Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

These Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are a delightful way to transform your leftover turkey into a creamy and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or dinner, these sandwiches are filled with a flavorful turkey mix that includes corn, green olives, and melted smoked gouda cheese, all tucked inside soft artisan rolls. The combination of textures and flavors makes them an ideal comfort food option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Filling: The creamy mixture of turkey, cheese, and spices offers a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the filling with your favorite ingredients or whatever leftovers you have on hand.
• Baked to Perfection: Baking the sandwiches allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
• Crowd-Pleaser: These sandwiches are sure to impress family and friends at gatherings or casual dinners.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Mixing spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and garlic to develop their flavors before adding other ingredients.
• Baking sheet: A must-have for placing the sandwiches during baking, allowing even heat distribution for perfectly melted cheese.

Ingredients

For the Filling

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups shredded leftover turkey
• 1 cup corn
• 1/3 cup sliced green olives (optional)
• 2/3 cups tomato sauce
• 6 ounces cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1/3 cup chopped parsley

For the Rolls

• 16 Pepperidge Farm Stone Baked Artisan Rolls

For the Cheese

• 16 slices smoked gouda cheese (or cheese of your preference)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400ºF. This ensures that your sandwiches will bake evenly and achieve that perfect melt.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large skillet:
* Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add chopped onions and minced garlic.
* Sauté until fragrant and translucent.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Skillet

Add the following to the skillet:
* Shredded leftover turkey
* Corn
* Green olives (if using)
* Tomato sauce

Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Mixture

To make it creamy:
* Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream.
* Cook until thickened (about 5 minutes). It will continue thickening as it cools.

Step 5: Season the Filling

Remove from heat:
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Mix in chopped parsley.
Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 6: Prepare the Rolls

While cooling:
* Cut about 1/4 inch off each end of the rolls and discard.
* Pull out some interior crumb from each roll to make room for filling.

Step 7: Fill Each Roll

Once cooled:
* Insert a slice of cheese into each roll.
* Spoon in the turkey mixture tightly.

Step 8: Bake the Sandwiches

On a baking sheet:
* Place all filled sandwiches.
Bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese melts and sandwiches are bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches!

How to Serve Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

These Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches make a delightful meal, perfect for any occasion. Here are some great serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Classic Side Pairings

• Chips: Serve with crunchy potato chips for a satisfying texture contrast.
• Pickles: Add dill or sweet pickles for a tangy bite that complements the creamy filling.
• Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw provides a crisp and refreshing side that balances the richness of the sandwiches.

Gourmet Enhancements

• Avocado Slices: Top your sandwich with fresh avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats.
• Sliced Tomatoes: Juicy tomato slices add freshness and moisture, elevating the flavor profile.
• Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can give a spicy kick to the creamy filling.

How to Perfect Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

To create the best Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches, here are some helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your sandwiches are always delicious and satisfying.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Use smoked turkey for an even richer taste in your filling.
• Creamy Consistency: Adjust the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream until you reach your desired creaminess.
• Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme for additional flavor depth.
• Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Roll Selection: Choose artisan rolls that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart.
• Serving Warm: Always serve these sandwiches warm to enjoy the gooey melted cheese at its best.

Best Side Dishes for Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

Pairing sides with your Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried, these fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory sandwich.
2. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out the richness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a hearty, nutritious side that complements the meal.
4. Macaroni Salad: Creamy macaroni salad is a classic choice that pairs well with sandwiches.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob enhances summer vibes and adds sweetness.
6. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans bring comfort food flavors that pair beautifully with turkey sandwiches.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not cooling the filling: If you skip allowing the turkey mixture to cool, it can melt the cheese too quickly, leading to a soggy sandwich. Cool it to room temperature first.

• Overfilling the rolls: Stuffing too much filling into the rolls can cause them to burst during baking. Pack the filling tightly, but leave some space at the top.

• Using stale rolls: Old or stale rolls will not hold up well with the creamy filling. Always choose fresh artisan rolls for the best results.

• Ignoring seasoning: Underseasoning can lead to bland sandwiches. Taste your filling before adding it to the rolls and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

• Skipping the cheese: The cheese adds creaminess and flavor; omitting it will change the dish’s overall appeal. Don’t skip this essential ingredient!

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain freshness.

Freezing Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350ºF. Wrap sandwiches in foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely with a damp paper towel, and heat in short increments until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sandwiches and cover until warmed through, flipping once.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free rolls instead of artisan rolls. Be sure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I substitute the cream cheese in Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if preferred.

How long does it take to prepare Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?

The total time is about 25 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking time.

What sides pair well with Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches?

Consider serving these sandwiches with a light salad or crispy potato chips for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Fricassee Leftover Turkey Sandwiches are a delightful way to enjoy leftover turkey while providing comfort food at its finest. The creamy turkey filling combined with melted cheese creates an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices for added flavor! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!