Turkey Sandwich with Gravy
A comforting American classic that brings Thanksgiving flavors to your table any day of the year. Tender sliced turkey is piled on toasted bread and smothered in a rich, savory gravy. Perfect for using up leftovers or for a quick, hearty meal that's satisfying and delicious.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Make the Gravy
- b.In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- c.Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth paste (a roux).
- d.Gradually pour in the turkey broth while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
- e.Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- f.Stir in the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Reduce the heat to low to keep the gravy warm while you prepare the sandwiches.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Toast the Bread and Warm the Turkey
- b.While the gravy is simmering, spread the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
- c.Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the bread slices butter-side down and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Work in batches if necessary.
- d.To warm the turkey, you can either place the slices directly into the warm gravy for 1-2 minutes or heat them separately in another skillet with a splash of broth.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Place one slice of toasted bread on each of the four serving plates.
- c.Divide the warm turkey slices evenly and pile them onto the bread.
- d.If using, spread a spoonful of cranberry sauce over the turkey for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- e.Top with the remaining slice of toasted bread. Alternatively, serve it open-faced with only the bottom slice of bread.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve with Gravy
- b.Pour the hot gravy generously over each assembled sandwich.
- c.Serve immediately with a knife and fork, alongside your favorite side dishes.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use sturdy bread like sourdough, rye, or Texas toast that can hold up to the gravy without getting soggy too quickly.
- 2For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried sage or thyme to the gravy.
- 3If your gravy is too thick, whisk in a little more warm broth. If it's too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce.
- 4Warm your serving plates before assembling the sandwiches to help keep everything hot for longer.
- 5For a richer gravy, use pan drippings from a roasted turkey if you have them.
Adapt it for your goals.
Open-Faced Classic
Serve the sandwich with only one slice of bread on the bottom, a classic diner style. This version is lighter on carbs and lets the turkey and gravy shine.
Cheesy Turkey MeltCheesy Turkey Melt
Place a slice of provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese on top of the turkey before adding the top slice of bread or pouring the gravy. The heat will melt the cheese for a gooey, delicious addition.
Herb Infused GravyHerb-Infused Gravy
Add 1/2 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary to the gravy during the last few minutes of simmering for an aromatic boost.
Add StuffingAdd Stuffing
If you have leftover stuffing, add a layer on top of the turkey before closing the sandwich for the ultimate Thanksgiving-in-a-sandwich experience.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Turkey breast is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle mass, and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Rich in B Vitamins
Turkey is a good source of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and vitamin B6, which are crucial for energy metabolism, brain function, and the creation of red blood cells.
Provides Key Minerals
This dish provides important minerals like selenium, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and thyroid health, as well as phosphorus and zinc.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this sandwich contains approximately 650-750 calories, depending on the type of bread, the amount of butter used, and the leanness of the turkey.