The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich with Jam
Nov 26th 2025
The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Sandwich with Jam
Savory turkey, crispy stuffing, and just the right touch of sweet-tart jam turn leftovers into a lunchtime win. The magic of Thanksgiving leftovers lies not just in what you save but in how you transform it. Enter the ultimate Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich — where every bite bursts with flavor and texture, elevating yesterday’s feast to today’s delight.
Why Jam Belongs on Your Leftover Sandwich
Thanksgiving leftovers are a glorious mix of rich, salty, and tender flavors. Often, the challenge is balancing out that richness with freshness and brightness so the sandwich feels intentional, not just thrown together. Jam is that game-changer.
Adding jam introduces a sweet, tart, and sometimes spicy counterpoint that wakes up every bite. It elevates the buttery turkey and salty stuffing, layering in fresh fruit notes and a hint of heat that make the sandwich sing. This isn’t just fluff — it’s a crucial piece of the flavor equation.
Emily G’s jams are crafted exactly for this moment. Made in small batches with real fruit by Southern hands, their bold flavors cut through the richness naturally, bringing that bright “lift” to every mouthful. They have a confident but gentle way of complementing the savory, cozy notes of Thanksgiving without overpowering.
Whether you want cozy and classic, sweet heat, or something with a savory twist, here are a few standout picks from Emily G’s collection that shine with leftover turkey sandwiches:
- Craving classic and cozy? Try Fig Pomegranate.
- Want sweet heat? Jalapeño Raspberry brings the perfect kick.
- Looking for savory-sweet with backbone? Roasted Red Pepper Jam fits right in.
- For a seasonal twist, Santa Jam adds holiday warmth.
- Smoke and sweetness? Strawberry Chipotle pairs beautifully with cheddar.
If you want to explore a few jams side-by-side, Emily G’s Charcuterie Jam Kit is a perfect tasting set to have on hand.
And if you’re gifting or want variety at your table:
Southern Roots in Every Jar
Emily G’s jams aren’t just jams; they are a craft tradition captured in a jar. Each small batch is lovingly cooked much like you might do at home if you had the luxury of time and a big pot ready for real fruit, natural sweetness, and just the right hint of heat.
There is a warmth and kitchen charm in every spoonful—classic Southern flavors updated with a fresh, clean lift that allows them to sit proudly alongside hearty, real food like biscuits, charcuterie boards, and of course, Thanksgiving leftovers.
The quality is obvious: real ingredients, no gimmicks, and just enough spice or sweetness to accentuate but not overwhelm. It’s jam that stands up to big, bold flavors — perfect for elevating the humble leftover sandwich.
Core Components for the Perfect Sandwich
Crafting the ultimate leftover sandwich is all about the right foundation and harmony of layers. From bread to crunch, each part plays a distinct role.
Bread
Choose sturdy Southern staples like sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta. Toast or griddle for a crisp exterior that contrasts tender turkey and holds up to juicy spreads.
- A well-toasted crust gives crunch where you want it.
- Sturdiness is key; you don’t want your sandwich going soggy under gravy, jam, or moist turkey.
Turkey
- White meat: Slice and warm gently in butter so it stays tender and buttery.
- Dark meat: Shred and warm it slow, preferably in gravy for rich, savory depth.
Jam and Spreads
- Classic: Tart cranberry sauce or mix cranberry with mayo for balanced sweetness that pairs with turkey’s savor.
- Cozy & Creamy: Fig Pomegranate alongside Brie melts with the turkey for rich, soft bites. Fig Pomegranate
- Spicy-Sweet Kicks: Jalapeño Raspberry or Strawberry Chipotle add a bright, spicy tingle. Perfect if you like a little heat.
- Savory-Sweet: Roasted Red Pepper Jam is a great alternative to onion jam or chutney.
- Seasonal Warmth: Santa Jam brings that nostalgic holiday feeling, great with melty cheese.
Cheese
- Brie — creamy and luscious melt.
- Cheddar — sharp, tangy, and gives structure.
- Swiss — nutty flavor and clean melt.
Crunch and Brightness
- Arugula adds a peppery snap.
- Pickled onions introduce acidity and crispness.
- Slaw offers both crunch and a refreshing bite.
Moisture Management
This is the secret to a sandwich that stays crisp and delicious:
- Always toast or griddle your bread.
- Apply a thin butter or mayo layer on both bread slices as a moisture barrier.
- Keep wet elements (jam, gravy, juicy dark meat) tucked in the center layers.
- Insert a “stuffing slab” — a pan-fried, crispy slice of stuffing — to add crunch and keep sandwich layers neat.
Layering & Assembly — Real Talk for Real Sandwiches
Here’s a tried-and-true hot, pressed build that stacks flavors and textures perfectly while keeping everything tidy and flavorful:
- Lightly toast bread, spread with butter or mayo inside to create a protective barrier.
- Layer warmed white meat turkey, softened in butter, on the bottom slice.
- Add a thick slab of pan-fried stuffing — about ½ inch thick — crisp on the outside, soft in the middle.
- Pile shredded dark meat turkey warmed in gravy over the stuffing. This keeps gravy insulated in the middle, avoiding soggy bread.
- Add your choice of cheese — Brie, cheddar, or Swiss — letting it meet warm layers so it starts to melt.
- Stack the peppery arugula, pickled onions, or slaw for bursts of brightness and texture.
- Spread jam generously but neatly on the top slice of bread. Complement pairings like Fig Pomegranate with Brie, Jalapeño Raspberry with sharp cheddar, or Roasted Red Pepper Jam with Swiss all work beautifully here.
- Close the sandwich, press gently. Griddle in a skillet or panini press with a bit of butter or olive oil until the bread is golden and the cheese deliciously melted.
