I have to admit, cooking isn’t really my forte.
I can whip up a meatloaf and roast some veggies, and I even get some credit for making decent spicy chicken wings. Maybe just in my own circle, though. It’s not like I’m a food critic or anything.
With Thanksgiving just wrapping up, have you thought about what to do with those leftovers? You know, turkey, stuffing, and, oh, that cranberry sauce that nobody seems to finish?
There are a ton of fun recipes out there for using up leftovers, but some can be a bit complicated. And if you don’t have weird ingredients laying around, it can be a hassle, especially with everyone rushing to shop on Black Friday. So, why make things harder on yourself? Especially if you put in so many hours prepping for the big dinner?
Honestly, I’m not even the one doing the cooking this year. My priority is on simple, quick, and comforting meals.
So, in the spirit of easing some of that post-holiday burden, here are three easy sandwich ideas that might just make that leftover stash disappear while bringing a smile to your face.
Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders
This guy on YouTube, who goes by @morehowtobbqright, shares a slider recipe that seems pretty manageable. I’m definitely tempted to give it a go, especially since he refers to them as “samish,” which sounds fun.
He kicks things off with, “Let’s start cooking!” and I appreciate that enthusiasm.
You’ll need some King’s Hawaiian Savory Butter Rolls, but, hey, you can always use the leftover dinner rolls from your Thanksgiving spread. The trick is to line the bottom of the roll with foil, pile on slices of American cheese, add your turkey, stuff, and cranberry sauce, then top it off with more cheese and the other half of the roll.
A little melted butter brushed on top before wrapping it in foil gives it that extra touch. Bake it at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, then uncover and let it go for about another 15 to get that nice golden crust.
Thanksgiving Leftover Quesadillas
Believe it or not, these are even easier than sliders!
This chef, @MealsWithMaria, has a quick video showing you how it’s done. Seriously, it’s simpler than it sounds.
Just heat some butter in a skillet, toss in tortillas, and layer on the leftover mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and turkey. Fry until the cheese gets all gooey and the tortillas are golden. Right before you’re done cooking, plop some cranberry sauce on top, fold, and you’re set! She even suggests cutting it in half and dipping it in gravy if you’re feeling indulgent.
Thanksgiving Leftover Deluxe Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Now, on to the “deluxe” portion!
If you’re wanting something a bit fancier, @Chef_Tyler shows how to elevate a grilled cheese sandwich. He starts by toasting leftover bread in a greased skillet. He’s actually using some pretty thick crusty bread, which is a step up from the usual.
Mix some leftover cranberries with mayo (this keeps the mixture from turning soggy), and spread it over the toasted bread. If you have herbs handy, toss those in too.
Next, layer on the cheese—he suggests aged cheddar or gouda, but really, any cheese works. Top it with turkey pieces—ideally, the dryer leftovers work best. And remember to warm the turkey in the pan before adding it to help the cheese melt quicker.
Grill both sides until golden, and if you like, dip it in some gravy.
Wishing you a happy Thanksgiving and some delicious days ahead!
