Turkey Cranberry Sandwich Recipe

Ready to sink your teeth into the ultimate Turkey Cranberry Sandwich? This isn’t just a post-Thanksgiving, fridge-clearing meal—this is a flavor-packed delicacy you’ll crave year-round. With layers of tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and crunchy vegetables, this sandwich deserves a spot at your lunch table or even your next holiday feast.

Take this recipe to the next level by using Smoked Turkey Breast or my Easy Crock Pot Turkey!

close up image showing a turkey sandwich that has been sliced in half with one half stacked on the other. The sandwich is sitting on a white round plate on top of a wooden table top with a teal napkin off in the background

Why You’ll Love This Sandwich

Leftover Makeover: Got heaps of Thanksgiving leftovers? This sandwich is a scrumptious way to give them new life.
Quick & Easy: Seriously, it’s a sandwich. Slap it together in minutes, no culinary degree required.
Versatility: Breakfast? Add an egg. Dinner? Serve it open-faced and broiled. This sandwich adapts like a foodie chameleon.

I first had a variation of this sandwich when we were on vacation. It wasn’t even close to Thanksgiving, but the waitress insisted this was their top seller. It seemed too simple to be good, but I gave it a try anyway. Boy-oh-boy am I hooked on this flavor combination. So stinken simple and yet one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had.

Imagine biting into a symphony of flavors, where each ingredient plays its own little tune but together they create a masterpiece. The turkey is like your comforting bass, solid and hearty. Then comes the cranberry sauce, hitting the high notes with its tangy sweetness. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy—each bite a delicious encore. Basically, it tastes like Thanksgiving in a bun, minus the awkward family conversations.

top down image showing a can of cranberry sauce with a spoon scooping out a bite. Around the can is sliced wheat bread, a small white round plate with turkey slices, sliced red onion, two slices of white round cheese, a small corner of lettuce, and a teal napkin

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich Ingredients

You’re going to glance at this list and wonder how such simple ingredients can make such a big flavor impact. It’s a magic blend of all of the right things.

Bread: All of the magic starts with the type of bread you pick. I suggest going with something you already know you love. I prefer a whole grain with this turkey sandwich. If you’re stuck on which to pick, sourdough is always a classic.
Mayonnaise: Sauces and spreads are always tricky to balance. This recipe only needs one thing. Mayo adds that creamy richness that balances out the tartness of the cranberries and the mild flavor of the turkey.
Cheese: Provolone cheese is smooth, slightly sharp, and has a melt-in-your-mouth quality that just vibes with turkey. It’s not overwhelming, so you still get to taste that oven-roasted turkey goodness.
Vegetables: Specifically, lettuce and red onion.
Turkey: Use fresh turkey, leftovers, or deli sliced. All work with this simple sandwich.
Cranberry Sauce: Canned or homemade taste equally delicious!

Want to expand your options? Try my Caesar Salad Wrap!

top down image showing a small white round plat that is sitting on a wooden table top with a teal napkin off in the top corner. On the plate is a slice of whole grain bread with a piece of lettuce on top

Leftover Thanksgiving Sandwich Recipe

Sandwiches are perfect for a quick and filling meal, especially when they are loaded with turkey. It’s an excellent source of protein and super filling!

PREP: Spread the mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
LAYER: Lay one slice of provolone cheese onto one slice of bread. Top with a layer of lettuce and sliced red onion.
STACK: Stack the turkey sliced directly onto the vegetables. Spread a dollop of cranberry over the turkey and press the top slice of bread directly on top.
ENJOY: Cut in half and enjoy!

The secret to that flavor explosion is in the layer!

Helpful Tools

Cutting Board (affiliate): One that catches juices, to keep that turkey mess in check.
Toothpicks or Skewers (affiliate): To keep that towering beauty intact.
Spreading Knives (affiliate): For evenly slathering that cranberry sauce and mayo.
Panini Press (affiliate): In case you’re looking for a warm, toasty finish.

top down image showing a close up of a turkey sandwich that is sliced in half sitting on a white round plate. The plate is sitting on a wooden table with a side of baked chips and a teal napkin off to the side

Recipe Notes:

What bread should I use?

I like a whole grain bread. Sourdough is classic, but ciabatta or rye will add a fun twist. Your bread, your rules!

Fresh or leftover turkey?

Either works! Leftovers are quicker; fresh turkey breast gives you bragging rights. I use deli sliced throughout the year.

Can I make my own cranberry sauce?

Heck yes! It’s just cranberries, sugar, and water. Boil and cool.

Should this be toasted?

Yes! Or no. Honestly, this is good as written and good toasted. Toast for crunch, skip if you’re a softie. Either way, it’s yum.

Can this be made in advance?

Yep! While it is best fresh, you can certainly use this as a packed lunch or meal prep. Wrap it up, and it’s fridge-friendly for up to two days.

What sides go well?

Sweet potato fries, a simple salad, or good ol’ potato chips.

hand holding a turkey sandwich that is loaded with turkey, lettuce, cheese and cranberry. The sandwich is hovering over the top of a white round plate with a teal napkin off to the top

More Must Try Sandwich Recipes

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