Tips to Keep It Tidy
- Keep jam centered and off the bread edges to avoid sogginess.
- If you enjoy extra sauciness, serve gravy on the side for dipping instead of inside the sandwich.
- Slice the sammie on the diagonal to showcase vibrant jam layers and keep stacks intact.
A Simpler Cold/Warm Mix
If you want something quicker, cooler, or with less fuss:
- Toast bread with a butter or mayo layer inside.
- Use room-temperature turkey with a warm stuffing slab.
- Add sturdy cheddar cheese, which holds texture in non-hot builds.
- Jam spread on the top slice adds brightness.
- Serve gravy on the side to dip each bite.
Quick Cooking Tips
- Use a skillet or panini press with a teaspoon or two of butter or olive oil to get a beautifully crisp, golden crust.
- For extra crunch, pan-sear leftover stuffing slabs or press spoonfuls into a waffle iron for crispy “stuffing waffles.”
- Reheat turkey gently: use low heat with a pat of butter in a pan or cover in the oven with a splash of stock to keep meat tender — dry turkey is no fun!
Choose-Your-Jam Pairings
Here are some fail-safe flavor combos from Emily G's collection that turn your leftover sandwich into a gourmet bite:
- Brie + Fig Pomegranate: Rich, cozy, holiday-dinner-in-a-bite. Fig Pomegranate
- Sharp Cheddar + Jalapeño Raspberry: Bright and spicy-sweet with a zing ideal alongside pickled onions. Jalapeño Raspberry
- Swiss + Roasted Red Pepper Jam: Savory-sweet depth, a fuss-free nod to classic pepper jelly and onion jam. Roasted Red Pepper Jam
- Turkey Club Riff + Strawberry Chipotle: Smoky-sweet goodness with arugula and optional crisp bacon crumbles. Strawberry Chipotle
- Santa Jam + Brie or Swiss**: Seasonal warmth with melty cheese in the spotlight. Santa Jam
The Base Sandwich Formula (Serves 2)
Ingredients:
- 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta)
- 2 tablespoons butter or mayo, divided
- 1 cup sliced white meat turkey
- 1 cup shredded dark meat turkey
- ½ to ¾ cup warmed gravy
- 2 stuffing slabs (about ½ inch thick)
- 2 to 4 ounces cheese (Brie, cheddar, or Swiss)
- 2 handfuls arugula or ½ cup slaw
- 2 to 4 tablespoons Emily G’s jam of choice
Directions:
- Toast bread lightly and spread butter or mayo on the inside of each slice.
- Warm white meat turkey gently in butter; layer on two slices.
- Pan-fry stuffing slabs until crisp; place on top of white meat.
- Warm shredded dark meat in gravy; pile over stuffing.
- Add cheese and then greens.
- Spread jam on remaining bread slices; close sandwiches.
- Griddle in skillet or panini press over medium heat for 2–4 minutes per side until golden and melty.
- Serve hot with warm gravy for dipping.
Variations Without Fuss
- Monte Cristo-style: Dip the assembled sandwich in a quick egg wash (1 egg + splash milk), griddle until golden, and serve with a warm spoonful of Santa Jam or Fig Pomegranate for dipping.
- Meat-free Grilled Cheese**: Use sourdough + Brie or cheddar + Emily G’s jam (Fig Pomegranate or Jalapeño Raspberry) + arugula for a simple, satisfying vegetarian option.
- Breadless Build: Form leftover stuffing into patties, pan-fry until crispy, and use as “buns” with turkey, greens, and jam inside for a low-carb twist.
Food Safety Reminder — Because Good Food is Safe Food
Enjoying leftover sandwiches is a joy — but safety can’t be forgotten. To keep you and yours healthy:
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours after serving. Use shallow containers and portion turkey to cool quickly and evenly.
- Aim to eat or freeze leftovers by Monday after Thanksgiving — ideally within 3 to 4 days. Frozen leftovers keep well between 2 to 6 months but are best fresh.
- Reheat all turkey and sides to an internal temperature of 165°F. Bring gravies and sauces to a rolling boil before serving.
- When in doubt, toss it out. If leftovers smell off or have been out too long, skip the risk.
Food safety keeps your leftover sandwiches not just delicious, but safe.
Ways to Serve & Pair
- Serve warm gravy on the side for dipping—keeping it off the bread until the last bite ensures crisp textures stay intact.
- Simple sides like a crisp green salad, tangy pickles, or kettle chips bring balance and crunch without stealing the show.
- Drinks: Sweet tea, crisp hard cider, a light beer, or even leftover sparkling wine all complement rich, jammy flavors wonderfully.
A Few Last Notes on Feel & Finish
- Taste before seasoning: Leftovers can sometimes be salty already. The jam adds natural seasoning, so salt sparingly.
- Add a smear of Dijon mustard below the turkey if you like a bit of savory heat; it pairs beautifully with sweeter jams.
- Keep jam visible near the edges of the sandwich; that peek of bright color says “hello” and sets flavor expectations.
Making the most of Thanksgiving leftovers doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. A jar of Emily G’s artisanal jam, crusty bread, and thoughtful layering turn those saved bites into something genuinely to look forward to. Real flavor. No fuss. See what you love, swap what you don’t, and make it your own.
If you want to explore flavors side by side, start with the Best Sellers Gift Set or the Sweet and Savory Gift Set.
Here’s to the sandwich you’ll be dreaming about all weekend.
**Disclaimer:**
Food safety is important. Always refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat thoroughly to 165°F before eating. When in doubt about freshness, discard leftovers to avoid any risk. Enjoy your delicious meal safely!
Transform Thanksgiving leftovers with Emily G’s jams for the ultimate savory, sweet, and spicy sandwich delight—easy, flavorful, and perfect for any palate!