The Ultimate Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich: A Quick & Comforting Meal
Imagine a dish that instantly transports you to a cozy, comforting place. That’s exactly what an open faced turkey sandwich does. This classic, hearty meal features succulent slices of turkey, generously drenched in rich, warm gravy, all served atop a perfectly toasted slice of bread. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a nostalgic culinary experience that satisfies the soul. Whether you’re seeking a fast and fulfilling weeknight dinner solution or looking for a delicious way to reinvent those cherished Thanksgiving leftovers, this recipe delivers every time. It’s a testament to simple ingredients creating extraordinary flavor and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
One of the best things about this dish is its incredible flexibility. You can effortlessly whip up these hot turkey sandwiches using either thinly sliced turkey from your local deli counter or, even better, by utilizing the tender, flavorful roasted turkey remaining from a festive holiday feast. The choice is yours, and both yield fantastic results. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes from start to finish, this recipe truly stands out as an easy, stress-free option for those moments when you’re yearning for something genuinely warm, substantial, and utterly delicious. It’s the ideal ‘go-to’ meal for busy evenings or when you simply want to indulge in a classic comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
To elevate your open-faced hot turkey sandwich into a truly memorable meal, consider pairing it with classic comfort sides. A fluffy mound of creamy mashed potatoes, ready to soak up any extra gravy, is an absolute must. And for a touch of vegetable goodness, a savory green bean casserole adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast. But don’t stop there! Other wonderful accompaniments include roasted sweet potatoes, a simple side salad for freshness, or even a dollop of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy counterpoint. This combination isn’t just for November; it allows you to enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of a Thanksgiving-style meal any time the craving strikes, making it perfect for Sunday dinners or special family gatherings throughout the year.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Turkey Sandwich Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, requiring only about 15 minutes of your time from initial prep to serving. It’s a fast-track to a satisfying meal without compromising on flavor or comfort, making it perfect for hectic schedules and spontaneous cravings.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you have leftover roasted turkey from a holiday meal or prefer the convenience of quality deli-sliced turkey, this recipe adapts beautifully. The same goes for gravy; homemade lends a rich, personalized touch, while a quality store-bought option saves precious time without sacrificing taste. This adaptability makes it a truly flexible dish for any occasion or pantry situation.
- Perfect for Holiday Leftovers: Transforming Thanksgiving or holiday leftovers into something new and exciting is a culinary triumph, and this open faced sandwich is king of that domain. It’s an ingenious and incredibly delicious way to use up every last morsel of turkey and gravy, ensuring nothing goes to waste while creating a brand new, equally beloved meal that feels fresh and comforting.
- The Ultimate Comfort Food: There’s something inherently soothing about warm, tender turkey coated in luscious, savory gravy, nestled on a perfectly toasted slice of bread. This dish embodies the essence of comfort food – it’s hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying, offering a culinary hug with every single bite. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel good inside and out.
Essential Ingredient Notes & Smart Substitutions
This section includes detailed ingredient notes and clever substitution options to help you tailor this recipe to your pantry and preferences. Get all precise measurements, ingredients, and step-by-step instructions in the printable recipe card located conveniently at the end of this post.
- Bread: The foundation of any great open faced sandwich is the bread. For the best experience, seek out a **thick-sliced bread** like Texas toast, sourdough, or a hearty artisan white loaf. Its robust structure is essential for holding up against the generous pour of hot gravy without becoming soggy too quickly. If thick bread isn’t available, don’t despair! You can easily use two slices of regular white bread as the base for each sandwich, layering them for extra stability. Day-old challah or brioche also make excellent, flavorful choices, as do leftover dinner rolls or even slices of good quality whole wheat bread for a nuttier flavor.
- Turkey: The star of the show! Both **leftover roasted turkey** (sliced or shredded from a holiday meal) and **quality deli-sliced turkey** work wonderfully here. If using leftover roast turkey, ensure it’s cut into uniform, thin slices for even heating and easier eating. For deli turkey, choose a good quality, thicker cut if possible. Crucially, always heat your turkey slices gently before assembling the sandwich. This ensures a consistently warm, enjoyable meal, rather than cold turkey on warm bread.
- Gravy: The soul of the open faced turkey sandwich! You can opt for your favorite **homemade gravy** – perhaps one made from pan drippings if you’re using leftover roast turkey – or a high-quality **store-bought gravy** for convenience. I personally love this easy homemade gravy without drippings recipe, which is perfect for when you don’t have pan juices available. Whichever you choose, make sure it’s piping hot and plentiful. Gravy should be thick enough to cling to the turkey but still pourable. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water can loosen it up; if too thin, a quick simmer to reduce it will do the trick.
