Transform Your Leftovers Into These Tasty Sandwich Recipes (2024)

01 of 17

Roasted Chicken Caprese Sandwich With Truffle Mustard

Leftover Rotisserie Chicken?

This Roasted Chicken Caprese sandwich is a take on theclassic capresesandwich is typically loaded with a bunch of fresh mozzarella, a few tomato slices, and torn basil which are then lathered with a olive oil and balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

And although this sandwich isn't all that bad to begin with, we created a healthier version by hollowing out a whole grain baguette and adding rotisserie chicken for protein.

We replaced olive oil with flavorful truffle mustard and white balsamic glaze. And instead of the traditional fat slabs of whole milkmozzarella, we swap out tiny pearls of the fresh cheese to cut down on fat. Arugula gives the sandwich a nice peppery bite and adds a bunch of vitamins such as A, K, and C as well as folate and calcium. The tomatoes are not only a great form of antioxidants but are also packed with lycopene which helps prevent cancer.

02 of 17

Chicken Parmesan Sandwich

Leftover Chicken Parm?

Here's my rendition of a quick and easychickenparmesansandwich. I always recommend using organic or local ingredients for this one if they're accessible to you.

03 of 17

Bacon and Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese

Leftover butternut squash?

This simple yet decadent bacon and butternut squash grilled cheese is perfect for the changing of seasons! Sautéed butternut squash, crispy bacon, and melted gouda come together between two buttery toasted slices of bread to create a sweet and savory sandwich that highlights the beautiful flavors of Fall.

04 of 17

Spicy Tuna and Avocado Sushi Burger

Leftover sushi rice?

If you're looking for the perfect summertime food then this Spicy Tuna and Avocado Sushi Burger is for you!

Made with leftover sushi rice and topped with avocado, spicy tuna, sriracha, eel sauce, kewpie mayo, cilantro and crispy fried garlic, this fresh spin requires barely any cooking which makes it perfect for the hot days of summer.

05 of 17

Chimichurri Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich

Leftover smoked chicken?

Are you looking for a new way to spice up chicken salad sandwiches? Try this mouthwatering Chimichurri Smoked Chicken Sandwich version with smoked chicken breast, zesty chimichurri, fresh grilled corn, and peppadews.

06 of 17

Chicken Skin Chips

Here's an interesting idea for the chicken skin that you may otherwise discard when cooking Chicken skin chips are a brilliant way to reduce waste and they bake up quickly. Add whatever seasonings you like, sandwich the flat skins between baking sheets, then roast until crispy. The chips are useful as crumbled bacon, crouton, or cracker alternatives and give the BLT sandwich a crispy chicken twist.

07 of 17

Stuffing-Waffle Grilled Cheese with Thanksgiving Leftovers

Reusing Thanksgiving leftovers in this stuffing waffle grilled cheese is probably the best decision you can possibly make this holiday season.

We're all familiar with everyone's least favorite leftover from Thanksgiving - soggy stuffing - the major dilemma being that by the time you're ready to eat it during the-late-night-leftovers-feast, the crispy goodness of your previous meal has sogged over, becoming a sloppy pile of mush. But wait, don't throw it out just yet.

Reutilize those leftovers and put that slop into a waffle press and get ready to make the best thing that’s ever been created.Add some muenster cheese, some cranberry jelly, and a big heaping pile of mashed potatoes and grill it for a few minutes. Before you know it, you've created edible magic.

08 of 17

Meatloaf Sandwich Recipe

Leftover meatloaf?

This quick and easy meatloaf sandwich recipe is perfect for utilizing leftovers in the most delicious way possible.

09 of 17

Meatball Smash Grilled Cheese

Leftover spaghetti and meatballs?

Spaghetti and meatballs is a classic dish, no doubt. Pretty much everyone loves it but have you ever thought about making it into a grilled cheese sandwich? After some experimentation, I discovered that turning this dish into a sandwich is totally awesome.

It's crispy, garlicy, cheesy, and rich – basically everything that is good in the world. This Meatball Smash Grilled Cheese calls for pre-made ingredients (or leftovers, if you will) but you could make this from scratch and I'm sure it would be even better!

10 of 17

Turkey, Cranberry + Brie Sandwich Recipe

Leftover turkey?

You're probably familiar with this delicious Fall turkey sandwich composed of the following Thanksgiving leftovers: Thick slices of roasted turkey breast with sweet and tart cranberry jam, fresh spinach and rich and creamy brie between two beautiful pieces of white bread. And although this sandwich is typically only seasonally available, you can make it any time of year.

Here are my three tips:

1. Instead of using leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, try finding roasted turkey breast at your local neighborhood deli or meat market. If you can't find it,try swapping it out for some slices of rotisserie chicken.

