The Ultimate Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich: Crispy, Savory, and Irresistible
Forget everything you thought you knew about Thanksgiving leftovers. While delicious in their own right, a simple plate of reheated holiday dinner can’t compare to the innovation and flavor explosion found in this Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich. It’s a culinary masterpiece that brings together all your favorite elements – from the satisfying crunch of crispy turkey to the sweet tang of cranberry sauce, the comforting texture of stuffing, and the creamy richness of mashed potatoes. But the true game-changer? A vibrant, spicy cajun gravy aioli that ties every incredible bite together. Get ready to transform your post-Thanksgiving meal experience into something truly extraordinary.
For many, Thanksgiving isn’t truly over until every last bit of Thanksgiving leftover has been savored. There’s a special magic in extending the holiday feast, transforming the remnants of a grand meal into new, equally delightful creations. My love for Thanksgiving leftovers runs deep, fueled by the endless possibilities they present. The goal is always to keep that iconic Thanksgiving flavor combination alive and well, ideally throughout the entire weekend, and certainly in ways that are fresh, exciting, and anything but boring.
You might think I’m obsessed, and honestly, you’d be right! My enthusiasm for repurposing holiday food knows no bounds, and I truly hope you’re as excited about it as I am. Because when it comes to reinventing the post-holiday meal, this particular recipe is a revelation.
This is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite new approach to the Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, and I truly believe it’s a culinary triumph. Every element has been carefully considered to maximize flavor and texture, resulting in a sandwich that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. It’s an ode to the holiday, reimagined.
The magic truly begins with the fried leftover turkey. Yes, you read that correctly – we’re talking about crispy, golden-brown fried turkey. This simple step elevates the turkey from a standard reheated slice to a succulent, flavor-packed component with an irresistible crunch. Frying the turkey adds an incredible textural dimension, transforming it just enough to break from the usual leftover routine without losing its essential Thanksgiving character. It’s a delightful contrast to the softer elements of the sandwich, offering a satisfying crispiness that you won’t get from plain sliced turkey.
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Crafting the Perfect Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich Layers
Once you’ve achieved those perfectly golden, crispy pieces of fried turkey, it’s time to construct the masterpiece. These delightful turkey pieces are then generously piled onto a perfectly toasted bun, creating a foundational layer of texture and flavor. But what truly makes this sandwich a complete Thanksgiving experience are all the beloved side dishes nestled within.
First, a generous dollop of rich, savory mashed potatoes forms a creamy base, providing that comforting texture we all crave. Next, a layer of tender, aromatic stuffing adds a herbaceous depth, bringing back memories of the main feast. And of course, no Thanksgiving sandwich would be complete without the bright, tangy sweetness of cranberry sauce, cutting through the richness and adding a crucial burst of fruitiness.
All these incredible elements are carefully layered, ensuring a symphony of tastes and textures in every single bite. But instead of simply drizzling the entire sandwich with traditional gravy, we take it up a notch with a homemade Cajun Gravy Aioli. This unique creation combines the creamy richness of aioli with the savory depth of gravy and a lively kick of Cajun seasoning. It adds a wonderful warmth and spice that truly livens things up, making each mouthful incredibly dynamic. This aioli isn’t just for the sandwich either; it’s so irresistibly delicious that I often save extra to dip my fries in – because, let’s be honest, a Thanksgiving leftover sandwich pairs perfectly with more fried goodness!
To provide a much-needed balance to such a hearty and decadent sandwich, a few fresh pieces of kale are added to the mix. The slightly peppery bite of kale, or other fresh greens, offers a refreshing contrast, preventing the sandwich from being overly heavy and ensuring that every tantalizing morsel is perfectly balanced. It’s literally a concentrated bite of Thanksgiving, meticulously crafted for maximum enjoyment. This is precisely what having delicious leftovers is meant for – transforming them into something even more exciting and memorable than the original meal. So go ahead, indulge in this incredible sandwich and keep the spirit of Thanksgiving deliciousness going for as long as possible!
Choosing the Best Turkey for Your Leftover Sandwich
One of the beauties of this Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich is its versatility when it comes to the turkey itself. You absolutely can use any cut of leftover turkey you have on hand! However, I personally find that using the leftover turkey breast works wonderfully for this recipe. Breast meat, while delicious, often tends to dry out the quickest when stored as leftovers. Frying it in this manner not only rejuvenates it but also locks in moisture while creating that desirable crispy exterior, making it taste freshly prepared.
If you have leftover thigh meat, that will work beautifully as well, offering a richer, darker meat flavor. The key is to ensure you can cut your turkey into relatively even slices, approximately 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick. This uniform thickness allows for even frying and prevents the pieces from falling apart during the breading and cooking process, ensuring each slice is perfectly golden and crispy. So, whether you’re working with breast, thigh, or a mix, prepare to give your leftover turkey a glorious second life!
Essential Tools for Crafting Your Fried Turkey Sandwich
Having the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, especially when you’re frying. For achieving that perfect golden crisp on your turkey, I highly recommend frying in a sturdy dutch oven. Its heavy bottom and even heat distribution are ideal for maintaining a consistent oil temperature, which is crucial for perfectly fried food. Alternatively, a wok can also work effectively, offering ample space for frying multiple pieces.
To safely and efficiently remove the fried turkey pieces from the hot oil, a good spider strainer is an absolute must-have. I’ve relied on mine for years, and it’s proven invaluable for draining excess oil and preventing burns. After frying, you’ll want a half baking sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain the turkey, ensuring maximum crispiness and minimum grease.
And finally, for assembling your glorious sandwiches, a reliable bread knife is incredibly useful. If your current knife set is lacking one, investing in a high-quality bread knife is a decision you won’t regret. It effortlessly slices through soft Kaiser rolls without tearing, creating clean cuts that are perfect for layering your sandwich ingredients. Plus, it’s fantastic for any other bread you might have around the house!
Are you swimming in more leftovers than you know what to do with? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with the best Thanksgiving leftovers ideas to inspire your post-holiday culinary adventures!
Fried Turkey Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich
ingredients
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 lb leftover turkey cut into round slices approximately 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick (best time to use that leftover breast!)
- Canola oil for frying
- 4 white Kaiser rolls cut in half and toasted
- 1 cup mashed potatoes
- 1 cup stuffing
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup gravy
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
instructions
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To make the gravy aioli, whisk together mayonnaise, gravy, cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Set in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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In a small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and cayenne. In a separate small bowl lightly whisk together milk and beaten eggs until combined. Set both bowls aside for the breading process.
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In a medium heavy saucepan or dutch oven, heat approximately 5 inches of canola oil over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) before proceeding.
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To fry the turkey, take each slice of leftover turkey and thoroughly dredge it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, dredge it again in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a firm, even coating.
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Carefully add the coated turkey pieces to the hot oil, frying in batches of about 4 to 5 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan and dropping the oil temperature. Fry for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until the turkey is beautifully golden brown and heated through. Remove the fried turkey pieces with a spider strainer and place them on a sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil, ensuring they remain perfectly crispy.
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To assemble these magnificent sandwiches, start by spreading a generous layer of warm mashed potatoes on the bottom half of each toasted Kaiser roll. Next, add a layer of savory stuffing, followed by a delightful layer of tangy cranberry sauce. Carefully place 2 to 3 pieces of the freshly fried turkey on top of the cranberry sauce, then add a few fresh pieces of kale for a balancing crunch and peppery freshness.
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To finish, generously spread the Cajun Gravy Aioli on the top halves of the rolls. Place the top bun onto the assembled sandwich and serve immediately, allowing everyone to revel in this extraordinary culinary creation. Enjoy every incredible bite!