Leftover Turkey Tartines
I know that as I share this post, we’re all probably preparing for our full-blown food coma tomorrow, here in the United States. It’ll be Turkey Day after all!
But doesn’t it amaze you that after all the food we eat, after all the ravaging, feasting, and devouring that we do, we still end up with leftovers!? It’s crazy! I don’t know how it happens.
Ironically, it’s usually the most famous Thanksgiving entrée that we’re left over with…the turkey. Suddenly, buying the 20 lb. turkey feels like a big mistake.
But like I said in one of my recent posts, turkey is honestly just a bigger version of chicken, really. And like chicken, there are so many ways you can use leftover turkey. Tacos, casseroles, or, in this case, leftover turkey tartines are some recipes that come to mind.
People get really creative with leftover turkey, but in my house, it’s always been about those big, fat sandwiches. Mom made the best leftover turkey sandwiches. I don’t know what she did, honestly, but they just tasted so good.
Now when I get sent home with leftover turkey, I like to make a more simplified, refined version of a sandwich, which is what a tartine is.
These leftover turkey tartines are a cross between a sandwich and a crostini, too open-faced to be a true sandwich and too many ingredients to be a simple crostini.
I make the tartines with whatever cheese I have on hand in the fridge, usually gruyere or aged cheddar (you’ll want to stick to cheeses that melt well). I’ll melt the cheese on a buttered baguette slice under the broiler, then pile shredded turkey, cranberry relish, fresh arugula, and crispy bacon on top.
The combination is divine and such a simple way to use your leftover turkey. You get that warm, cheesy goodness on a crisp piece of French bread, and then lots of vibrant, fresh flavor from the cranberry relish and arugula. The bacon adds a pleasing salty crunch that really just rounds out the entire tartine.
These tartines would also work really well with chicken too and make for beautiful party appetizers during anytime of the season.
I hope all of you in the U.S. have a happy, happy Thanksgiving and have the chance to enjoy the comforts of family, friends, and good food!
Leftover Turkey Tartines
Mini open-faced sandwiches using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of French baguette
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese, gruyere or cheddar work well
- 1/3 cup shredded turkey
- 1/8 cup arugula
- 2 tbsp cranberry relish
- 1 slice bacon, diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Instructions
- Turn on your oven’s broiler (500°F). Rub one side of each baguette slice with 1/2 a tablespoon of the unsalted butter. Place the buttered side of the baguette slices facing up and stick under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, until toasted.
- Flip the baguette slices over and place a tablespoon of shredded cheese onto each slice. Stick the bread back under the broiler for another minute, or until the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and temporarily set aside.
- Fry the diced bacon in a small pan over medium heat until they’re crispy. Meanwhile, warm the turkey and cranberry relish in the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, if desired.
- Assemble your tartines by placing approximately 1 tablespoon of shredded turkey over each baguette slice. Top with 1/2 a tablespoon of cranberry relish, a few arugula leaves, and 3 to 4 bits of crispy bacon.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 4 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 235
Beeta, these are absolutely fantastic! I still have WAY too much turkey leftover (thank goodness for the FoodSaver)! These look like a perfect little snack or even an easy dinner paired with a nice glass of wine… or two.
Thanks so much, Kathleen! I definitely recommend a couple of glasses, regardless of these tartines! 😉 But these are definitely a great way to use up leftover turkey! XO
I’ll make a 20lb turkey just to have leftovers to eat these lovely tartines!! Beeta, you are speaking directly to my heart when you say things like, buttered french bread, melted cheese, and BACON!!!!! I already ate all of my leftover turkey but I’m definitely keeping this recipe in mind for next time when I have leftover turkey, chicken, beef, or pork 🙂 Or if I just have cheese and french bread and BACON!!!!
LOL thanks so much, Karrie! I feel you on the bacon…especially with the cheese and buttered baguette. We could have a jolly ol’ time you and I just eating our way through bread, cheese, and bacon!! And this would totally work with chicken, beef, or pork!! YUM!!! Call me over when you make it! 😉 XO
I love this idea. That combo of rocket, cranberry sauce, white meat and bacon… yummm. I could definitely see me doing this the day after Christmas too with any variety of leftover meats. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! xx
Thanks so much, Hannah! This would be perfect for xmas leftovers! XO
These are the prettiest tartines, Beeta! Such a great way to use up leftovers. Love the arugula and bacon in here!
Thanks so much, Kelly! The bacon at the very top might be my favorite part of the entire tartine! 😉
This might be my favorite use for leftover turkey. Sharing!!
Thanks so much, Alyssa! It’s such a yummy and simple way to use the leftovers! XO
YES bruschetta are the best for using up leftovers – crunchy slabs of baguette seem to transport flavours perfectly haha. No turkey around here at the moment as no Thanksgiving…but there will probably be turkey at Christmas so will save this up for those Boxing Day leftovers haha! And it is crazy that for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, we prepare SO much food and end up with so many leftovers – it makes you realise what a privileged part of world we are in.
Gorgeous photos too <3 and happy thanksgiving!
Right, Claudia?? Baguette is always a wonderful delivery method! 😉 And you’re right; we are so privileged. That’s why I love finding ways to use leftovers – I can’t stand tossing away any food! Thank you so much for your kind words, deary! XO