If you ever find yourself staring down an avalanche of Thanksgiving leftovers and wondering how to breathe new life into them, this Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe is your new best friend. I absolutely love this recipe because it takes that classic, sometimes overwhelming leftover spread and turns it into a fresh, scrumptious breakfast that feels like a treat rather than a chore. Trust me, once you try this, the morning after Thanksgiving will become one of your favorite times to enjoy turkey day flavors all over again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: You use leftovers you already have, turning them into something fresh and exciting.
- Flavor-Packed Layers: Sweet cranberry sauce, savory turkey, creamy mashed potatoes, and egg come together perfectly.
- Flexible & Customizable: It works on biscuits, buns, or even toast based on what you love or have on hand.
- Quick & Satisfying: Get a gourmet-feeling breakfast ready in just about 15 minutes, no fuss involved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe is in its simplicity and harmony of ingredients. Each component balances beautifully, so selecting good-quality leftovers and fresh eggs really elevates the whole experience.
- Biscuits, buns or dinner rolls (or toast/English muffins): Choose fresh or leftover bread that can hold those juicy layers without falling apart.
- Cranberry sauce: This tart-sweet spread adds a bright zing that cuts through the richness.
- Warm mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they make the sandwich satisfyingly hearty.
- Warm turkey: Use leftover slices—if they’re dry, a quick warm-up with a bit of gravy can help.
- Egg (poached, fried or scrambled): I’m partial to fried with runny yolk for that luscious finish, but scrambled eggs work great if you’re feeding a crowd.
Variations
I love how this recipe invites creativity, so I often tweak it depending on what’s leftover or what my family is craving. Feel free to make it your own and experiment a little—it’s kind of fun seeing how leftovers can shine in new ways.
- Vegetarian Version: Try swapping turkey for roasted mushrooms or a savory veggie patty, and use vegetarian gravy or none at all.
- Add Cheese: When I add a slice of sharp cheddar or pepper jack, it melts into the sandwich and amps up the indulgence.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a dash of hot sauce or a smear of chipotle mayo brings exciting heat that pairs beautifully with cranberry.
- Different Bread: Ever tried these sandwiches on a croissant? My kids adore the buttery flakiness paired with the savory layers.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Spreads
Start by slicing your biscuits, buns, dinner rolls, or toast/English muffins in half. Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half—this sweet-tart base is what makes this sandwich sing. I like mine spread thick enough to get a burst of flavor in every bite.
Step 2: Add Warmed Mashed Potatoes
Spoon a warm scoop of mashed potatoes on top of the cranberry sauce. The creamy texture anchors the sandwich beautifully and adds that unmistakable comfort food vibe. Be sure the potatoes are warm (not cold) to help the sandwich meld together well. I discovered that gently heating them in the microwave with a splash of milk keeps them nice and creamy without drying out.
Step 3: Layer on the Turkey
Next, add a small slice or two of warm turkey. If your turkey feels a little dry, wrap it briefly in foil with a splash of gravy or broth and pop it in the oven or microwave to regain some juiciness. I used to struggle with dry leftover turkey until I found this trick—it really makes a difference!
Step 4: Add Your Egg of Choice
Top your sandwich with your preferred style of egg. I personally love a fried egg with a runny yolk because when it spills onto the turkey and potatoes, it creates a rich sauce that pulls everything together. However, scrambled or even poached works wonderfully too—just make sure it’s cooked fresh and warm.
Step 5: Finish with the Top Bun and Enjoy!
Place the top half of your biscuit or bun on the egg, press gently, and dig in! This sandwich is best enjoyed right away while everything is warm, melty, and inviting. I love how these layers combine different textures and flavors—seriously, breakfast wins with this one.
Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
- Warm Everything: I always warm the mashed potatoes and turkey separately before assembling—the flavors and textures improve dramatically.
- Egg Timing: Cook your eggs last so they’re hot and fresh when you layer the sandwich—cold eggs can make the bread soggy.
