Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Pesto

If you’re a fan of the TV show, Friends, you know all about the sitcom’s Thanksgiving episodes and the brilliance behind some of the turkey day story lines. Shout out to my favorite – The One Where Ross Got High. Thanksgiving is in some way featured every season (season 2 is the only one without a sit down feast among the friends) and so, in pure Friends-fanatic fashion, my husband and I have decided we will watch every Thanksgiving episode this week to celebrate. I like to call it Netflix and Chill: Thanksgiving edition. Side note – check out this Buzzfeed article that ranks all of the episodes.

But of course, one of the most memorable episodes that takes place the day after Thanksgiving (not technically a Thanksgiving episode) is The One With Ross’s Sandwich, where Ross’s co-worker “accidentally” eats his leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich. And of course, he freaks out in true Ross fashion.  It is the best. I die every time. One of my favorite Ross moments ever.

In his defense, Thanksgiving leftovers really are a treasure because you get a chance to relive one of the greatest meals of the year. I’m not even a leftovers person, but for some reason Thanksgiving leftovers always call my name. Andddddd… putting leftovers in sandwich form switches it up just enough that you’re not bored.

Ross’s passion for his sandwich inspired me, and I set out to make a leftover turkey sandwich, but with a twist – cranberry pesto. I know, it sounds extremely strange, but it’s actually amazing. The sweetness the cranberry sauce adds to the basil and cheese makes it so unique and addicting. The sandwich itself is super simple because there’s so much flavor packed in the pesto.

If you end up making this leftover turkey sandwich, don’t forget to tag #marinamakeseats!

Leftover Turkey Sandwich with Cranberry Pesto

Makes 2-3 sandwiches

Ingredients

• 1 cup of basil
• 1/4 cup of oil
• 1/4 cup of leftover cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup of grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
• 1/8 tsp salt
• Half of a small garlic clove
• 1/2 cup of pecans
• French baguette,, cut to make 2-3 sandwiches (or any other leftover bread you have)
• Leftover turkey
• 4-6oz of brie cheese, cut into slices

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

To make the pesto, combine basil, oil, cranberry sauce, cheese, salt, garlic and pecans in a food processor until combined and slightly smooth. Set aside.

When your oven is preheated, start assembling your sandwich. Slice the baguette and remove some bread from the middle. Next, add slices of turkey and top it with slices of brie. Bake it in the oven for five minutes, or until the cheese starts to melt.

Take the sandwich out of the oven and spread 2-3 heaping tablespoons of pesto on the top-side of the bread.