- Saturated Fat: 5.84g
- Trans Fat: 0.10g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8.51g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 16.29g
- Carbohydrates: 28.42g
- Fiber: 2.32g
- Sugar: 3.53g
- Protein: 36.89g
- Cholesterol: 113.32mg
- Sodium: 620.01mg
- Calcium: 92.73mg
- Potassium: 420.17mg
- Iron: 3.24mg
- Vitamin A: 24.10µg
- Vitamin C: 0.12mg
Technique Tip for Elevating Your Hot Turkey Sandwich
When heating the gravy and turkey together, be sure to stir occasionally to ensure the turkey is evenly coated and absorbs the flavors. This will also prevent the gravy from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Additionally, toasting the bread before assembling the sandwich will provide a nice crunch and prevent it from getting soggy from the gravy.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Prep ahead: Prepare the gravy and turkey slices in advance to save time when assembling the sandwich.
Use pre-cooked turkey: Utilize leftover turkey or store-bought pre-cooked turkey to cut down on cooking time.
Multi-task: While the gravy is heating, toast the bread and spread with mayonnaise to maximize efficiency.
Keep it simple: Stick to basic ingredients and straightforward steps to streamline the sandwich-making process.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp knife makes slicing the turkey easier and quicker, saving time during preparation.
Organize your workspace: Arrange all the ingredients and utensils in an orderly manner to work more efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Hot Turkey Sandwich Recipe
bread - Substitute with ciabatta: Ciabatta has a chewy texture and a slightly sour flavor, which can add an interesting twist to the sandwich.
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a tangy creaminess similar to mayonnaise, but with a healthier twist.
gravy - Substitute with mushroom sauce: Mushroom sauce can add a rich, savory flavor that complements the turkey well, providing a delicious alternative to gravy.
turkey - Substitute with chicken: Chicken can be used as a substitute for turkey, offering a similar texture and flavor profile for the sandwich.
Best Presentation Ideas for a Delicious Hot Turkey Sandwich
Elevate the bread: Choose a high-quality artisanal bread, such as a sourdough or a rustic whole grain loaf, to add texture and flavor to the sandwich.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the sandwich for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
Incorporate a side salad: Serve the hot turkey sandwich alongside a vibrant mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing element to the plate.
Add a touch of elegance with microgreens: Place a small handful of delicate microgreens, such as arugula or radish sprouts, on top of the sandwich for a sophisticated touch.
Enhance with a drizzle of infused oil: Finish the dish with a drizzle of truffle oil or herb-infused olive oil for a luxurious and aromatic touch.
Serve on a wooden cutting board: Present the sandwich on a polished wooden cutting board to add a rustic and inviting element to the overall presentation.
Accompany with a gourmet pickle: Serve a house-made pickled vegetable medley or a gourmet cornichon alongside the sandwich for a delightful and tangy contrast.
Incorporate a unique serving vessel: Consider serving the hot turkey sandwich in a vintage-style lunch pail or a handcrafted ceramic plate to add an element of surprise and visual interest.
Essential Tools for Making a Hot Turkey Sandwich
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing and frying.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.
Toaster: An appliance used to toast bread slices.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade, used for lifting and flipping food items.
Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for recipes.
Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Gravy boat: A serving container used for pouring and serving gravy.
Tongs: Kitchen utensils with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
Plates: Flat dishes used for serving food.
Sauce ladle: A long-handled spoon with a deep bowl, used for serving sauces.
How To Store and Freeze Hot Turkey Sandwiches
To store leftover hot turkey sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you have extra cooked turkey and gravy, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The turkey can be kept for up to 4 days, while the gravy can last up to 2 days.
To reheat stored sandwiches, unwrap them and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. If the bread becomes soggy, you can toast it lightly before reheating the sandwich.
For longer storage, you can freeze the hot turkey sandwiches. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen sandwiches can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and place the frozen sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can thaw the sandwich overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the microwave or oven.
If you have extra cooked turkey and gravy, you can also freeze them separately. Place the turkey in an airtight container or freezer bag, and pour the gravy into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Both can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
To use frozen turkey and gravy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the turkey in the microwave or oven until heated through, and reheat the gravy in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
How To Reheat Leftover Hot Turkey Sandwiches
The best way to reheat a leftover hot turkey sandwich is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This ensures that each part of the sandwich is heated through properly and doesn't become soggy or overcooked.
Start by removing the turkey slices from the sandwich and placing them in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave the turkey on high for 30-60 seconds, or until it's heated through.
If you have leftover gravy, heat it in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's hot and bubbly. If the gravy has thickened too much, you can thin it out with a little bit of chicken broth or water.
To reheat the bread, you have a few options:
- Toaster: If your sandwich was made with regular sliced bread, you can simply pop the slices in the toaster until they're crispy and warm.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they're warm and slightly crispy.
- Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Butter the bread slices on both sides and place them in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they're golden brown and crispy.
Once all the components are heated, reassemble your sandwich. Place the warm turkey slices on the toasted bread and pour the hot gravy over the top. If desired, you can add a fresh dollop of mayonnaise or other condiments to enhance the flavor.
Serve your reheated hot turkey sandwich immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors all over again!
Random Fact About Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Turkey sandwich is a popular dish in the United States, and it is often associated with Thanksgiving leftovers. However, the hot turkey sandwich actually originated in the 1930s as a way to use up surplus turkey and gravy. It became a staple in diners and restaurants across the country, and it remains a beloved comfort food today.
Is Making Hot Turkey Sandwiches at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this turkey sandwich recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Turkey and gravy are generally affordable, and using leftover turkey can further reduce costs. However, the use of mayonnaise and specific types of bread may slightly increase the overall expense. Considering the simplicity and minimal ingredients, this recipe is likely cost-effective for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is This Hot Turkey Sandwich Healthy or Unhealthy?
The hot turkey sandwich recipe, while undeniably delicious, may not be the healthiest choice. Here's why:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe calls for mayonnaise, which is high in saturated fat. Consuming too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems.
- Processed meat: Turkey slices, especially those used in sandwiches, are often processed and high in sodium. Processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers and other health issues.
- Refined carbohydrates: The recipe uses white bread, which is a refined carbohydrate. Refined carbs can cause blood sugar spikes and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
- High in calories: With the combination of mayonnaise, gravy, and turkey, this sandwich can be quite high in calories, making it less suitable for those watching their weight.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Swap the white bread for whole grain bread, which is higher in fiber and nutrients.
- Use a low-fat or olive oil-based mayonnaise to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Opt for fresh, unprocessed turkey breast instead of processed turkey slices. You can roast the turkey breast yourself and slice it thinly for the sandwich.
- Reduce the amount of gravy used or make a healthier version using low-sodium broth and cornstarch for thickening.
- Add some vegetables to the sandwich, such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado, to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Serve the sandwich with a side salad or vegetable soup to make it a more balanced meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Hot Turkey Sandwich Recipe
This delicious hot turkey sandwich recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish. The combination of tender turkey slices, creamy mayonnaise, and rich gravy creates a mouthwatering experience. The warm gravy-soaked turkey on toasted bread is a delightful treat for the taste buds. It's a simple yet flavorful recipe that is perfect for a quick and hearty meal.
Enhance Your Hot Turkey Sandwich Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Why trust this Hot Turkey Sandwich Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience with its hot turkey slices bathed in rich, savory gravy. The turkey is gently simmered to perfection, ensuring a tender and juicy texture. The addition of creamy mayonnaise and perfectly toasted bread elevates the flavors, creating a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Trust in the expertise of our culinary team to deliver a satisfying and comforting sandwich that will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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