Name: Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound sliced turkey (carved turkey or deli-sliced); 4 slices bread; 12 ounces turkey gravy; salt (to taste); black pepper (to taste); fresh parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

An open faced turkey sandwich is the ultimate comfort meal, with tender turkey slices smothered in hot gravy and served over toasted bread. It’s perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner or for using up your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Hot open faced turkey sandwich made with leftover roast turkey, smothered in gravy and served on toasted bread with parsley garnish and alongside green beans and mashed potatoes.

Whether you use deli-sliced turkey or roasted turkey from a holiday feast, these hot turkey sandwiches come together in just 15 minutes, making them an easy go-to meal when you’re craving something warm and hearty.

Serve up your open-faced hot turkey sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole for an easy Thanksgiving meal any time of the year.

Hot open faced turkey sandwich made with deli-sliced turkey, topped with gravy and garnished with fresh parsley on toasted bread.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Quick and easy: Just 15 minutes from start to finish.
Versatile: Use leftover turkey or deli slices, and homemade or store-bought gravy.
Perfect for leftovers: A great way to use up Thanksgiving turkey and gravy.
Comfort food at its best: Warm, hearty, and covered in gravy.

Ingredient Notes

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Ingredients for open faced turkey sandwich, including sliced turkey, thick bread, gravy, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.

Bread: Look for a thick sliced bread such as texas toast. However, if you only have regular white bread you can double up with 2 slices of bread as the base for each sandwich. Leftover rolls would be delicious too.
Turkey: Leftover roasted turkey or sliced turkey from the deli counter both work well. Heat the turkey before assembling for a warm sandwich.
Gravy: Homemade or store-bought. I like to this easy homemade gravy without drippings recipe.
Salt & pepper: Add to taste after assembling. Store-bought gravy can be quite salty so you may not need any added salt.
Parsley: Optional, but adds a fresh pop of color.

How to Make Open Face Turkey Sandwiches

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Prepare gravy: Prepare homemade gravy or heat up premade gravy in a skillet.
Toast bread: Lightly toast each slice of bread.
Heat the turkey: Microwave sliced turkey for 30-45 seconds.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place a slice of toasted bread on a plate. Top with turkey, hot gravy, and a little salt and pepper.

Step-by-step photos for making an open faced turkey and gravy sandwich: heating gravy, toasting bread, and assembling sandwich with turkey slices, and pouring gravy over the top

Storage

If you have leftovers, store the components separately for best results. Avoid storing assembled sandwiches, as the bread will become soggy.

Turkey: Store cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Gravy: Keep leftover gravy in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage (up to 3 months). Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Bread: Store at room temp.

When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat the turkey and gravy, toast the bread, then assemble fresh sandwiches.

Gravy being poured generously over open faced turkey sandwich.

Tips for the Best Hot Turkey Sandwich

Use a nice thick-sliced bread as the base of your sandwich.
Lightly toast your bread slices to prevent them from becoming too soggy under the gravy.
This recipe is a perfect way to use up holiday leftovers, and the open faced sandwich is even better when topped with leftover stuffing or cranberry sauce.

Additions and variations

Cheese: Add a slice of Swiss or cheddar before pouring the gravy and broil for a melted, cheesy twist.
Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or green beans are great toppings. You could even layer mashed potatoes for extra comfort.
Stuffing: Have leftover stuffing? Place a layer on the bread before adding turkey. Cranberry sauce also adds a sweet-tart contrast.

Open face turkey sandwich with gravy served with mashed potatoes and green beans. Gravy and another turkey sandwich are in background.

More Turkey Recipes

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Hot Open Faced Turkey Sandwich

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 10

Cook: 5

Total: 15

Warm, comforting open faced turkey sandwiches covered in gravy—perfect for a quick dinner or using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Ready in just 15 minutes!

Ingredients

▢ 1 pound sliced turkey carved turkey or deli-sliced
▢ 4 slices bread
▢ 12 ounces turkey gravy
▢ salt to taste
▢ black pepper to taste
▢ fresh parsley chopped, optional garnish

Instructions

Prepare gravy: If using store-bought gravy, heat it according to the package instructions. If making homemade gravy, prepare it to your liking or use my homemade gravy recipe.
Toast bread: Lightly toast bread in a toaster, toaster oven, or on a baking sheet in the oven.
Heat the turkey: While the bread is toasting, heat the sliced turkey in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place each toasted bread slice on a plate. Evenly distribute the heated turkey slices over each piece of bread. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour the hot gravy generously over the top of each sandwich. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.