It can be hard to reheat a turkey (What wine goes well with turkey?) sandwich without breaking the bread (What wine goes well with bread?) but it’s necessary to keep the sandwich’s original taste and texture. When reheated improperly, the bread can become soggy or overly dry, ruining the overall experience. To make it work, you need to find a way to warm the filling well while keeping the bread as fresh as possible.
A popular technique for reheating a turkey sandwich involves the use of an oven or a toaster oven. This method ensures an even distribution of heat and can help retain the breads crispness. To do the process, the oven needs to be heated to a moderate temperature, usually around 325°F (163°C). This is done so the bread doesn’t get too toasted or dry. Wrapping the sandwich in aluminum foil can prevent moisture loss and encourage a gentle reheating process.
An alternative way that is faster and easier is to use a microwave with a lower power setting to warm the sandwich parts without making the bread too soft. The turkey filling can be heated up quickly in the microwave. The bread can then be quickly toasted under the broiler or in a toaster to get the crunch you want without ruining the quality of the bread. By using more than one of these methods, you can make a reheated turkey sandwich that tastes almost exactly like the one you made from scratch.
The day after Thanksgiving, you’re likely to have plenty of leftover turkey Rather than eating it plain or making yet another casserole, why not turn those delicious leftovers into hot turkey sandwiches? A hot turkey sandwich can be a satisfying meal any time of year, but it’s especially perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
Reheating a hearty sandwich can be tricky, though You want to make sure the bread gets crispy and the insides get piping hot, without overcooking Follow these simple tips and techniques for reheating your hot turkey sandwich so it tastes just as amazing on day two (or three!).
Getting Started
First, assemble your sandwich how you like it. Slather some cranberry sauce and/or gravy on bread or a roll. Top it with slices of leftover turkey, stuffing, and veggies like lettuce, tomato, and onion if you want. Add a slice of melty cheese like Swiss, cheddar, or provolone.
Once your sandwich is assembled, it’s time to reheat it to perfection. There are a few methods you can use:
Oven Reheating
One of the most foolproof ways to reheat a sandwich is in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the bread is crispy on the outside and the insides are heated through. The foil traps steam to help melt the cheese and keep everything moist.
Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, broil the sandwich uncovered for the last 1-2 minutes.
Toaster Oven Reheating
A toaster oven works great for reheating sandwiches too. Preheating to 300°F is ideal. Place your sandwich directly on the rack and toast for 5-10 minutes, checking frequently, until the bread has crisped up and the insides are hot.
Since toaster ovens use less energy, keep a close eye on your sandwich so the bread doesn’t burn. The smaller space and direct heat make it easy to over-toast.
Skillet Reheating
For a quick stovetop method, use a skillet. Heat a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add just a little butter or olive oil. Once hot, add your sandwich and cook 2-3 minutes per side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Pro Tip: Covering the skillet between flips will help the cheese melt faster.
Microwave Reheating
Although not ideal, you can reheat a sandwich in the microwave in a pinch. Microwaves often make bread rubbery and unevenly cooked. However, it can work for small sandwiches or just warming up the interior.
Microwave at 50% power for 60-90 seconds. Check frequently and heat in 30 second intervals to avoid overcooking. You can wrap it in a paper towel to prevent drying out.
Pro Tip: Open up the sandwich and microwave the insides separate from the bread for best results.
Tips for Reheating Sandwiches
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Use good quality bread that can stand up to reheating. Artisan breads or rolls work best.
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Don’t overcook or the bread will be dry. Check frequently.
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Add a pat of butter or drizzle of olive oil to the bread first to keep it moisturized.
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Open up the sandwich to allow direct heat access to the middle.
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Wrap it in foil to prevent drying out in the oven or toaster oven.
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Microwave in short intervals at 50% power to avoid tough bread.
How to Prep Sandwiches for Later
To make things even easier when reheating, prep your hot turkey sandwiches in advance:
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Cook the turkey and prepare any sauces and stuffing the day before.
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Store sliced bread in an airtight bag. Soft bread works better for sandwiches than dried out leftovers.
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Layer sliced turkey and cheese in airtight containers in the fridge.
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Chop and store vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion in sealed containers.
Then when you’re ready for a hot sandwich, simply assemble and reheat using one of the methods above for a fresh, delicious sandwich with your Thanksgiving leftovers!
Toppings and Additions
Personalize your hot turkey sandwich with extra flavors and textures:
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Cranberry sauce or gravy for moisture
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Sauerkraut for tang
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Avocado for creaminess
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Crispy bacon for crunch
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Herbs like sage, rosemary, or thyme
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Cheese like Swiss, cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone
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Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, etc. for freshness
Leftover Turkey Sandwich Recipes
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your hot turkey sandwiches, try one of these tasty recipes:
Classic Hot Turkey and Cheese
Stack sliced turkey, Havarti cheese, tomato, red onion, spinach, and avocado on ciabatta. Spread cranberry sauce on one slice and pesto mayo on the other. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich
Pile turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce on sourdough bread. Top with Swiss cheese and grill in a panini press until golden brown.
