Leftover turkey never tasted so good! This turkey Cuban sandwich is an easy way to put those Thanksgiving leftovers to use, and my lightened up recipe won’t weigh you down either.
Healthy Cuban Sandwich With Leftover Turkey
If you’re craving a Cuban sandwich, this turkey version is sure to satisfy! I have a weakness for Cuban sandwiches; if you have never tried one, they are usually made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, thin sliced pickles and mustard, then pressed with a sandwich press or a panini grill until everything is hot and the cheese is melted. Leftover turkey breast makes a great, lighter alternative to roast pork and it’s a fantastic way to use your leftover turkey this Thanksgiving. Here’s more Leftover Thanksgiving Recipes if you are looking for more ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cuban Sandwich Recipe
I love Cuban sandwiches (Cubano) so these healthier turkey Cuban sandwiches were a big hit in my house! A great way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers!
- A new way to use leftover turkey. Instead of making the same old turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce or turkey soup, this recipe really reinvents those Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Lighter and healthier option. Using turkey breast instead of roast pork allows for a healthier version of the traditional Cuban sandwich without compromising on flavor.
- Easy to make. Because the last thing you want to do after cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner is make an elaborate recipe for lunch! These Cuban turkey sandwiches are simple.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- French bread – I used fat-free French bread.
- Leftover turkey breast – Heat this up before starting the recipe.
- Ham – Use deli slices for this—any variety you like.
- Alpine Lace Swiss cheese – These lower calorie slices of cheese are perfect for this lightened up Cuban turkey sandwich.
- Pickles – One of the key ingredients for a good Cuban!
- Mustard – Use any kind you have on hand, or buy a Cuban-style mustard for authentic flavor.
- Pam cooking spray – I like to use butter-flavored Pam.
How to Make a Turkey Cuban Sandwich
See the recipe card below for printable instructions.
- Assemble. Slice the bread and spread mustard on both sides. Layer with cheese, pickles, turkey, and ham.
- Cook. Close the sandwich and spray a panini press with Pam. Place the sandwich in the press and grill until the cheese is melted and the bread is lightly crispy on top.
- Serve. Cut the Cuban turkey sandwich diagonally and serve.
Tips and Variations
- Switch up the bread. You can substitute the French bread with a soft baguette or Cuban bread if you’re lucky enough to be able to find it locally. If you can’t find fat-free bread, you can scoop out some of the insides of the bread to shave off some calories. (Save the insides to make homemade breadcrumbs!)
- Use your favorite deli ham. I love honey-baked ham or a ham with lots of smoky flavor. You can also try using prosciutto for something a little different.
- Shred your own cheese if needed. If you can’t find Alpine Lace cheese, a good alternative is to buy a block of Swiss and shred it yourself. Shredding the cheese allows you to evenly distribute it over the sandwich, so you can still get an even layer of cheese despite using less.
What to Serve With a Cuban Sandwich
These Baked Parmesan Kale Chips are always delicious with a sandwich for lunch. I also love these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries and my Avocado Fries with Lime Dipping Sauce, which are both made in the air fryer.
Proper Storage
- Refrigerate: To store leftover turkey Cuban sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container before refrigerating for up to 2 days.
- To reheat: I recommend reheating in the sandwich press to restore the crispy exterior. Let the sandwich come to room temperature first for best results—this helps ensure that the inside is completely warmed through when the outside is done.
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
Turkey Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 6-inch slice French Bread
- 3 ounces cooked turkey breast, leftovers, heated
- 1 slice ham
- 2 thin slices Alpine Lace Swiss cheese
- 3 slices dill pickles
- yellow mustard
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the bread open. Spread mustard on both sides.
- Place cheese and pickles on the bread.
- Add turkey and top with ham.
- Close your sandwich, spray the sandwich press or panini maker with oil and press down until the cheese is melted and the crust is a little crispy. If you don't have a panini maker, use a heavy skillet to press down on the sandwich.
- Cut the sandwich on the diagonal and enjoy!
