Put all those delicious leftovers to great use by making an awesome Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board where each person can build and enjoy their own sandwich creation.

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Reinvent Your Holiday Feast: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board

Thanksgiving dinner is a culinary masterpiece, a joyous celebration of food, family, and gratitude. But what about the days that follow? While a simple turkey sandwich on a soft roll is a classic comfort, why limit yourself? Imagine transforming your treasured Thanksgiving leftovers into an exciting, interactive culinary experience – a magnificent build-your-own Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board. This innovative approach elevates the post-holiday meal from a routine reheating into a creative, customizable feast that continues the spirit of gathering and deliciousness.

For many, the leftover sandwiches are almost as anticipated as the main Thanksgiving meal itself. This guide will help you craft a show-stopping sandwich board that not only reinvents your holiday bounty but also minimizes food waste and extends the joy of the season. Forget bland repetitions; embrace a vibrant array of flavors, textures, and personalized combinations that will delight every palate.

Why a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board is a Post-Holiday Game Changer

The concept of a sandwich board, sometimes called a charcuterie board, has gained immense popularity for its visual appeal and interactive nature. Applying this trend to Thanksgiving leftovers offers several compelling benefits:

Unleash Creativity: Move beyond the traditional turkey-and-mayo. A board encourages guests to experiment with unexpected pairings and layer their favorite flavors. From sweet and savory combinations to hearty and herbaceous stacks, the possibilities are endless.
Personalized Perfection: Every individual has their unique preferences. A build-your-own station ensures everyone gets exactly what they crave, whether it’s a simple, classic sandwich or an adventurous, gourmet creation. This customization makes the meal more enjoyable and satisfying for all.
Effortless Entertaining: After the monumental effort of preparing Thanksgiving dinner, the idea of another complex meal can be daunting. A leftovers sandwich board requires minimal cooking – mostly just reheating and arranging – allowing you to relax and enjoy time with loved ones without stress.
Combat Food Waste: This is perhaps one of the most significant advantages. Instead of individual portions of each leftover dish that might go uneaten, a sandwich board presents components in an appealing way that encourages consumption. Every last bite finds a purpose, transforming potential waste into delicious new meals.
Visually Stunning Presentation: A well-arranged sandwich board is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of cranberries, green beans, and roasted squash, combined with the golden hues of turkey and various breads, create an inviting centerpiece for your table.
Continued Togetherness: It provides another wonderful opportunity to gather around the table, chat, and share stories, extending the celebratory atmosphere beyond the main event.

Crafting Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board

Building an impressive sandwich board is simpler than it looks. It’s all about thoughtful selection, strategic arrangement, and a little bit of flair. Here’s a detailed guide to creating a memorable experience:

The Foundation: Choosing Your Board

The first step is selecting the right canvas for your culinary masterpiece. A sturdy, large wooden board is ideal. Consider its size based on the number of people you’ll be serving and the amount of leftovers you have. A 24″x18″ board, for instance, is a fantastic size for serving a crowd and allows ample space for a variety of ingredients. Look for a board that can comfortably fit in the center of your table or kitchen counter, ensuring everyone can easily reach their desired fixings.

Essential Components: Breads & Spreads

The bread is the backbone of any great sandwich. Offer a diverse selection to cater to different tastes and to create varied textural experiences:

Soft White Dinner Rolls: A classic choice, perfect for a tender, comforting sandwich.
Hearty Wheat Dinner Rolls: Adds a nutty flavor and more substance.
Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread, Sliced: A common, versatile option for those who prefer a traditional slice.
Marbled Rye Bread, Sliced: Offers a distinct, slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with savory meats.

And no sandwich is complete without the right condiments and spreads to bind everything together and add moisture:

Turkey Gravy: Warm, rich gravy is a must for moistening your turkey sandwiches.
Mayonnaise: The ultimate creamy spread, offering a simple yet essential flavor.
Yellow or Deli Mustard: A classic for a reason, providing a sharp tang.
Grainy Dijon Mustard: For a more sophisticated kick and delightful texture.
Cranberry Sauce: Both whole berry and jellied varieties are excellent for adding a sweet-tart counterpoint.

The Stars of the Show: Thanksgiving Leftovers

This is where the magic happens! Gather all your delicious Thanksgiving dishes and transform them into sandwich-ready components. Remember to reheat items gently to maintain their flavor and texture.

Turkey: Thinly sliced roasted turkey, perhaps even shredded dark meat, is paramount.
Ham: If you had a ham as part of your feast, thin slices make a delightful addition.
Stuffing or Dressing: A dollop of savory stuffing is surprisingly delicious in a sandwich, especially when warmed.
Whipped Sweet Potatoes: Their creamy sweetness can replace a traditional spread or add a unique twist.
Green Beans: Lightly steamed or roasted green beans add a fresh crunch.
Roasted Butternut Squash: Soft, sweet cubes provide a wonderful textural and flavor element.
Brussels Sprouts Salad: A refreshing, slightly bitter crunch to balance richer flavors.
Kale, Cranberry & Slivered Almond Salad: This vibrant salad offers a burst of freshness, chewiness, and nutty notes.

Fresh Additions & Flavor Boosters

To round out your board and provide extra layers of flavor and texture, incorporate fresh ingredients and cheeses. These elements elevate the sandwich from merely “leftovers” to a truly gourmet experience.