Turkey Reuben
Mix turkey, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing and pile it high on marble rye. Top with melted Swiss cheese. Grill in a skillet for 2-3 minutes per side.
BBQ Turkey Melt
Slather barbecue sauce on a hoagie roll. Fill with smoked turkey, red onion, pepper jack cheese, and bread and butter pickles. Wrap in foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Satisfy Your Thanksgiving Leftover Craving
There are so many ways to get creative with your Thanksgiving leftovers in between turkey sandwiches. But when you’re craving a classic hot turkey sandwich, follow these simple tips to reheat it to perfection. With flavorful fillings and crispy bread, it will taste just as amazing on day two or beyond.
What could be better comfort food than a freshly heated hot turkey sandwich piled high with your favorite holiday flavors? It’s the perfect satisfying meal for using up leftovers after Thanksgiving.
Wrapping Techniques for Retaining Freshness
To keep the turkey sandwich fresh before reheating, one should wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil. This method serves a dual purpose: it retains the sandwich’s moisture and ensures even reheating. One should carefully wrap the sandwich, making sure:
- The aluminum foil covers the sandwich completely
- Any holes in the foil are sealed so that steam can’t get out.
For storing leftover sandwiches, proper containment is essential to maintain quality and prevent contamination. If you have leftover sandwiches, you should put them in a zip-top bag or an airtight container so that air and moisture can’t get in and ruin the turkey and bread. The steps are as follows:
- Separate the turkey from the bread if possible. This prevents the bread from becoming too moist.
- Put the turkey and bread in separate zip-top bags or foil and set them aside.
- Keep them in the coolest part of the fridge to keep them as fresh as possible.
If you follow these steps when making the turkey sandwich, it will stay fresh when you reheat it, making the meal more enjoyable when it’s time to eat.
Choosing the right reheating method is essential for preserving the texture and flavors of a turkey sandwich. The following subsections outline the best techniques for reheating using different kitchen appliances.
To reheat a turkey sandwich in the oven, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 350°F. To keep the bread from drying out, put the sandwich on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Typically, heating for 10-15 minutes warms the sandwich through. For a crispier crust, the foil can be removed and the sandwich heated for an additional 5 minutes.
Using a microwave for reheating sandwiches can lead to a softer texture, particularly if reheated briefly. You could wet a paper towel and wrap it around a turkey sandwich to make steam and keep the bread from getting too tough. Heating the sandwich for 30-second intervals on medium power checks for desired warmth without compromising texture.
Stovetop reheating can yield a crispy texture for your sandwich bread if done carefully. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and place the sandwich inside. Covering with a lid can trap steam and ensure the fillings warm evenly. To make both sides crispy, flip the sandwich over halfway through the heating process and keep an eye out for burning.
Toaster Oven Reheating Method
A toaster oven is a suitable option that combines the benefits of oven and microwave reheating. Warm up the toaster oven to 350°F and put the sandwich inside. For a softer texture, wrap the sandwich in foil and put it in, but if you want it crispier, don’t wrap it. The sandwich should heat up for about 10 minutes. Like in the oven, the foil can be taken off to do more toasting if needed.
When reheating a turkey sandwich, the main goal is to keep the bread from drying out while getting the turkey warm and juicy again. A balanced application of moisture can aid in rejuvenating the turkey without compromising the texture of the bread.
How to make a: Hot Turkey Sandwich
FAQ
How to warm up a turkey sandwich?
How do you reheat a hot sandwich in the oven?
Can you reheat a sandwich with mayo on it?
How do you reheat a precooked turkey without drying it out?
How do you reheat a sandwich?
A great reheat for almost any sandwich starts with a 325-degree Fahrenheit pre-heated oven and a sheet of aluminum foil to wrap around your sandwich. The foil will keep it from drying out and warm the sandwich consistently throughout. Give it 15-20 minutes, and presto — delicious sandwich, day two.
How do you reheat leftover Turkey?
Our testing found that the best way to reheat turkey leftovers is to use the low-and-slow oven method. Here’s how: 1. Preheat the oven Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. Let the turkey come to room temperature Leave your turkey leftovers out on the counter for 10 to 30 minutes before reheating.
How do you reheat a fried turkey?
Add butter to gravy, and brush it over the turkey before reheating. Smother your leftovers in equal parts gravy and stock and pour it over the turkey before reheating in the oven or microwave. This mixture adds flavor and texture (it’s thin enough for the meat to absorb), and it revitalizes the fat content.
Can You reheat a frozen Sandwich in the oven?
If you are wanting to reheat a frozen sandwich in the oven, it is best to leave it to thaw before placing it in the oven. The best way to thaw the sandwich is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or for a few hours before reheating it. This keeps the sandwich at a low temperature, which reduces the chance of bacteria growth.
Does a sandwich dry out when reheated?
The best way to ensure that a sandwich does not dry out while reheating is to cover it in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil stops any moisture from escaping and ensures that the bread and the filling are not dry when reheated.
Are You reheating leftover sandwiches?
Given the supersized food situation happening across the country, a lot of us will be reheating the leftovers of that sandwich tomorrow. And for those who love to enjoy their leftovers as much as the original, a few tips for appropriate reheating would be handy.