Homemade Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich Recipe

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With its juicy deep-fried turkey, tangy cranberry spread, savory stuffing, and melty Swiss cheese, all nestled on a toasted roll, Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich is the kind of sandwich that makes you wish Thanksgiving came around more than once a year!

How to make Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich

The Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich is a limited-time seasonal sandwich that typically appears on Arby’s menu in the fall, around Thanksgiving season. It’s designed to capture the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in sandwich form.

Ingredients:

• Turkey Breast: 1 lb of turkey breast, sliced thick (preferably oven-roasted or deep-fried). You can purchase pre-cooked turkey breast from your deli or roast/deep-fry it yourself.
• Cranberry Spread: 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought). For an authentic touch, use a jellied cranberry sauce and mix in a teaspoon of orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.
• Stuffing: 1 cup of your favorite stuffing (homemade, stovetop stuffing, or store-bought). Let it cool slightly to hold its shape better when layering.
• Swiss Cheese: 2 slices of Swiss cheese per sandwich.
• Crispy Onion Straws: Prepackaged crispy fried onions or make your own by thinly slicing an onion, coating it in seasoned flour, and frying it in oil until golden brown.
• Roll or Bread: Toasted sub sandwich roll (or use brioche, ciabatta, or any soft bread that holds up well to hearty fillings).
• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons per sandwich.
• Optional: Lettuce, if you prefer added texture and freshness.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Turkey: If you’re starting with raw turkey breast, seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of paprika works well. Roast the turkey in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes until fully cooked and juicy. Alternatively, deep-fry it for added texture and flavor. Slice the turkey into thick cuts for layering.

2. Assemble the Cranberry Spread: Mix 1/4 cup of cranberry sauce with a teaspoon of orange zest (optional) for a zesty twist. The cranberry adds sweetness and tang to complement the savory fillings.

3. Toast the Roll: Lightly butter the inside of your sandwich roll and toast it on a hot skillet or in the oven until golden brown. A warm, toasted roll adds extra flavor and helps hold the fillings together.

4. Layer the Ingredients: Add a thin layer of mayonnaise to one side of the roll. Start with a base layer of stuffing (don’t over-stuff—keep it compact). Place crispy onion straws over the stuffing. Add the roasted or fried turkey slices generously. Lay two slices of Swiss cheese on top. Spread cranberry sauce over the top of the cheese.

5. Heat Your Sandwich (Optional): If you enjoy a slightly melty texture, wrap the sandwich in foil and place it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5 minutes.

6. Serve: Place the top bun on your sandwich, slice it in half, and serve warm alongside your favorite sides—a handful of chips or roasted sweet potatoes pair perfectly!

Tips for the Perfect Gobbler Sandwich:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: The turkey breast is the star of the show. While deli turkey works in a pinch, cooking your own roasted or deep-fried turkey delivers richer flavors.
• Get Creative with Stuffing: If traditional stuffing isn’t your favorite, try substituting with cornbread stuffing or even a savory oatmeal mix to keep things unique.
• Control the Balance of Flavors: The cranberry sauce is sweet and tangy, while the stuffing and turkey bring savory notes. If you prefer your sandwich on the sweeter side, add a little more cranberry spread. For extra savory goodness, layer in some turkey gravy!
• DIY Onion Straws: Store-bought crispy fried onions work wonderfully, but making them at home lets you season them to perfection. Coat sliced onions with flour seasoned with garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder before frying.
• Warm It Up: Heating the assembled sandwich briefly ensures the cheese melts slightly and keeps everything warm and flavorful. Avoid overheating the cranberry sauce, as it can get too runny.
• Presentation Touches: If you’re hosting guests, wrap each sandwich in parchment paper or a little foil and place them on a platter. It adds a nice touch and keeps them warm until serving time.

What to serve with

The Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich, with its layers of deep-fried turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cheese, and crispy onion straws, is a meal packed full of hearty Thanksgiving-inspired flavors.

1. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries bring a crisp and slightly sweet contrast to the sandwich’s savory stuffing and tangy cranberry sauce.

How to Make: Slice sweet potatoes into fries, toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes until crisp.

2. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The ultimate Thanksgiving side pairs beautifully with the Gobbler Sandwich. Scoop alongside for extra indulgence. You can even drizzle some gravy directly over the sandwich!

Shortcut: Use store-bought mashed potatoes and gravy for convenience, or whip up homemade versions with a buttery, creamy texture.

3. Cranberry Salad

A refreshing cranberry salad can amplify the cranberry spread on the sandwich while adding a zesty pop of freshness.

Quick Option: Mix dried cranberries with chopped apples, lettuce, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette.

Ingredients Substitutes

Recreating the Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich at home gives you the flexibility to adapt the recipe based on availability, dietary preferences, or flavor tweaks.

