Turkey Gouda Sandwich with Cranberry and Spinach

A cutting board with ingredients for a turkey gouda sandwich in the process of being made. There is a slice of multigrain bread and a second slice of bread topped with gouda, turkey and cranberry sauce. A small bowl with cranberry sauce and a second bowl with dijon mustard sits nearby as does a knife with some mustard on it. A bowl of baby spinach is of to the left as well as a loaf of bread. A completed sandwich is off to the right.

This hearty Turkey Gouda Sandwich with tangy cranberry sauce and fresh baby spinach is the perfect use of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, which means in the United States where I live many of us are thinking about how to prepare a traditional roast turkey. But me, I’m already thinking about my favorite part of Thanksgiving – the leftovers! Thankfully (pun-intended) this Turkey Gouda Sandwich with Cranberry and Spinach is the perfect use for that leftover thanksgiving turkey you might have.

There is something about freshly roasted and sliced turkey that is just perfect on a sandwich. Yes, regular old deli turkey is great too, but that’s something I tend to eat throughout the year. So having a freshly roasted turkey breast sandwich after Thanksgiving is really something special.

Beyond the taste, this sandwich is also a feast for the eyes. Layers of tender turkey and creamy gouda are complemented by vibrant green baby spinach and a pop of bright red Cranberry Rosemary Sauce – which, by the way, is also an amazing addition to your Thanksgiving table.

This sandwich is a delicious way to repurpose two Thanksgiving leftovers in one perfect meal!

Ingredients for a turkey gouda sandwich on a table. There is multigrain bread slices, sliced gouda, sliced turkey, a bowl with baby spinach, a small bowl of mustard and a small bowl of cranberry sauce. There is also a red cloth a the top right.

Turkey Gouda Sandwich Ingredients

Roast Turkey Breast: Tender slices of roasted turkey breast are the heart of this delicious sandwich. If I am not using up my leftover Thanksgiving turkey, I can find freshly roasted turkey breast at the deli counter of my grocery store.

Gouda: This semi-soft aged cheese hails from the Netherlands. It has a nutty taste and rich, buttery texture that compliments the roast turkey breast perfectly. I like to buy pre-sliced gouda but you can buy a larger block and slice pieces yourself if you prefer.

Multigrain Sandwich Bread: A hearty multigrain sandwich bread is lightly toasted and provides the perfect base for the sandwich. I like to buy my own multigrain sandwich loaf and then slice it thickly for this sandwich, but any sturdy multigrain bread will do.

Baby Spinach: Tender young spinach leaves offer a fresh, mild flavor and a pop of bright green color. Their crisp texture and slight earthiness contrast beautifully with the richness of the turkey and gouda, while adding a refreshing note to the sandwich.

Dijon Mustard: Originating from Dijon, France, this mustard is crafted from finely ground mustard seeds, white wine, and vinegar and provides a nice tangy zing in contrast to the more mild turkey and gouda.

Cranberry Rosemary Sauce: Cranberry is a classic pairing with turkey and I make my own Cranberry Rosemary Sauce for this recipe. It’s tangy from both the cranberries and some balsamic vinegar, sweet from a little added sugar and has a slight herbaceous note from the rosemary that goes perfectly on a turkey sandwich.

A cutting board topped with two slices of toasted multigrain bread.

A cutting board with two slices of bread and a small bowl of mustard. There is a knife with mustard on it sitting nearby and one of the slices of bread is topped with mustard.

Ingredient Substitution FAQs

Can I use deli turkey in this recipe?

Yes, deli turkey will work just fine in this sandwich. I personally prefer freshly roasted turkey breast for its richer flavor, but deli turkey is a convenient and tasty alternative.

Can I use a different cheese besides gouda?

If you’re looking for a similar cheese, muenster is a great substitute for gouda with its mild, creamy texture. Swiss cheese would also work, though it has a distinct flavor that’s less nutty than gouda.

Can I substitute smoked gouda?

While smoked gouda has a wonderful flavor, its smoky taste may overpower the other ingredients in this sandwich. I recommend sticking with regular gouda for a more balanced profile.

Can I use a different green besides baby spinach?

Yes, you can substitute with another tender, hearty green. Baby kale is an excellent option and will add a similar freshness and texture to the sandwich. Regular (non-baby variety) spinach would also work too.

I have leftover cranberry sauce – can I use that?

Absolutely! You can use your leftover cranberry sauce, though it will alter the flavor slightly. For a closer match to the Cranberry Rosemary Sauce, try sprinkling a little chopped rosemary over your cranberry sauce before spreading it on the sandwich.

A close up shot of a turkey gouda sandwich that has been sliced.

Want More Turkey Sandwich Recipe Ideas?

Looking for another delicious turkey sandwich recipe to try? Definitely check out my Diner-Style Turkey Bacon Club Sandwich – it’s also a great use of that leftover Thanksgiving turkey you might have!