- Salt & Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing flavors. Add them **to taste after assembling** the sandwich. A word of caution: many store-bought gravies can be quite salty, so it’s always best to taste the gravy first before adding any extra salt. Freshly ground black pepper, however, almost always enhances the flavor profile and adds a subtle warmth.
- Parsley: While **optional**, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and a subtle fresh herbaceous note. It brightens up the dish visually and adds a touch of gourmet flair, transforming a simple comfort meal into something even more appealing. Feel free to use chives or sage for a different aromatic touch.
How to Make the Perfect Open Face Turkey Sandwich: Step-by-Step
This section guides you through making this delicious recipe with clear, step-by-step photos and detailed instructions. For the full printable recipe card with exact measurements and cooking times, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Prepare the Gravy: Begin by preparing your gravy. If you’re using a store-bought variety, gently heat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat or in the microwave until it’s hot and simmering. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating. If you’re making homemade gravy, follow your chosen recipe, ensuring it reaches a nice, pourable consistency and is thoroughly heated through. The key is to ensure your gravy is piping hot before it meets the turkey and bread, as this contributes significantly to the overall warmth and comfort of the sandwich.
- Toast the Bread: Next, prepare your bread. Lightly toast each slice of bread to a golden hue. This crucial step can be done in a conventional toaster, a toaster oven, or even on a baking sheet in a preheated oven (around 350°F/175°C for 3-5 minutes). The goal isn’t a dark, crispy toast, but rather a lightly golden, slightly firm base that can withstand the gravy without becoming immediately soggy. This subtle toasting creates a protective barrier and adds a lovely textural contrast to the soft turkey and gravy.
- Heat the Turkey: While your bread is toasting, warm the sliced turkey. The quickest method is to microwave the turkey slices for 30-45 seconds, or until they are heated through and steaming. Alternatively, you can gently warm the turkey in a skillet with a splash of broth or gravy, or briefly in the oven alongside the bread if it’s thick-cut. Ensure the turkey is warm, not just room temperature, for the best hot sandwich experience.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Now for the exciting part – assembly! Carefully place each slice of lightly toasted bread onto individual serving plates. Arrange the heated turkey slices artfully over the bread, ensuring each piece is covered. Season the turkey with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of fresh black pepper, adjusting to your taste preference (remembering to account for the saltiness of your gravy). Finally, and perhaps most importantly, spoon the piping hot gravy generously over the top of the turkey and bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Don’t be shy with the gravy – this is what makes the sandwich truly special! For a finishing touch, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and prepare for pure comfort!
Storage & Reheating Tips for Leftovers
For optimal freshness and to prevent the bread from becoming unappetizingly soggy, it is highly recommended to **store the individual components of your open faced turkey sandwich separately**. This simple practice ensures that each part retains its ideal texture and flavor for later enjoyment, making for delicious leftovers.
- Turkey: Cooked turkey, whether roasted or deli-sliced, should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for **up to 3 days**. When ready to reheat, you can microwave it briefly (30-60 seconds), gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth, or even in a toaster oven until it’s steaming hot.
- Gravy: Leftover gravy can be a real treasure! Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for **up to 2 days**. For longer preservation, gravy freezes exceptionally well for **up to 3 months**. Thaw frozen gravy in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short bursts. If the gravy has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of water, chicken broth, or turkey broth to achieve your desired pourable consistency.
- Bread: Unused bread should be stored at **room temperature** in its original packaging or an airtight bread box/bag to maintain freshness. Do not refrigerate, as this can accelerate staling and dry it out.
When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful meal again, simply reheat the turkey and gravy according to the instructions above, toast fresh slices of bread, and then assemble your fresh, hot sandwiches. This method ensures that every re-creation is just as delicious and comforting as the first, making future meals a breeze.
Expert Tips for the Best Hot Turkey Sandwich
Creating the perfect hot open faced turkey sandwich is an art form, and these expert tips will help you achieve culinary perfection:
- Choose the Right Bread: As mentioned, a **thick-sliced bread** is your best friend. Options like Texas toast, sourdough, challah, or even a robust country white bread provide a sturdy foundation that absorbs gravy beautifully without disintegrating. This is key for a pleasant eating experience where your fork (or hands!) doesn’t go straight through.
- Toasting is Essential: Don’t skip lightly **toasting your bread slices**. This crucial step creates a slight barrier, preventing the bread from becoming overly soggy under the hot, luscious gravy. It also adds a subtle crunch and depth of flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the soft turkey and creamy gravy.
