Homemade Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich Recipe

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Sometimes, recreating the magic of those classic dishes in a quick and creative way can be just as fulfilling—Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich, a savory masterpiece that combines all the rich flavors of Thanksgiving dinner into one perfect sandwich.

How to make Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich

Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich is a limited-time seasonal sandwich offered by Arby’s around the Thanksgiving holiday. It’s inspired by a traditional Thanksgiving meal and typically includes roasted turkey and classic holiday flavors served on a hearty bread.

Ingredients:

To replicate Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich, you’ll need the following:

For the Sandwich:

• Turkey: Thick slices of turkey breast (preferrably deep-fried or oven-roasted). You can use fresh-cooked turkey or Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Swiss Cheese: 2 slices of Swiss cheese for each sandwich.
• Stuffing: 2–3 tablespoons of your favorite Thanksgiving stuffing, homemade or store-bought.
• Cranberry Spread: A dollop of cranberry sauce or a cranberry mayo spread for a sweet and tangy bite. Make your own by mixing cranberry sauce with a little mayo or cream cheese.
• Mayonnaise: Optional, but adds creaminess to balance the flavors.
• Crispy Onion Straws: About 2 tablespoons per sandwich for crunch (use store-bought, or fry your own).
• Sub Bun or Bread: A large toasted sandwich roll, ciabatta, or baguette works great.

Optional Ingredients/Twists:

• Lettuce or baby spinach for added freshness.
• A drizzle of gravy for a comfort-style sandwich.
• A touch of cajun spice for extra flavor on the turkey.

Instructions:

Step 1: Dip turkey breast pieces in flour, then beaten eggs, and finally in seasoned bread crumbs. Fry in hot oil (350°F) until crispy and golden brown on the outside. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat up your stuffing in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop until warm and tender. Mix 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (or cream cheese) until smooth.

Step 3: Slice your sandwich roll or bun in half. Lightly toast the bread in the oven, toaster, or skillet for a warm, slightly crispy texture.

Step 4: Spread cranberry mayo across the inside of each half of the toasted bun. Layer on the turkey slices, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Place Swiss cheese slices on top of the turkey. If preferred, pop the sandwich into the oven or microwave briefly to melt the cheese. Add stuffing and crispy onion straws for a hearty crunch. Optionally, you can spread a thin layer of regular mayo on the top bun for an extra creamy addition.

Step 5: Press the sandwich halves together and serve warm. Pair with a side of cranberry sauce, gravy for dipping, or your favorite Thanksgiving sides.

Tips for Making the Perfect Thanksgiving Sandwich:

• Use Thick Turkey Slices: Thick-cut turkey breast holds its texture better in the Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich and gives you that meaty, satisfying bite.
• Don’t Skip the Toasting: Toasting the bread prevents it from becoming soggy due to the cranberry sauce and stuffing.
• Experiment with Flavors: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a slice of pumpkin or apple pie filling for a unique twist that’s still in the Thanksgiving spirit.
• Leftovers Are Perfect: This sandwich is a fantastic way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers and enjoy the holiday flavors a second time!
• Watch the Balance: Try not to overload the sandwich—aim for balanced layers, so that all the flavors come together harmoniously without overpowering one another.

What to serve with

The Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich (or your homemade version!) is a delightful combination of rich, hearty flavors inspired by the holiday. To make your meal complete, pair it with sides or drinks that complement the comforting, savory, and slightly sweet notes of the sandwich.

• Homemade Sweet Potato Chips: Crispy, slightly sweet sweet potato chips pair perfectly with the sandwich’s rich flavors. Thinly slice sweet potatoes, toss them in a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with cinnamon or paprika, and bake at 400°F until crispy.
• Cranberry Slaw: A crunchy, fresh cranberry coleslaw adds brightness and acidity to contrast the sandwich’s richness. Combine shredded cabbage, carrots, diced apples, cranberries, mayo, and a hint of apple cider vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans lightly seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of parmesan. This adds a Thanksgiving vibe while staying simple.
• Sweet Corn or Cornbread: A soft, buttery slice of cornbread or a side of steamed sweet corn brings a Southern touch to your meal, and its natural sweetness complements the cranberry sauce.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: These provide a mini appetizer alongside the Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich. Fill button mushrooms with goat cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, and bake until golden and bubbly.