Cheeses:
- Provolone cheese slices
- Colby Jack cheese slices
- Creamy Brie cheese (perfect for a touch of decadence)
- Sharp Cheddar cheese cracker cuts (adds a robust flavor and nice bite)
Vegetables:
- Tomatoes, sliced thinly
- Red Onion, sliced (for a sharp, fresh bite; consider pickled red onions for extra zest, or even leftover crispy fried onions for a textural contrast).
Fruits:
- Pear, thinly sliced (adds a delicate sweetness and crispness)
- Apple, thinly sliced (for a refreshing crunch and tartness)

Presentation & Arrangement Tips

The key to a successful board is thoughtful presentation. Use small white ribbed ramekins or other attractive small bowls to hold spreads, gravies, and smaller leftover portions. This keeps everything tidy and aesthetically pleasing. Adorable knotted cheese knives and serving spoons are perfect for spreading and scooping, adding a touch of elegance and convenience.

Arrange your ingredients in an appealing way, grouping similar items or creating colorful contrasts. Place breads along the edges or in a central basket, with meats and cheeses fanned out, and vegetables and fruits nestled in between. Don’t be afraid to let items touch; this creates an abundant, inviting look. Remember, there are no strict rules when it comes to building these boards – trust your instincts and arrange what you think will offer the best variety for your crew.

A World of Flavors: Inspiring Sandwich Combinations

The beauty of a build-your-own sandwich board lies in the endless possibilities. Here are some inspiring combinations, along with detailed descriptions, to get your creative juices flowing:

Above are images of some different sandwiches we created with the variety of leftovers on our build-your-own sandwich board. Each one offered a unique blend of flavors and textures, proving how versatile Thanksgiving leftovers can be. Below are details about what is on each sandwich pictured (from top left to bottom right):

The “Sweet & Savory Delight”: A soft white dinner roll serving as the base, generously spread with creamy Brie cheese for a luscious texture, stacked with tender turkey, a spoonful of vibrant cranberry sauce, and finished with a light layer of crisp kale salad. This combination offers a fabulous interplay of rich, savory, sweet, and fresh notes.
The “Hearty Harvest Stack”: Built on a hearty wheat dinner roll, this sandwich boasts a rich foundation of cranberry sauce and tender turkey. Layered above are creamy whipped sweet potatoes, a refreshing brussels sprouts salad for a delightful crunch, a slice of melted provolone cheese, and a spread of grainy Dijon mustard to add a sharp, sophisticated kick. This creation is truly yummy and satisfying!
The “Beast Mode Banquet”: This impressive sandwich starts with marbled rye bread, slathered with a robust mustard. It’s then piled high with savory stuffing/dressing, crisp green beans, slices of flavorful ham, provolone cheese, and tender roasted butternut squash. A truly substantial and oh-so-delicious beast of a sandwich, bursting with traditional holiday flavors.
The “Simple Scrumptious Classic”: A testament to the idea that sometimes less is more. This delightful sandwich uses a soft white dinner roll as its base, spread with classic mayonnaise, filled with succulent turkey, and topped with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s simple, yet utterly scrumptious and comforting.
The “Open-Faced Elegance”: An artistic open-faced sandwich presented on a slice of whole wheat bread. It features a luxurious layer of creamy Brie, tender turkey, thinly sliced fresh pear for a touch of sweetness and crunch, and a vibrant dollop of cranberry sauce. Mmmm… mmmm, indeed!

Encourage your guests to be adventurous! Suggest trying a spoonful of gravy inside their sandwich, or combining sweet potato with cranberry sauce. The fun is in the exploration!

Making it a New Holiday Tradition

Serving Thanksgiving leftovers on a build-your-own sandwich board isn’t just a clever way to eat; it’s a fantastic experience for everyone involved. It encourages creativity, reduces waste, and most importantly, offers another wonderful opportunity to gather your loved ones around the table. After the intensity of the main Thanksgiving feast, this relaxed, interactive meal provides a perfect chance to unwind, enjoy good company, and savor all the deliciousness that was made or brought to your holiday celebration.

This concept is sure to be a huge hit and has the potential to become a cherished tradition for Thanksgiving leftovers in the years to come. It’s a joyful and sustainable way to extend the holiday spirit, ensuring no delicious food goes to waste.

Practical Tips for Success

Prep Ahead: Most of the work for the board can be done in advance. Slice meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables hours before. Have all your ramekins ready. Reheat warm components just before serving.
Keep Warm Items Warm: For gravy and some reheated leftovers like stuffing, consider using small slow cookers or insulated serving dishes to keep them warm throughout the serving period.
Don’t Overcrowd: While abundance is key, ensure there’s enough space between items for people to comfortably pick up what they need without making a mess.
Offer Dietary Alternatives: If you have guests with dietary restrictions, consider including gluten-free bread options or plant-based spreads. Clearly label items if necessary.
Scaling: Control the serving size by adjusting the amount of food on your board. The board pictured, for example, was built to serve 10-12 people. You can easily scale up or down based on your guest count.

Let no delicious leftovers go to waste! Embrace the creativity, convenience, and community that a Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich Board brings. It’s a simple, elegant solution for your post-holiday meals that promises satisfaction and smiles.

Enjoy every delightful bite!

xoxo,