Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini
Got leftovers? Make this easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini with layers of turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and Muenster cheese on buttery bread.
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner is a labor of love. The main bird is an all-day event, whether you bake, fry, or slow-cook the turkey. Then you have all the delicious side dishes that tie the Thanksgiving spread together. If you’re anything like my family, we’re always left with heaps of leftovers, and I don’t think any of it should ever go to waste. This Thanksgiving leftovers panini recipe provides the perfect solution.
This hot and pressed sandwich is so crave-worthy after the holiday because it incorporates classic Thanksgiving dishes into every single bite. The pressed ciabatta stands up to the layers of turkey breast, homemade stuffing, sweet and tart cranberry sauce, and creamy Muenster cheese. All the sides come together and become the star with each bite.
THANKSGIVING LEFTOVERS PANINI
There are no rules when it comes to this sandwich. Add any of your most loved leftovers inside! My favorites are turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and cheese. I also like my panini with a side of warm gravy for dipping. It takes it to a whole other level of delicious! The next best thing about this sandwich is that all the ingredients were made the day before, making it easy to prepare. It will be on your plate ready to go in less than 20 minutes. All you need to do is assemble the sandwich in whatever order you desire then place it into a panini press. If you don’t own a panini press, heat a skillet with butter and use a heavy pan to press the sandwich down while it’s cooking.
Find my expert tips on how to make Thanksgiving leftovers panini below! Don’t forget to tag me in all of your creations @lifeinthelofthouse on Instagram or Facebook. Let’s stay connected. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini Recipe:
- Easy and Quick: Ready to go in under 20 minutes, making it an effortless way to enjoy Thanksgiving flavors without starting from scratch.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: Crispy, buttery bread holds layers of warm turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and melty Muenster cheese.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet, savory, and tangy flavors combine in every bite, transforming leftovers into something extraordinary. Kiss boring leftovers goodbye with this panini!
- Perfect for Dipping: Serve with warm turkey gravy for a delicious dunk that elevates each bite.
- Thanksgiving Comfort Food: This recipe prevents food from being wasted and is perfect for post-Thanksgiving lunches and dinners the week following the turkey holiday.
Ingredients
- 4 slices ciabatta, sourdough, or good quality bread
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups leftover sliced turkey warmed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup leftover stuffing/dressing warmed
- 4 slices Muenster cheese
- 1 cup leftover turkey gravy warmed
Instructions
Heat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat. Grease with non-stick spray.
To make the two paninis, butter one side of all 4 bread slices. Top 2 pieces of bread evenly with the turkey. Spread cranberry sauce over turkey. Top turkey with stuffing/dressing. Place 2 slices of cheese over stuffing. Top with remaining two buttered bread slices.
Place both sandwiches in preheated panini press or skillet. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until cheese has melted and bread is golden-brown. Serve immediately with warm gravy for dunking. Enjoy!
Servings
Yields: 2 servings.
Storage and Reheating
Wrap leftover paninis tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month (thaw overnight before reheating). To reheat, use a panini press or skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy, or bake in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, removing the foil the last 2 minutes for extra crispiness. Serve warm with Turkey Gravy for dipping.
Holly’s Tips for The Best Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini:
- Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale ciabatta or sourdough holds up better and crisps beautifully without getting soggy.
- Warm Your Leftovers: Gently reheat turkey and stuffing before assembling so the panini cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
- Don’t Overload: Layering is key. Too much filling can make the sandwich hard to press.
- Make It Your Own: Muenster melts beautifully, but Gruyère or Fontina also add rich, creamy flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Warm gravy enhances every bite of these homemade paninis. Consider serving on the side instead of inside the panini to avoid soggy bread.
- Panini Press Tips: Don’t own a panini press? No problem! Heat a skillet with butter and press sandwiches gently with a spatula or another pan to mimic a panini press.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but I recommend warming the turkey and stuffing first, which ensures the panini cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly.
You can use whatever cheese you like. Gruyère, Fontina, Havarti, or even mild Cheddar are great alternatives that melt well and complement the delicious layers.
Yes! Assemble paninis, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a panini press, skillet, or oven before serving.
Yes! Simply double or triple the ingredients and cook in batches, ensuring your panini press or skillet isn’t overcrowded.
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free bread. For best results, choose a sturdy loaf that crisps well, like gluten-free sourdough or ciabatta-style bread.
Similar Recipes
Can’t get enough of panini recipes? Give my Ham & Turkey Panini Melt a try.
Craving something similar? My Turkey Cranberry Sliders are another great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Hosting a party or relatives over the holidays? Serve my Monte Cristo Waffle Sandwiches for a delicious post-holiday brunch treat.
Looking for more Thanksgiving-inspired dishes? Make my Turkey and Stuffing Roll Ups and Crock Pot Turkey and Gravy at your next Thanksgiving.
Have you made this Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini recipe? 🦃
Leave a review, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations on Instagram and Facebook! @lifeinthelofthouse! #ThanksgivingRecipes #ThanksgivingLeftovers #LifeInTheLofthouse
Thanksgiving Leftovers Panini
Ingredients
- 4 slices ciabatta, sourdough, or good quality bread
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ cups leftover sliced turkey warmed
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 cup leftover stuffing/dressing warmed
- 4 slices Muenster cheese
- 1 cup leftover turkey gravy warmed
Instructions
- Heat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat. Grease with non-stick spray.
- TO MAKE 2 PANINI'S: Butter one side of all 4 bread slices. Top 2 pieces of bread evenly with the turkey. Spread cranberry sauce over turkey. Top turkey with stuffing/dressing. Place 2 slices of cheese over stuffing. Top with remaining two buttered bread slices.
- Place both sandwiches in preheated panini press or skillet. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until cheese has melted and bread is golden-brown. Serve immediately with warm gravy for dunking. Enjoy!
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We do this every year! I love it more than the actual dinner on Thanksgiving. I will even buy the carving board turkey lunch meat or make a turkey breast and do this a few times during the year because I love it so much!
Oh. My. Goodness. This was so delicious! I am so thankful to have found this recipe! I will be making this every year from now on…another tradition at our house 🙂
I followed recipe exactly and yes the gravy is a must! It really does take it over the top, thanks Holly for an easy leftover recipe!!
Holey moley this looks good! I was just going over my list of leftover recipes and this one puts the others in the shade! Thank Heaven I am receiving your emails! Terrific idea and I am drooling over this photo!