Ingredients Substitutes

I’ve listed detailed alternatives for each component of the sandwich, so you can tweak it to match your pantry or preferences.

1. Turkey Substitutes

The turkey is the star of the sandwich, but there are several options to replace it depending on your taste or dietary needs.

Option 1: Chicken

Use roasted, grilled, or fried chicken breast as a great alternative to turkey. Fried chicken pieces (think chicken tenders or cutlets) can closely match the crispy texture of deep-fried turkey.

Option 2: Ham

Smoked or honey-glazed ham provides a slightly sweeter and saltier flavor profile, offering a different but still festive vibe.

Option 3: Vegan Turkey or Fake Meat

For plant-based eaters, vegan turkey slices made from tofu, seitan, or pea protein work well as a substitute. Brands like Field Roast or Tofurky provide meatless options.

Option 4: Mushrooms

Sauté or roast portobello mushrooms for an earthy, meat-like texture in a vegetarian version of the sandwich. Marinate them in savory spices for added flavor depth.

2. Swiss Cheese Substitutes

Swiss cheese’s mild nuttiness works beautifully in the sandwich, but there are plenty of other options to experiment with:

Option 1: Provolone

Provolone has a similar nutty flavor and creamy texture, making it one of the best substitutes for Swiss cheese.

Option 2: Cheddar

Sharp or mild cheddar cheese adds a touch of tang and richness for a bold flavor.

Option 3: Gruyère

Gruyère is essentially a more flavorful Swiss cheese option, but it adds complexity with its buttery and slightly sweet taste.

Option 4: Plant-Based Cheese

For a vegan version, opt for dairy-free cheese slices. Brands like Violife or Daiya offer non-dairy cheeses that melt well. Choose a neutral flavor like mozzarella or vegan Swiss-style slices.

3. Cranberry Spread Substitutes

The tangy-sweet cranberry spread is a key element, but if you don’t have cranberry sauce or need a dairy-free option, here are a few swaps:

Option 1: Replace cranberry sauce with fruit preserves such as raspberry, blackberry, or even apricot for a similarly sweet addition.

Option 2: A drizzle of honey mustard adds sweetness with just a bit of zing that complements the turkey and stuffing.

Option 3: Blend cranberry sauce with vegan mayonnaise for a dairy-free alternative that mimics the original spread.

Option 4: Apple butter introduces a cozy fall flavor that can stand in for cranberry sauce, with a delicate balance of sweetness.

4. Stuffing Substitutes

Stuffing adds heartiness and texture, but there are options if you don’t have any on hand or need a simpler alternative.

Option 1: Mashed potatoes provide a soft, comforting texture and replicate the “homemade Thanksgiving” vibes.

Option 2: Replace stuffing with seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed croutons for a quicker and easier option. Toss them with butter, herbs, and garlic before using.

Option 3: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, use quinoa or herbed rice as the filling instead of stuffing. Add some spices or sautéed veggies for extra flavor.

Option 4: A mix of roasted, diced vegetables like butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or carrots can replicate the warm, savory qualities of stuffing without using bread.

5. Crispy Onion Straws Substitutes

The crispy onion straws add crunch and a pop of flavor, but if you don’t have them on hand or prefer lighter options, try these:

Option 1: Thinly sliced and fried shallots mimic the texture and flavor of crispy onion straws, offering a slightly sweeter, mellow onion taste.

Option 2: Crushed potato chips (plain or flavored) will add crunch and a salty kick to the sandwich.

Option 3: For a healthier crunch, sprinkle on toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds.

Option 4: Crumbled, crispy bacon can add a savory crunch while complementing the sandwich’s flavors beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Pairing Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwich with the right sides and drinks will take this seasonal treat to the next level.

More Arby’s Recipes:

• Homemade Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich Recipe
• Homemade Arby’s Steak Nuggets Recipe
• Homemade Arby’s Steak Bites Recipe
• Copycat Arby’s Loaded Italian Sandwich Recipe