What to Do with Leftover Turkey: Saucy Sandwich Ideas

I used to wake up the day after Thanksgiving and immediately make a turkey sandwich for breakfast. Toasted whole-grain bread, butter, salt and pepper. Just that. A purist’s love letter to the holiday.

These days, I’m seeking saucy creativity.

You could reach for one of the many “flavoured mayos” out there, but it’s far more satisfying to mix good old Hellmann’s (or your favourite mayo) with condiments you already love. The result feels fresher, more personal, more fun.

Choose one bold flavour and let it lead. The sandwich starts with your excellent roast turkey. Then think of ways to add texture, moisture and contrast: juicy grilled or roasted vegetables like roasted red peppers, zucchini or eggplant, even slices of cooked sweet potato or squash, a sharp cheese, a bit of crunch, and a sauce that ties it all together. Don’t forget the bread: sourdough, multigrain, focaccia, brioche buns. These are your building blocks.

Brooklyn Delhi Tomato Achaar adds heat and tang with a spiced tomato base. Try it on crusty bread with turkey, roasted red peppers and crisp butter lettuce. It wakes up roast meats.

Amma’s Malaysian Sambal is spicy and aromatic, with notes of lemongrass and ginger. It’s best stirred into mayo, just enough to soften the heat. That creamy base goes well with juicy tomato slices, a pile of greens and turkey on soft white or milk bread.

Belazu Rose Harissa brings smoky warmth with a gentle floral note. Spread it thinly on hearty bread and layer with turkey, grilled zucchini or roasted eggplant, and a slice of creamy goat cheese or labneh. The harissa does the heavy lifting, adding heat, while the vegetables and cheese soften the edges.

Chuck Hughes’ Pepper Spread comes in mild and hot. Both taste of fresh peppers, with different levels of heat. Try either with turkey, provolone, escarole and thin slices of marinated eggplant.

Hawkshead Relish Black Garlic Pickle is jammy and savoury, with soft, spreadable cloves of black garlic. It’s especially good with turkey, sharp cheddar, thin slices of crisp apple and a handful of arugula on sturdy multigrain.

None of these overshadow the turkey. They just bring it back to life, in a way that feels different but just as exciting as the day before.

If your fridge is full of possibilities, now’s the time to play.