- Embrace All Holiday Leftovers: This recipe shines as a creative outlet for **holiday leftovers**. Beyond just turkey and gravy, consider layering leftover stuffing directly onto the toasted bread before adding the turkey. A spoonful of tangy cranberry sauce, with its sweet-tart notes, also offers a delightful contrast to the savory elements of the sandwich, creating a truly festive and satisfying meal.
- Don’t Skimp on Gravy: The ‘smothered’ aspect is vital to this sandwich’s appeal! Use a generous amount of **hot gravy** to truly coat the turkey and allow it to soak into the edges of the bread. This is what makes the sandwich incredibly moist, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. Think of the gravy as a luxurious blanket for your turkey.
- Heat Everything Properly: Ensure both your turkey and gravy are **piping hot** when assembling. A cold or lukewarm component can diminish the overall warmth and appeal of this classic dish. A truly hot sandwich is a truly comforting one, warming you from the inside out.
- Fresh Herbs for Finish: While optional, a sprinkle of **freshly chopped parsley or chives** at the end not only adds a vibrant splash of color but also introduces a fresh, aromatic counterpoint to the rich gravy. It elevates the dish from simple to gourmet with minimal effort.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: While simple, the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference. Opt for good quality deli turkey, or ideally, freshly roasted turkey. A flavorful, well-seasoned gravy is paramount to the sandwich’s success. Use fresh bread for the best texture.
Delicious Additions and Variations to Try
While the classic open faced turkey sandwich is perfect in its comforting simplicity, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for creative additions and variations. Don’t hesitate to customize it to your liking and make it your own signature dish!
- Cheesy Twist: For a decadent touch, add a slice of **Swiss, provolone, or sharp cheddar cheese** over the turkey before pouring the gravy. For an extra melted goodness, pop the assembled sandwich under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden, before adding the hot gravy. The warmth of the turkey and gravy will help the cheese melt perfectly.
- Vegetable Boost: Elevate the nutritional value and flavor with sautéed vegetables. **Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even blanched green beans** make excellent toppings, adding texture and earthy notes that complement the turkey beautifully. For an even more indulgent variation, you could even layer a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes directly onto the bread before the turkey for an ultimate comfort stack, known in some regions as a “hot beef sandwich” variation!
- Holiday Inspired Layers: If you’re making this post-holiday, maximize those delicious leftovers! A generous layer of **leftover stuffing** spread on the toasted bread before the turkey is a game-changer, adding incredible flavor, moisture, and texture. A dollop of tangy **cranberry sauce** (whole berry or jellied) on the side or even directly on the sandwich provides a delightful sweet-tart contrast that brightens the entire dish and truly completes the holiday experience.
- Herbaceous Enhancements: Beyond just parsley, consider other fresh herbs like finely chopped **thyme or sage**, which pair wonderfully with turkey. A finely chopped sprig sprinkled over the gravy can add an aromatic depth that elevates the entire dish.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of your favorite hot sauce stirred into the gravy or a sprinkle of **red pepper flakes** over the turkey can add an exciting spicy dimension to this comforting classic.
- Different Breads: Experiment with different types of bread like **rye, pumpernickel, or even toasted cornbread** for unique flavor profiles and textures. Each bread will bring its own character to the sandwich, allowing you to discover new favorite combinations.
- Add Bacon or Crispy Onions: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, crumble some crispy bacon over the top of the turkey before adding gravy, or sprinkle with store-bought crispy fried onions.
More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Explore
- Turkey Stuffing Balls
- Cheesecloth Roast Turkey
- Crockpot Turkey with Cranberry Sauce
- Turkey Cranberry Pecan Salad
- Turkey Neck Gravy
Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
Author: Jaclyn
10 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
4
Ingredients
- 1 pound sliced turkey carved turkey or deli-sliced
- 4 slices bread
- 12 ounces turkey gravy
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare gravy: If using store-bought gravy, heat it according to the package instructions. If making homemade gravy, prepare it to your liking or use my homemade gravy recipe. Ensure gravy is hot and ready.
-
Toast bread: Lightly toast each slice of bread in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a baking sheet in the oven until golden and slightly firm, creating a sturdy base.
-
Heat the turkey: While the bread is toasting, heat the sliced turkey in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until thoroughly warmed through.
-
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a slice of toasted bread on a plate. Top generously with the heated turkey slices, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the hot gravy generously over the top of each sandwich, ensuring full coverage. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately for ultimate comfort.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
We’d love to see your creations! Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more delicious recipe inspiration!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review