2. Don't have cranberry? Try using achutney,apple butter or a nice raspberry melba sauce.

3. Don't like brie or would rather try another cheese? This sandwich would be insane if you found a beautiful cheddar-blue such asDunbarton Blue from Wisconsinor a nice sharp white cheddar.

11 of 17

Grilled Macaroni And Cheese Sandwich with Broccoli

Leftover Mac and Cheese?

Want your kids to eat more veggies but are having a hard time doing so? Try grilling up this tasty grilled broccoli macaroni and cheese sandwich... it's stuffed with delicious and nutritious broccoli florets.

Also, this recipe calls for leftover macaroni and cheese, but it can totally work if you make it on the spot as long as you let it cool and thicken up for a bit. I recommend followingthis recipeif you don't have some already on hand.

12 of 17

Copycat McRib Sandwich

Leftover ribs?

If you love the McRib but are uncertain of McDonald's meat choices, then make it yourself with this delicious copycat McRib recipe!

Made with tender pulled pork ribs, chopped white onion and a dill pickle, this version of a fast-food classic is all grown up.

Don't have ribs on hand? Try it with pulled pork, barbecue chicken, or smoked turkey. If you're vegetarian, try using the rib marinade with pulled jack fruit, tempeh or tofu.

13 of 17

Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwich

Leftover Mac and Cheese?

Want to learn what it takes to make the perfect Grilled Macaroni and Cheese Sandwich? Get my recipe and background right here!

I've been writing a grilled cheese blog (GrilledCheeseSocial.com)for almost 4 years now, butIf you had to guess my second favorite food what do you think it would be? I'll give you a little hint, it's almost exactly like a grilled cheese but a wee bit different. Give up? The answer is mac and cheese! Surprised? I didn't think so! And because I'm such a lover of cheese being melted on anything I've combined my loves to create one special meal -a grilled macaroni and cheese sandwich!

Want to spice it up a bit? Try adding a bit of Sriracha or a fried egg and some bacon.

14 of 17

Roasted Chicken Torta with Avocado + Queso Fresco

Leftover rotisserie chicken?

Try this delicious roasted chicken torta! Pulled rotisserie chicken, chipotle black bean spread, tomatoes, pickled red onions, queso fresco, salsa verde, cilantro and fresh avocado are piled up in a hallowed out torta bun to make a healthier version of this Mexican classic.

Just don't forget to ditch the mayo which adds unwanted calories. Instead, we recommend trying our creamy chipotle black bean spread which is made by mashing up black beans with lime juice and the liquid from chipotle peppers. This blend creates a rich and delicious sandwich spread that's not only super healthy but is absolutely delicious on sandwiches and more. The crushed up avocado also mimics the rich creaminess of mayo but is packed full of healthy fats that are good for you!

15 of 17

Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Sausage and Kale

Leftover Kale?

This Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Sausage and Kale is Inspired by one of my favorite warm soups, and is a satisfying meal by itself. It combines spicy sausage, citrusy kale, savory caramelized onions and slightly tartWisconsin kasseri cheese, which melts perfectly. I recommend serving it alongside a jammy Cabernet Sauvignon to help balance the saltiness of the sandwich.

16 of 17

Spicy Thai Chicken Salad Wrap with Sesame Peanut Dressing

Leftover rotisserie chicken?

This spicy Thai chicken salad wrap is a great flavorful and healthy alternative to the typical heavy mayo-based chicken salad recipes. Packed with peanut-y awesomeness, the sesame peanut dressing is loaded with flavor and makes an amazing sauce for guilt-free chicken wrap. The herbs bring an unexpected pop of freshness to the sandwich while the Sriracha adds a flair of spice. And if you don't like heat, leave off the Sriracha and chilis and add a splash of lime juice instead.

Here's a few tips to make this sandwich even more awesome:

1. If you don't have rotisserie chicken on hand, try boiling two breasts and shredding them with a fork.

2. Don't eat meat but still want to give this sandwich wrap a try? Try swapping out the sandwich with tempeh, grilled tofu, or broiled cauliflower.

3. If you don't have time to make the sesame peanut dressing by hand, simply buy the packaged variety from the store, taste it, and doctor it up with fresh lime juice, coconut milk, or sweet chili sauce.

17 of 17

Veggie Sandwich with Butternut Squash + Pickled Beets

Leftover Butternut Squash or Pickled Beets?

Thismeatless veggie sandwichis loaded with sweet roasted butternut squash steaks, crisp baby sprouts, briny pickled beets, cream avocado and a tangy cilantro and chive homemade yogurt spread between two slices of toasted multigrain bread.

Don't like greek yogurt? Swap out the chive cilantro yogurt spread for some crumbled goat cheese or some feta cheese. Want a little more protein? Try adding adding freshly sliced rotisserie chicken or smoked turkey breast - both options would pair perfectly with the ingredients from this sandwich.