Cheesy Hot Turkey Sandwiches: The Ultimate Comfort Food

The aroma still lingers, doesn’t it? The scent of roasting turkey, sage stuffing, and the happy chaos of Thanksgiving Day. But beyond the big feast, it’s the next day that always held a special charm for me. My grandmother, Nana, would transform the glorious remnants into these unbelievably comforting, cheesy, hot turkey sandwiches. Piled high on soft buns, oozing with melted Velveeta, and singing with savory flavors, they were the edible embodiment of cozy nostalgia, and a tradition I eagerly anticipate every year. They are pure comfort on a bun.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooked turkey, cubed
• 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup mayonnaise or 1 cup salad dressing
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
• Buns of your choice, for serving

Equipment Needed

• Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by prepping your ingredients. Cube the cooked turkey into bite-sized pieces. You can use light meat, dark meat, or a mixture of both – it’s entirely up to your preference!

2. Next, cube the Velveeta cheese. This will help it melt evenly and quickly in the slow cooker.

3. Now, it’s time to chop the vegetables. Chop the celery, green pepper, and onion into small, uniform pieces. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they will distribute throughout the mixture and soften during cooking.

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed turkey, cubed Velveeta cheese, chopped celery, chopped green pepper, and chopped onion.

5. Add the mayonnaise (or salad dressing) and the cream of chicken soup to the bowl.

6. Using a large spoon or spatula, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the mayonnaise and soup are evenly distributed throughout the turkey and vegetable mixture.

7. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.

8. Cook on high for one hour, then reduce the heat to low and cook for another hour, stirring often. The mixture is ready when the cheese is fully melted and the ingredients are heated through. Frequent stirring is key to preventing the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker and ensuring even melting.

9. Once the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through, it’s time to assemble your sandwiches! Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy turkey mixture onto your favorite buns.

10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cheese Choices: While Velveeta is the classic choice for its meltability, you can experiment with other cheeses. A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack would provide a sharper, more complex flavor. Just be sure to shred them finely for even melting.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking. Consider adding diced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers of different colors, or even some finely diced jalapenos for a little kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This mixture can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. When ready to serve, simply transfer to the slow cooker and heat as directed.
• Thickening it Up: If the mixture appears too thin, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to thicken.
• Browning the Buns: For an extra touch, lightly butter the inside of the buns and toast them under the broiler for a minute or two before adding the turkey mixture. This will add a nice crunch and prevent the buns from getting soggy.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these cheesy hot turkey sandwiches immediately while they are hot and the cheese is gloriously melted. They pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat the entire mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently. You can also freeze the turkey mixture for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	337 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	46%
Total Fat	17.2 g	26%
Saturated Fat	3.8 g	18%
Cholesterol	90.4 mg	30%
Sodium	542 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	12.2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.7 g	2%
Sugars	3.3 g	N/A
Protein	32.3 g	64%

Please note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy twist.
• Different Protein: If you don’t have leftover turkey, you can easily substitute shredded chicken or even cooked ham.
• Gluten-Free: Serve the cheesy turkey mixture over gluten-free buns or even on top of baked potatoes for a gluten-free option.
• Lighter Version: Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in place of the regular mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
• Herby Goodness: Add a tablespoon of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to enhance the flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! While Velveeta melts beautifully, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses. Just make sure to shred them finely for even melting.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
A: Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some finely diced jalapenos for a little heat.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! This mixture can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Q: The mixture seems a little too thin. What can I do?
A: You can add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to thicken.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze the turkey mixture for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – Nana’s Cheesy Hot Turkey Sandwiches, a recipe steeped in tradition and bursting with comforting flavors. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and create your own cherished memories with it. Feel free to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. And if you do, please share your feedback and let me know how it turned out! These sandwiches are fantastic on their own, but they also pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or a bowl of hearty soup. Happy cooking!