Want a fun idea for those Thanksgiving leftovers that is easy and delish? Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets take the best of your feast with a few new ingredients to make a mouthwatering sandwich (gluten-free pita bread option too)!
We are slammed in our house for the next two weeks. I don’t know what it is that makes the weeks leading up to a holiday break feel like trying to shove a size 22 woman into a size 4 dress but it never fails. I finally compiled all the family events into a mutual color coded calendar that now hangs on our refrigerator like a magic map guiding us to an oasis of sanity Thanksgiving week.
That, my friends, is my excuse for leap frogging from Thanksgiving prep to how to use your leftovers! The leftovers really are sort of an event themselves. The days of mixing and matching leftovers in straight up dining, to incorporating them into new dishes and finally finishing it all off with making stock and soup.
I love a good turkey sandwich after Thanksgiving. Turkey, mayo, cranberry sauce, a good grind of salt and pepper on rustic bread. I can taste it now! However, this year I’m changing it up a bit with Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets!
A pita sandwich really is fun. They are easy to layer ingredients and the pita flavor doesn’t take over the sandwich, allowing the ingredients to shine. These sandwiches use Thanksgiving turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce (or gel if that’s what your family enjoys), bacon, smoked provolone cheese and lettuce. It’s a fresh take on a Thanksgiving leftovers sandwich that I think you’ll love.
For those gluten-free, you may be scratching your head about this post. Having been gluten-free for over a decade now, pita bread is something I have not been able to find in gluten-free form; until now. I recently found a company out of Ireland which is developing a presence in the US, bFree Foods. They make pita bread, lovely sandwich bread, rolls, wraps (fantastically flavored and pliable wraps) and more.
To say I was over the moon about the pita find is an understatement. My kids have also been gluten-free for over 10 years, and in sharing this new leftovers recipe I realized they did not even know what pita bread is due to never having been able to eat it. I’m thrilled to share this sandwich idea and hope to share may more pita ideas soon! In the meantime I think this is a fun twist on a post holiday sandwich that’s quick and easy to prepare (and for a crowd)!
Thanksgiving Leftovers Bacon Provolone Pita Pockets
Ingredients
- 1 Pita bread (traditional size can be cut in half for 2 sandwiches) I used bFree Foods gluten-free pita bread
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise
- 2 slices Thanksgiving Turkey
- 1/4 cup Stuffing (if using large bread cube stuffing, chop into a finer consistency)
- 3 tablespoons Cranberry Sauce
- 1 slice Smoked Provolone cheese
- 2 pieces cooked Bacon
- 1 medium-size leaf Green Leaf Lettuce
- Kosher Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cut the pita bread in half and gently open it. Spread mayonnaise on the insides of the pocket.
- Layer in the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cheese, bacon and lettuce; finishing with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Eat immediately.
Theresa says
This looks like such a tasty way to use up those leftovers! My husband would love to have this in his lunch the day after since he always has to work on Black Friday. It’d be a way to bring a smile to his face on an otherwise long and tiring day.
Toni Dash says
Yes! What a wonderful (and thoughtful) idea!
Liz Mays says
This is such an awesome way to use the leftovers! We always have plenty. I really want to try this!
Claudia Krusch says
This pita looks delicious. I love using turkey and cranberry sauce as a post Thanksgiving lunch option!
Toni Dash says
Me too Claudia!
Pam says
I love all these Thanksgiving leftover recipe ideas I am seeing. I never know what to do wi all my leftovers.
melisasource says
It is really smart to be prepared and this pita sandwich is a great way to take boring leftovers and make a new exciting meal.
Tara says
I can’t wait for leftover turkey. I enjoy making soups and stock from it. The sure does look yummy.
Stacie says
This pita looks delicious. I love using turkey and cranberry sauce in a sandwich.
Kim @ What's That Smell? says
This looks and sounds amazing! Oooh I can taste those leftovers now. It’s important to plan ahead for what you want to do with the leftovers, we are planning on turkey soup and turkey meatballs.
Toni Dash says
Yum! Smart to think beforehand. We rarely eat everything before getting the leftovers into our favorite dishes but I suppose it could happen. Wouldn’t that be sad?!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That looks amazing. We have a big family, so there are always Thanksgiving and Christmas leftovers. I absolutely cannot wait to make this.
Audrey McClelland says
That is just outstanding! You’ve managed to use every part of Thanksgiving leftovers in one delicious sandwich. I love this!
Toni Dash says
It’s so gratifying, isn’t it?