Christmas Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas leftover sandwich is a delicious way to transform your festive remnants into a satisfying meal. Packed with turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and tangy cranberry sauce, it’s perfect for enjoying the flavors of the holiday in a handheld treat.
Ingredients
- 400g white round crusty loaf
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp English mustard
- 3-4 tbsp cranberry sauce
- handful of baby spinach
- 3-4 tbsp crispy onions
- 250g leftover roast turkey
- 6 leftover cooked pigs in blankets, halved lengthways
- 150g leftover cooked stuffing
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice a roughly 3cm lid off the top of the loaf. Scoop out most of the bread from the loaf and lid, leaving about a 1cm layer intact. Save the scooped-out bread for croutons or another recipe if you like.
- Step 2: Mix the mayonnaise and mustard together. Spread 2 tablespoons of this mixture inside the hollowed loaf and 1 tablespoon inside the lid.
- Step 3: Spoon most of the cranberry sauce onto the inside of the lid. Add half the baby spinach, then scatter the crispy onions and half the turkey over it.
- Step 4: In the base of the loaf, layer the remaining turkey, followed by the rest of the cranberry sauce, the pigs in blankets, the stuffing, and the remaining spinach.
- Step 5: Place the filled lid back on top of the loaf and press down gently to secure the filling. Wrap the loaf tightly in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Step 6: When ready to serve, slice the loaf into four to six wedges and enjoy your festive leftover sandwich.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the hollowed-out loaf lightly before filling it.
- Swap baby spinach for watercress or rocket for a peppery bite.
- Add a splash of melted cheese or a drizzle of gravy inside for richer flavor.
- If you don’t have pigs in blankets, crispy bacon strips work well as a substitute.
Storage
Store the wrapped sandwich in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the bread and fillings may lose texture when thawed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Yes, feel free to use any crusty bread with a sturdy crumb, such as a sourdough boule or a large ciabatta, as long as it can hold the fillings without falling apart.
How long should I chill the sandwich before serving?
Chilling for at least 3 hours allows the flavors to meld and the sandwich to set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall taste.
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Christmas Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas leftover sandwich is a delicious and creative way to transform your holiday leftovers into a hearty, flavorful meal. Using crusty white bread hollowed out and filled with layers of roast turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry sauce, crispy onions, and fresh baby spinach, this sandwich is perfect for sharing and enjoying cold or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 400g white round crusty loaf
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tsp English mustard
Fillings
- 3–4 tbsp cranberry sauce
- handful of baby spinach
- 3–4 tbsp crispy onions
- 250g leftover roast turkey
- 6 leftover cooked pigs in blankets, halved lengthways
- 150g leftover cooked stuffing
Instructions
- Prepare the loaf: Slice off a roughly 3cm thick lid from the top of the bread loaf. Carefully scoop out most of the bread interior from both the loaf and the removed lid, leaving about a 1cm thick bread layer. Save the scooped-out bread for making croutons or for another use.
- Make the spread: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and English mustard until well mixed.
- Assemble inside the lid: Spread 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise-mustard mixture inside the hollowed loaf, and spread 1 tablespoon inside the inside of the lid. Spoon most of the cranberry sauce over the inside of the lid, then add half the baby spinach, crispy onions, and half of the leftover roast turkey in layers.
- Assemble inside the base: Arrange the remaining roast turkey inside the base of the hollowed loaf. Add the rest of the cranberry sauce, followed by the pigs in blankets, leftover stuffing, and the remaining baby spinach layered neatly.
- Close and chill: Place the prepared lid back on top of the loaf carefully. Press down lightly to secure the filling inside, then wrap the whole loaf tightly in cling film or foil.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the wrapped sandwich for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the sandwich to set.
- Serve: Remove from the fridge, unwrap, and slice the sandwich into four to six wedges. Serve cold or at room temperature as a festive and satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use the scooped-out bread to make croutons or breadcrumb topping for other recipes to avoid waste.
- The sandwich is best served after chilling for at least 3 hours to let the flavors meld and the sandwich hold together better.
- Adjust cranberry sauce and mustard quantities to taste for sweetness and tanginess balance.
- If you prefer a warm sandwich, slice and toast it lightly in an oven for a few minutes before serving.
- This sandwich is excellent for using up a variety of Christmas leftovers in one delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Christmas leftovers, sandwich, turkey, pigs in blankets, stuffing, cranberry sauce, festive sandwich
