Easy Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich Ideas
If you’re looking for a fresh, comforting, and delicious way to enjoy the morning after Thanksgiving, the Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich is an absolute game changer. Packed with smoky smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and those delightful bits of holiday goodness, this sandwich transforms leftover ingredients into a hearty, flavorful breakfast that feels like a treat. Perfect to jumpstart your day with a mix of savory, satisfying layers that come together effortlessly, this sandwich is destined to become a new morning favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple and Quick: Requires minimal prep, making it perfect for busy mornings after Thanksgiving.
- Deliciously Balanced: Combines smoky, savory, and creamy flavors for a taste explosion in every bite.
- Resourceful and Waste-Free: Makes brilliant use of Thanksgiving leftovers without feeling like a rehash.
- Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary needs.
- Perfectly Portable: Great for breakfast on the go or a cozy meal at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building layers of rich, comforting flavor and texture. Each component plays a specific role, whether adding protein, creaminess, crunch, or zest, resulting in a sandwich that’s truly satisfying and colorful on your plate.
- Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky crunch with lean, savory protein in every slice.
- Plant-based cheese: Melts perfectly for that creamy, luscious texture that ties the sandwich together.
- Leftover roasted smoked turkey slices: The centerpiece of the sandwich giving robust turkey flavor and moisture.
- Fresh spinach or kale: Brightens the sandwich with vibrant color and a fresh bite.
- Soft bread rolls or English muffins: Lightly toasted for a golden, sturdy base that holds all the goodness.
- Scrambled eggs with natural seasoning: Light and fluffy eggs seasoned with natural herbs to elevate the taste.
- Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural): Adds a subtle umami kick to enhance depth without overpowering.
- Cranberry chutney or sauce (natural): Offers a sweet and tangy contrast that celebrates Thanksgiving flavors.
- Natural gelling agent-based spread: Optional, for an extra velvety spread that complements the sandwich perfectly.
Variations for Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich
Feel free to get creative with your sandwich! This recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes your favorite ingredients or substitutes. Whether you want to add more veggies, experiment with spices, or try a different bread, it’s easy to tailor it to suit your cravings or dietary preferences.
- Vegan twist: Use scrambled tofu with turmeric instead of eggs for a plant-based protein option.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of natural hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to bring a little heat.
- Green boost: Include avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrients.
- Cheesy variation: Swap plant-based cheese with a sharper variety like smoked gouda (plant-based) for enhanced flavor.
- Grain swap: Use whole grain bread, bagel, or gluten-free roll for texture and dietary needs.
How to Make Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon
Start by frying your smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until it’s perfectly crispy but still tender. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess fat.
Step 2: Warm the Leftover Smoked Turkey Slices
In the same pan, gently warm your leftover smoked turkey slices, allowing them to heat through without drying out.
Step 3: Cook the Scrambled Eggs
Whisk eggs with a pinch of natural seasoning and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook them on low heat until fluffy and soft, keeping them moist for that creamy texture in the sandwich.
Step 4: Toast the Bread
Lightly toast your bread rolls or English muffins to add crunch and prevent sogginess when assembling the sandwich.
Step 5: Assemble Your Sandwich
Begin with a base of toasted bread, spread a thin layer of cranberry chutney (natural) or natural gelling agent-based spread, then layer on the warm smoked turkey slices, followed by smoked turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach or kale, and finish with melted plant-based cheese. Top with the other bread half to complete the masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich
- Use fresh greens: Adding spinach or kale right before serving keeps the sandwich crisp and vibrant.
- Control moisture: Pat dry any wet leftover turkey slices to avoid soggy bread.
- Melt cheese perfectly: Cover the pan briefly or use a lid to help the plant-based cheese melt evenly.
- Customize sauces: Try swapping cranberry chutney for a spiced apple sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Warm everything evenly: Make sure each filling is warm to avoid temperature contrast in bites.
How to Serve Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives on top for a bright, herbal lift that adds color and a fresh aroma to the sandwich.
Side Dishes
Pair your sandwich with a simple mixed fruit salad or roasted sweet potato wedges for extra nutrition and complementary flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the sandwich diagonally and secure with a decorative toothpick or skewer for a visually appealing presentation, great for serving brunch guests or family breakfasts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
Wrap the sandwiches individually in freezer-safe wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a low-heat oven or toaster oven to preserve texture, or warm in a pan to re-crisp the smoked turkey bacon while melting the plant-based cheese again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of bread for the sandwich?
Absolutely! Whole grain, gluten-free, bagels, or even pita bread all work wonderfully depending on your preference and dietary requirements.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild flavors and easy-to-eat layers make it a kid-friendly breakfast that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.
Can I prepare the sandwich entirely ahead of time?
While you can assemble them in advance, it’s best to toast the bread and warm ingredients right before eating to keep textures perfect.
What can I substitute for plant-based cheese?
If you prefer, you can use your favorite dairy cheese or leave it out for a lighter option it still tastes fantastic!
How do I make the scrambled eggs extra fluffy?
Whisk the eggs well with a splash of non-dairy milk or water and cook them slowly on low heat to achieve a tender, fluffy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich offers a delicious, easy, and creative way to bring new life to your holiday leftovers. With its smoky, creamy, and fresh layers, it’s a perfect way to start your day while enjoying those cherished flavors all over again. So go ahead, give it a try and make your mornings just as memorable as your holiday feast.
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Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Thanksgiving Leftover Breakfast Sandwich is a fresh, comforting, and flavorful way to enjoy your holiday leftovers. Featuring layers of crispy smoked turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and savory smoked turkey slices combined with scrambled eggs, fresh greens, and a touch of cranberry chutney (natural), this sandwich offers a perfectly balanced, satisfying breakfast that is quick to prepare and customizable to your taste.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy Alternatives
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 4 slices leftover roasted smoked turkey slices
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 slices plant-based cheese
Vegetables and Greens
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach or kale
Bread and Base
- 2 soft bread rolls or English muffins
Condiments and Extras
- 2 tablespoons cranberry chutney (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent-based spread (optional)
- Pinch of natural seasoning (herbs, salt, pepper)
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Fry the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy yet tender. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess fat.
- Warm the Leftover Smoked Turkey Slices: Using the same pan, gently warm the leftover smoked turkey slices, heating through evenly without drying.
- Cook the Scrambled Eggs: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of natural seasoning and a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until eggs are fluffy, soft, and moist.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the bread rolls or English muffins to a golden color to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble Your Sandwich: Spread a thin layer of cranberry chutney (natural) or the optional natural gelling agent-based spread on the toasted bread base. Layer warm smoked turkey slices first, then smoked turkey bacon, scrambled eggs, fresh spinach or kale, and top with melted plant-based cheese. Close with the other bread half to complete your sandwich.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach or kale just before assembling to maintain crispness and vibrant color.
- Pat leftover turkey slices dry to avoid soggy bread layers.
- Cover the pan briefly when adding plant-based cheese to melt evenly.
- Try swapping cranberry chutney for spiced apple sauce (natural) for a flavor variation.
- Ensure all fillings are warm for a consistent temperature in each bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
Keywords: Thanksgiving leftovers, breakfast sandwich, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, savory breakfast, quick recipe, leftover turkey, holiday breakfast