Turkey Breast Substitutes

The turkey breast in Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich is the central protein, but there are plenty of options to replace or enhance it if needed:

Chicken:

Why It Works: Chicken breast or roasted chicken thighs provide similar flavor and texture to turkey but are often more accessible and affordable.

How to Prepare: Roast, grill, or fry the chicken and slice thickly for layering.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store is an excellent quick substitute. Shred or slice the meat for convenience.
• Ham or Pork: Ham offers a slightly smoky flavor, while roasted pork loin has a rich texture that complements the sandwich. Opt for glazed ham for mild sweetness.
• Vegetarian Proteins: Use thick slices of marinated tofu or tempeh as a non-meat alternative. Season them with paprika, garlic, and soy sauce for added savoriness.

Cranberry Spread Substitutes

Cranberry spread adds sweet, tangy notes to balance the savory elements in the sandwich. If you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand, try these swaps:

• Berry Jam or Jelly: Use raspberry or blackberry jam for a similar fruity sweetness. Blend the jam with a dash of lemon juice or orange zest to mimic the cranberry’s tang.
• Apple Butter: While apple butter is less tart, its rich sweetness works well when paired with savory fillings like turkey and stuffing.
• Chutneys: A fruit-based chutney (e.g., mango or apricot chutney) adds a great tangy-sweet element that complements the sandwich flavors.
• Homemade Sauce: Combine fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, water, and a splash of orange juice. Simmer until it thickens for a quick DIY cranberry sauce.

Stuffing Substitutes

Stuffing is the heart of the sandwich, offering savory and herbaceous flavors. If you’re out of stuffing or want to try alternatives, these options are worth considering:

• Mashed Potatoes: A scoop of mashed potatoes can be spread directly onto the sandwich for a comfortable, carb-filled option.
• Grilled or Toasted Bread: Use croutons or toasted bread chunks seasoned with garlic and parsley for a stuffing-like substitute.
• Hash Browns or Potato Cakes: For a twist, layer hash browns or crispy potato cakes in place of traditional stuffing—they add crunch and heartiness.
• Rice or Quinoa: Cooked rice or quinoa mixed with herbs (like sage, thyme, and parsley) can replace stuffing for a lighter, gluten-free option.

Swiss Cheese Substitutes

Swiss cheese adds creaminess and a mild nutty flavor. If Swiss isn’t available or isn’t your preference, here are options:

• Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar’s sharp and creamy taste offers a bold substitute while still melting well in the sandwich.
• Mozzarella: For a milder, stringy option, mozzarella is a good replacement that melts beautifully.
• Provolone: Provolone offers a buttery and slightly tangy flavor that complements the sandwich’s other ingredients well.
• Vegan Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, try plant-based cheese slices. Brands like Violife or Daiya offer great melting alternatives.

Crispy Onion Straws Substitutes

Crispy onion straws add crunch and sweetness to the Gobbler Sandwich, but there are other ways to achieve similar results:

• Caramelized Onions: Slowly cook onions in butter or olive oil until golden brown for a soft, sweet, and savory option.
• Fried Shallots: Fried shallots are a great replacement for texture and can often be purchased pre-made at your grocery store.
• Potato Chips: Thin, crispy potato chips can add a delightful crunch to the sandwich in place of onions.
• Panko Breadcrumbs or Nuts: Lightly toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed nuts (like walnuts or pecans) add crunch and texture.

Bread/Roll Substitutes

If you don’t have sub sandwich rolls available or prefer a different texture, any sturdy bread will work as long as it holds up to the fillings:

• Ciabatta or Sourdough: Ciabatta’s soft interior and sturdy crust are great for hearty sandwiches, while sourdough brings tangy complexity to the flavor.
• Brioche or Challah: These rich, slightly sweet breads complement the festive flavors of the Gobbler Sandwich beautifully.
• Pretzel Roll: For a more indulgent option, pretzel rolls add a salty, dense texture.
• Gluten-Free Bread: If you need a gluten-free alternative, most grocery stores offer sturdy sandwich rolls made with rice or almond flour.

Mayonnaise Substitutes

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and moisture to the sandwich, tying all the layers together. Here are substitutions if needed:

• Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a lighter, tangier option that still provides creaminess without the fat content of mayonnaise.
• Hummus: Hummus brings a savory, nutty flavor that pairs exceptionally well with turkey and stuffing. Choose a plain or roasted garlic variety.
• Avocado Spread: Mash ripe avocado with a sprinkle of salt and lemon juice for a creamy, heart-healthy alternative.
• Mustard or Aioli: Dijon mustard or flavored aioli can replace mayo for a tangy kick and more complex taste.

Final Thoughts

When serving the Arby’s Gobbler Sandwich, the possibilities for pairings are endless depending on the vibe you’re going for—heartwarming comfort food, light and fresh accompaniments, or a traditional Thanksgiving meal spread.

More Arby’s Recipes:

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