- Bread Choice Matters: A sturdy biscuit or roll helps hold up under the weight of toppings without getting soggy too quickly.
- Cranberry Sauce Thickness: If your cranberry sauce is watery, drain a bit or thicken it by simmering briefly so it doesn’t make the bread soggy.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme atop the egg for a burst of color and a hint of brightness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a little cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika gives it an extra layer of flavor. These simple touches make a breakfast sandwich feel a little more special.
Side Dishes
Since this sandwich is pretty filling on its own, I usually pair it with simple sides like fresh fruit or a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Sometimes, when I want to go all out, I serve it with crispy roasted potatoes or even a cup of warm apple cider—it’s a nod to the holiday flavors that keep the festive spirit going.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch party, I’ve arranged these sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of cranberry sauce, gravy, and hot sauce alongside, so guests can customize each bite. You can also stack mini versions as sliders and serve with toothpicks for a fun, easy-to-eat presentation that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sandwiches leftover (not usual in my house!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. I usually separate the egg from the sandwich before storing to keep bread from getting soggy overnight.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen the entire assembled sandwich because the texture can get tricky, I do freeze leftover turkey and mashed potatoes separately, making it easy to whip up this sandwich on a busy morning later in the month.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I toast the bread lightly, warm the mashed potatoes and turkey separately in the microwave or oven, and then reassemble with a freshly cooked egg. This method keeps everything as fresh and appealing as possible.
FAQs
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Can I make these sandwiches without cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! While cranberry sauce adds a signature tangy sweetness, you can substitute it with other spreads like apple butter, chutney, or even a savory gravy to suit your mood. The sandwich is very forgiving and adaptable.
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What’s the best bread for these sandwiches?
Fresh or leftover biscuits, sturdy dinner rolls, or toasted English muffins work wonderfully because they hold up well to the moist fillings. Avoid very soft bread that might become soggy quickly.
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Can I prepare these sandwiches in advance?
It’s best to assemble just before eating to keep textures fresh. However, you can prepare components ahead—warm your mashed potatoes and turkey just before layering and cook the eggs last for optimal taste.
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What egg style works best?
Fried eggs with runny yolks are my top pick because they add richness and a bit of indulgence. But scrambled or poached eggs are great alternatives depending on your preference or how many you’re feeding.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe is truly one of my go-to ways to make the day after Thanksgiving feel as special as the holiday itself. It’s comforting without being boring, quick without feeling rushed, and uses everything you already have. I hope it becomes your favorite leftover hack too—give it a whirl and let those classic flavors brighten your morning!
PrintThanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious sandwich recipe perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. This breakfast sandwich stacks warm mashed potatoes, turkey, cranberry sauce, and eggs on a biscuit or bun, creating a comforting and flavorful meal to enjoy the next day.
Ingredients
Leftover Ingredients
- 1 biscuit, bun, dinner roll, toast, or English muffin
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
- ½ cup warm mashed potatoes
- 2-3 slices warm turkey
- 1 egg (poached, fried, or scrambled, cooked to preference)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Split the biscuit, bun, dinner roll, toast, or English muffin in half to create a base for your sandwich.
- Spread cranberry sauce: Generously spread a layer of cranberry sauce on the cut side of the bottom half of the bread to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Add mashed potatoes: Spoon warm mashed potatoes over the cranberry sauce, creating a creamy layer that balances the sweetness.
- Layer the turkey: Place the warm turkey slices on top of the mashed potatoes, ensuring even coverage to maintain flavor and texture.
- Top with egg: Add your cooked egg—poached, fried, or scrambled—on top of the turkey for protein and richness.
- Assemble and serve: Place the top half of the bread on the sandwich. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty Thanksgiving leftover breakfast sandwich.
Notes
- Use freshly warmed leftovers for the best taste and texture.
- You can make the sandwich vegetarian by omitting turkey and adding cheese or vegetables.
- For a crispier sandwich, toast the bread before assembling.
- Customize eggs by seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs.
- Leftover gravy can be drizzled on top for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg