Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini

Thanksgiving leftovers are one of my favorite parts of the holiday, and this stuffed panini is a delicious way to enjoy them! I take sliced turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, mayonnaise, and cheese and layer everything inside Italian bread. Then I press the sandwich until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese has melted.

I like warming the turkey in a little leftover gravy to keep it moist and reheating the stuffing in the toaster oven to bring back some of its crispness. You can use a panini press or make this sandwich with two skillets. There are no exact measurements because the whole idea is to use whatever you have left from Thanksgiving dinner!

My Favorite Way to Turn Thanksgiving Leftovers Into Something New

I love Thanksgiving dinner, but I think one of the best parts of the holiday is finding delicious ways to enjoy all those leftovers!

This Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini takes everything we love about Thanksgiving dinner and turns it into a warm, crispy, cheesy sandwich.

We’re talking tender turkey, savory stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, and melted cheese, all tucked inside Italian bread and pressed until golden brown.

It’s like having Thanksgiving dinner all over again, only this time you can eat it with your hands!

And the best part? You don’t need to follow exact measurements. Just use what you have left in the refrigerator.

My Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Leftover Panini

Choose a sturdy bread. I like using Italian bread because it holds up well to all those delicious fillings.

Make room for the fillings. Remove a little of the soft interior of the bread before assembling the sandwich. This creates room for everything without making it too thick to press.

Warm the turkey in gravy. Reheating leftover turkey in a little gravy helps keep it moist and adds wonderful flavor.

Crisp up the stuffing. I like reheating the stuffing in the toaster oven before adding it to the sandwich.

Don’t overdo the cranberry sauce. A little adds sweetness and tanginess, but too much can make the bread soggy.

Use a cheese that melts well. Swiss, provolone, or cheddar would all be delicious.

Press until golden brown. The bread should be crisp on the outside and the cheese completely melted.

How to Make a Panini Without a Panini Press

Don’t have a panini press? No problem!

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and place the assembled sandwich inside. Then place a second, heavy skillet on top to gently press the sandwich down.

Cook until the bottom is golden brown, carefully flip, and repeat on the other side.

Adjust the heat as needed so the bread doesn’t brown too quickly before the cheese melts.

Why Cranberry Sauce Makes This Sandwich Special

I think cranberry sauce is one of the ingredients that really makes this sandwich work.

The turkey, stuffing, cheese, and gravy bring wonderful savory flavors, while the cranberry sauce adds a little sweetness and acidity.

You can use whatever cranberry sauce you served for Thanksgiving, whether it’s a traditional homemade version or something with a little extra flavor.

Make This Sandwich Your Own

One of the things I love about leftover recipes is that they’re meant to be flexible.

If you have plenty of turkey but only a little stuffing, that’s fine. If you have extra cranberry sauce or a different type of cheese, use it!

You could even add a few leftover roasted vegetables, provided they aren’t too wet.

Just be careful not to pile the fillings too high. An overstuffed sandwich can be difficult to press and cook evenly.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

I recommend making these sandwiches fresh rather than assembling them too far ahead of time.

Keep your Thanksgiving leftovers refrigerated in separate airtight containers and assemble the panini when you’re ready to eat.

Cooked turkey and stuffing should generally be used within 3–4 days of their original preparation. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

If you have a leftover assembled panini, refrigerate it promptly and reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to help restore the crispy bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sandwich without a panini press?

Absolutely! Use a heavy skillet to toast the sandwich and another skillet to press it down. Flip carefully so both sides become golden brown.

How much of each ingredient should I use?

That’s entirely up to you! I don’t use exact measurements because it depends on the size of your bread and how much Thanksgiving food you have left.

What kind of cheese works best?

I recommend a good melting cheese such as provolone, Swiss, or cheddar.

Can I use leftover turkey breast?

Of course! Both white and dark meat work well. I especially like warming the turkey in a little gravy to keep it moist.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

I recommend preparing the ingredients ahead but assembling and pressing the sandwich just before serving. That way, the bread stays crisp.

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes! Italian bread is my choice, but sourdough or another sturdy bread would work well.

More Thanksgiving Leftover Recipes You’ll Love

• Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Shepherd’s Pie – Turn leftover turkey, vegetables, gravy, and mashed potatoes into a comforting casserole.
• Turkey, Wild Rice, and Vegetable Soup – A hearty, comforting soup that puts leftover turkey and vegetables to good use.
• Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Pomegranate – A bright, flavorful cranberry sauce that’s delicious in a leftover turkey sandwich.
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Orange and Warm Spices – Another wonderful cranberry sauce option with fresh orange and warm spices.

I love finding ways to turn leftovers into something the whole family looks forward to eating. This Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini is proof that sometimes the day-after-Thanksgiving meal can be just as delicious as the holiday dinner itself!

Watch Dr. J Make Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini

Watch Dr. J make Thanksgiving Leftover Stuffed Panini and see how it comes together.