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    Home » Recipes » Leftover Recipes

    Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich

    20 mins | Yield 6 | November 26, 2021 | Updated: December 7, 2021 by Kita | This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich is the best way to use up leftovers! Toasted hoagie rolls are topped with smoked turkey and veggies, slathered with BBQ sauce, and layered with melty cheese. Using up leftovers doesn’t get better than this!

    Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich made using GirlCarnivore.com Recipe

    Let’s be honest…there is always leftover turkey. Luckily, it lasts for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The key, though, is to find a way to use it. Well, these leftover smoked turkey sandwiches are the perfect solution to that problem (if you can even call it a problem.) 

    While I do have a few other ways you can use leftover smoked turkey, these turkey sandwiches are always everyone’s favorite. Why? Well, 1. It’s smoked turkey, 2. It’s tossed in BBQ sauce, 3. It’s layered with thick slices of colby jack.

    Does that answer your question?

    What you need to make this recipe

    • Canola Oil
    • Smoked Turkey Leftovers – picked over and chopped. I usually chop the dark meat and slice the white meat. This makes it easy to use for sandwiches or as a salad topping. TIP: save and freeze the bones to use them for homemade stock later on.
    • Onion and Red Pepper – both minced to be easily incorporated with the turkey.
    • BBQ Sauce – I use Head Country Bar-B-Que Sauce, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
    • Hoagie Rolls
    • Colby Jack Cheese – or whatever melty cheese you like.
    • Fresh Arugula – for garnish, if desired.

    How to make a smoked turkey sandwich

    The best part about using leftovers in another recipe is that most of the prep is already done! Just assemble and devour! 

    Preheat the oven to broil, then heat the oil over medium-high heat in a cast-iron skillet.

    Working in batches, heat the turkey through, then remove from the pan and set aside. Using the same pan, sauté the onion and pepper until softened. 

    Add the turkey back in, then toss the turkey/veggie mixture with BBQ sauce.

    Split and toast the rolls in the oven, then fill each roll evenly with the turkey mixture. 

    Cut the cheese into strips, then layer it onto each roll, using as much or as little as desired.


    Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and toast in the oven until the cheese is melted, then garnish with fresh arugula and serve!

    Barbeque smoked turkey sandwiches being picked up

    Recipe FAQ

    What cheese goes best with a turkey sandwich?

    I like the mild, smooth flavor of colby jack with the smokiness of the turkey, but you can use any melty cheese you want.
    This turkey sandwich would also be delicious with provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Monterey jack, you name it.

    What condiments do you put on a turkey sandwich?

    Whatever you like! The great thing about these sandwiches is you can change the flavor easily. I like to use classic BBQ sauce but you could use other BBQ sauces like apple habanero to heat things up or a chipotle blend for added smokiness.
    You could also skip the BBQ sauce altogether and use mayo, mustard, or even cranberry sauce for a holiday twist.

    Can smoked turkey sandwiches be prepped ahead of time?

    Absolutely. These smoked turkey sandwiches are great for tailgating or camping and can easily be prepped ahead of time. 
    If enjoying within 5-7 hours of cooking the turkey: follow the instructions as listed, fill the sandwiches, but skip the cheese. When you’re ready to eat, add the cheese and warm the sandwiches/melt the cheese over the grill or fire.
    If enjoying more than 8 hours in the future: follow the recipe up until the turkey and veggies are tossed with the BBQ sauce (make sure there’s extra sauce so it doesn’t get dry.)
    Then, instead of stuffing the sandwich, wrap the turkey filling up tightly in foil to be reheated over the grill or campfire When you’re ready to eat, you can warm the turkey filling, melt the cheese on the bun while you toast it, then assemble the sandwiches.

    Delicious Smoked Turkey Sandwich leftover prepared using leftover turkeys

    Serving suggestions

    I recommend serving the assembled turkey sandwiches right away for the best texture. The rolls get soft if they sit too long.

