Turkey Sandwich with Gravy
A warm, comforting diner classic featuring tender sliced turkey piled high on bread and generously smothered with rich, savory gravy. This easy sandwich turns Thanksgiving leftovers into a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.
For 4 servings
- saute · ~5 min
Make the roux for the gravy.
1.Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.2.Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.3.Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.4.Sprinkle flour over the mixture and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. - simmer · ~7 min
Build the gravy.
1.Slowly pour in warm water while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.2.Add salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried sage.3.Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.TIPIf the gravy thickens too much, add a splash of water until it reaches the perfect consistency. - fry · ~3 min
Warm the sliced turkey.
1.Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat.2.Add the sliced turkey breast to the skillet and warm for 2-3 minutes, turning once. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the sandwiches.
1.Place one slice of bread on each serving plate.2.Arrange warm sliced turkey evenly over the bread.3.Ladle the hot gravy generously over the turkey and bread.4.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old bread to help it hold up better against the gravy without getting mushy.
- 2Warm the turkey gently over low heat to keep it moist and avoid drying it out.
- 3Whisk the water in slowly to prevent lumps from forming in the roux-based gravy.
- 4Toast the bread slices lightly on a skillet for extra crunch before adding turkey.
- 5Let the gravy simmer for a full 7 minutes to develop a silky, rich texture and deeper flavor.
- 6Make extra gravy to reheat later—it stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Adapt it for your goals.
Crunchy upgrade
Add a layer of thin apple slices or crisp lettuce to the sandwich for a fresh, sweet crunch that cuts through the rich gravy.
cheesy meltCheesy melt
Place a slice of provolone or sharp cheddar on the turkey before ladling gravy, then broil briefly for a gooey, indulgent twist.
low carbLow-carb
Swap the bread for thick slices of roasted eggplant or large lettuce wraps, keeping all the savory turkey and gravy components.
poultry swapPoultry swap
Replace turkey with leftover roasted chicken or duck breast for a similar but distinct flavor profile.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the finished sandwich to introduce gentle heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Lean Protein Source
Turkey breast is naturally low in fat and packed with high-quality protein, supporting muscle repair and satiety.
Contains Thyme and Sage
Both herbs are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to support digestion and immune health.
Moderate Carbohydrates from Bread
The bread provides quick energy, and you can choose whole-grain for extra fiber and nutrients.
Garlic for Immune Support
Garlic contains allicin, a sulfur compound linked to immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, prepare the gravy up to 3 days ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking in a splash of water if it has thickened.



