Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub — Turkey, Ham, Stuffing and Gravy

Have you ever looked at your leftover Thanksgiving food and wondered if there is a better way to enjoy it? Many people simply reheat their leftovers on a plate, but what if you could turn them into a warm, delicious sandwich that tastes even better than the holiday meal itself? This recipe shows you how to make the Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub, a simple and comforting way to use turkey, ham, stuffing, and gravy all in one bite. Once you try it, you may find yourself making this sandwich every year after Thanksgiving.

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The Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub is a warm and hearty sandwich made with classic holiday leftovers. You layer tender turkey, savory ham, soft stuffing, and rich gravy inside a toasted sub roll. This recipe is easy to make, takes only about 10 to 15 minutes to prepare, and works for cooks of any skill level. It is a great way to reduce food waste while enjoying a comforting and filling meal.

What makes this recipe special is how all the flavors come together. The soft bread holds everything in place, the warm gravy ties the ingredients together, and the combination of turkey and ham makes each bite satisfying. This sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack.

Essential Ingredients

Here is what you need to make an Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub.

Turkey slices
Ham slices
Stuffing
Gravy
Sub rolls or hoagie rolls
Butter or mayonnaise for toasting the bread

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Turkey: Use white meat, dark meat, or a mix. If you do not have turkey, leftover chicken also works.
Ham: Any leftover ham works, including baked ham or smoked ham. You can also leave out the ham if you prefer only turkey.
Stuffing: Use homemade stuffing or store-bought stuffing. If it is dry, add a spoonful of broth to moisten it.
Gravy: Turkey gravy or chicken gravy both work. Thick gravy holds the sandwich together best.
Sub Rolls: A soft roll works best, but you can also use French bread, ciabatta, or brioche buns.

Step-by-Step Instructions

These steps will help you prepare the sandwich easily and quickly.

1. Warm the turkey
   Place your turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 20 to 30 seconds until warm but not dry. You can also warm them in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of broth to keep them moist.
2. Warm the ham
   Heat the ham slices in the same way as the turkey. Ham warms quickly, so be careful not to overheat it.
3. Heat the stuffing
   Scoop the stuffing into a bowl and warm it in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds. If it seems dry, mix in a teaspoon of broth or water.
4. Heat the gravy
   Warm the gravy in a small saucepan or in the microwave until smooth and hot. Gravy should not be too thin, or it may make the sandwich soggy.
5. Toast the sub roll
   Cut your sub roll in half but do not slice it completely through. Spread butter or mayonnaise on the cut sides. Toast in a skillet or oven until golden and slightly crisp. This step helps the roll stay firm when the warm filling is added.
6. Layer the turkey
   Place warm turkey slices on the bottom of the toasted roll. Spread them out so each bite has some turkey.
7. Add the ham
   Lay the warm ham slices on top of the turkey. This adds flavor and makes the sandwich more filling.
8. Add stuffing
   Spoon the warm stuffing over the ham. Press it down gently to help everything stay in place.
9. Pour on the gravy
   Spoon warm gravy over the stuffing. Add enough to coat everything without making the bread soggy. Save a little extra on the side for dipping.

Tips for Cooking

Heat ingredients just until warm, not hot, so they stay tender.
Thicken thin gravy with a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch.
Toast the bread well to keep it from getting too soft under the gravy.
Use a long spoon to help spread stuffing evenly.

Assembly Tips and Presentation

When building your Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub, aim for balance. Spread the ingredients from end to end so each bite gets turkey, ham, stuffing, and gravy. Press the stuffing slightly so it forms a firm layer.

For presentation, place the sandwich on a large plate. Spoon extra gravy over the top or leave a small bowl of gravy for dipping. If you want a cleaner look, drizzle the gravy lightly instead of pouring a thick layer.

You can also add a small sprinkle of black pepper or parsley to make the sandwich look even more appealing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that all the ingredients can be stored separately and assembled when ready to eat.

Turkey and ham: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Stuffing: Store in a container for up to 3 to 4 days. Add a little broth when reheating.
Gravy: Store in a jar or airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly so it stays smooth.
Sub rolls: Store at room temperature in a sealed bag for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Make-Ahead Option

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by warming them and keeping them in separate containers. Assemble the sandwich right before serving to keep the roll from becoming soggy.

If you need a quick meal, pack the warm ingredients in a lunch container and assemble the sandwich at work or on the go.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun ways to change the Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub.

Cranberry Twist
Add a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Cheesy Melt
Place a slice of provolone, Swiss, or cheddar on top of the turkey and melt it before adding the stuffing.

Mashed Potato Layer
Spread a thin layer of mashed potatoes on the roll for extra comfort.

Crispy Version
Toast the sandwich in a panini press after assembling for a warm, melty finish.

Veggie Add-Ins
Add roasted vegetables like carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for more flavor and texture.

Spicy Version
Add a little hot sauce to the gravy to give the sandwich a mild kick.

Conclusion

The Easy Thanksgiving Leftovers Sub is a simple and delicious way to bring new life to your holiday leftovers. Instead of reheating food on a plate, you can turn turkey, ham, stuffing, and gravy into a warm and satisfying sandwich that feels special. This recipe encourages creativity and flexibility. You can customize it based on the ingredients you have on hand, your taste, or your mood. Try different sauces, cheeses, or vegetables to make a sandwich that fits your style. Once you try this sandwich, it may become your new favorite post-holiday meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
Toast the bread well and use thick gravy. Add gravy on top instead of inside the bottom layer.

Can I freeze the sandwich?
It is best not to freeze the assembled sandwich, but you can freeze turkey, ham, and stuffing separately and reheat them when ready.

Is this sandwich healthy?
This sandwich offers protein from the turkey and ham. You can make it lighter by using whole grain bread or adding vegetables.

Can I make this without gravy?
Yes. You can use butter, mayonnaise, mustard, or cranberry sauce instead of gravy.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Replace turkey and ham with roasted vegetables and use vegetarian stuffing and gravy.