    If you’re looking to bulk up your meal a bit, try serving the sandwiches alongside any of these side dishes:

    • BBQ Glazed Smoked Brussels Sprouts
    • Smoked Potato Salad
    • Smoked Corn on the Cob
    • Creamy Skillet Corn
    Yummy Smoked Turkey Sandwich served in a tray

    Other leftover turkey recipe ideas

    • Double Smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese
    • Sheet Pan Baked Chicken and Potatoes
    • Cajun Fried Chicken Sandwich with Creamy Ranch Slaw
    • Smoking 101

    If you’ve tried this delicious recipe, or any other recipe on GirlCarnivore.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below. I get inspired by your feedback and comments! You can also FOLLOW ME on Instagram @girlcarnivore as well as on  Twitter and Facebook.

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    4.84 from 6 votes

    Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich

    These easy sandwiches use leftover smoked turkey, chopped and covered in bbq sauce for a totally delicious, and a little bit messy, meal!
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Kita Roberts
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time20 mins
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 562kcal

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon canola oil
    • 2 lbs smoked turkey leftovers picked over and chopped
    • 1 onion minced
    • 1 red pepper stemmed, seeded and minced
    • 1 – 2 cups your favorite Head Country Bar-B-Que Sauce
    • 6 hoagie rolls
    • 9 slices colby jack cheese
    • fresh arugula for garnish

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to broil.
    • In a cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Working in batches, heat the turkey through.
      2 tablespoon canola oil, 2 lbs smoked turkey leftovers
    • Remove from pan and saute the onion and pepper until softened, 5 to 7 minutes.
      1 onion, 1 red pepper
    • Add the turkey back to the pan and toss it all with the Head Country Bar-b-Cue sauce.
      1 – 2 cups your favorite Head Country Bar-B-Que Sauce
    • Meanwhile, split and toast the rolls.
      6 hoagie rolls
    • Fill each roll evenly with the turkey mixture.
    • Cut the cheese into strips and cover each layering up as desired.
      9 slices colby jack cheese
    • Place the sandwiches onto a baking sheet and toast once again, until the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh arugula for serving.
      fresh arugula for garnish
    • See notes on tailgating or campfire prep for this recipe

    Notes

    To make this recipe for campfire or tailgating:

    • mix the turkey with the sauteed veggies and sauce ahead of time and chill. 
    • Stuff each hoagie roll with the filling and top with cheese. 
    • Wrap in foil tightly for transport. 
    • Grill over coals, in foil, until the leftover smoked turkey sandwich is heated through and the cheese is melted. 
    • Use the foil wrapper to keep hands clean while enjoying! 

    Nutrition

    Nutrition Facts
    Leftover Smoked Turkey Sandwich
    Amount Per Serving (1 g)
    Calories 562 Calories from Fat 207
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 23g35%
    Saturated Fat 9g56%
    Cholesterol 141mg47%
    Sodium 726mg32%
    Potassium 477mg14%
    Carbohydrates 36g12%
    Fiber 1g4%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 50g100%
    Vitamin A 1085IU22%
    Vitamin C 26.6mg32%
    Calcium 315mg32%
    Iron 12.4mg69%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Nutrition information provided is an estimate. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
    Made My Recipe?Mention @girlcarnivore and tag #girlcarnivore!
    Leftover smoked turkey sandwich recipe - perfect way to use up all that leftover turkey! GirlCarnivore.com
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    About Kita

    Hey, I'm Kita, the Meat Maven, outdoor junkie, campfire connoisseur, adventure-seeking and world traveled recipe developer and photographer behind GirlCarnivore.com. My mission is to break down savory eats and inspire you to get a little grit under your nails while having fun with your food. READ MORE

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Claire Watson says

      December 07, 2020 at 7:45 pm

      4 stars
      Great use of my leftover smoked turkey. Good flavor. My bread started to burn after 2 minutes of broiling yet sandwiches weren’t hot through and through. I wonder if baking for a bit before broiling very briefly might have worked better?
      .

      Reply
      • Kita says

        December 11, 2020 at 5:35 pm

        Hey Hey Claire, yeah, broiling will blacken that bread! I head my filling through in the cast iron before I put it in the bread, so that it’s warmed before it goes into the rolls. The last moment in the broiler is just to melt the cheese on top.
        Cheers,

        Reply
    2. Chris says

      May 05, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Made this with some leftover smoked turkey breast I did Franklin BBQ style. Was awesome! Didn’t have a fresh pepper but subbed some jarred roasted red peppers and gruyere cheese. Hit the spot for lunch!

      Reply

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