Can I make this sandwich without stuffing?

Absolutely! The beauty of this sandwich is its flexibility. If you're out of stuffing, double up on another component or substitute with leftover roasted vegetables. The everything bagel and cranberry cream cheese provide enough flavor that you can be creative with the fillings.

How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?

Toast your bagel well to create a barrier against moisture. The cream cheese spread also helps protect the bread. If preparing ahead, keep wet ingredients like cranberry sauce away from the bread until just before serving, and make sure hot ingredients have cooled slightly before assembly.

Can I use dried cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

Yes! Both styles work wonderfully in this recipe. Whole berry sauce adds texture and more distinct cranberry flavor, while jellied sauce creates a smoother, more uniform spread. You might want to use a bit less jellied sauce as it can be sweeter than whole berry.

How do I make this if I don't have Thanksgiving leftovers?

No leftovers? No problem! You can create a simplified version using deli turkey, prepared stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, and store-bought cranberry sauce. It won't have quite the same homemade charm, but it'll still be delicious.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Recipe

Name: Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 everything bagel, toasted; 2 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 1/2 tablespoons cranberry sauce (homemade or canned); Leftover stuffing; Leftover mashed potatoes; A few slices of leftover turkey; 1-2 fried or poached eggs; Bacon; Avocado

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich transforms your holiday remnants into perhaps the most incredible morning meal you’ll have all year. Taking just 10 minutes to prepare, this sandwich layers all your favorite Thanksgiving flavors between a crispy, seed-coated everything bagel, creating the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and satisfying. It’s the breakfast sandwich that will have you secretly hoping for extra leftovers every holiday season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Leftover Solution: Turns your Thanksgiving extras into something completely new and exciting rather than just reheating the same plate again.
Quick Satisfaction: Ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish – perfect for that lazy morning after the big feast when you want something delicious without the effort.
Customizable: Easily adaptable to whatever leftovers you have on hand – no stress if you’re missing one component.
Perfect Balance: The combination of savory turkey and stuffing with tangy cranberry cream cheese creates a flavor explosion that might become your new post-holiday tradition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything Bagel: The perfect vessel with its crunchy exterior and chewy interior, while the everything seasoning adds a garlicky, savory kick that elevates all the other flavors.
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy base that binds with the cranberry sauce for a tangy-sweet spread that keeps your bagel from getting soggy.
Cranberry Sauce: Whether homemade or canned, it provides that signature sweet-tart flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
Leftover Stuffing: Brings herby, savory goodness and a wonderful textural contrast to the sandwich.
Leftover Mashed Potatoes: Adds creaminess and comfort, acting almost like a second spread that helps hold everything together.
Turkey Slices: The protein star of the show – use white or dark meat depending on your preference.
Fried or Poached Eggs: The runny yolk creates a natural sauce that brings everything together in magnificent harmony.
Optional Additions: Crispy bacon adds extra smokiness and crunch, while avocado brings a buttery richness that complements the other flavors beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Bread Options

Not a bagel fan? Try using leftover dinner rolls, croissants, or even sandwich bread. Each brings its own texture and flavor profile to the mix.

Cheese Upgrade

Add a slice of sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese to introduce another layer of flavor and gooeyness to your creation.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the turkey and double up on stuffing, or add roasted vegetables from your Thanksgiving spread instead.

Spicy Kick

Mix some hot sauce into your cranberry cream cheese spread or add pickled jalapeños for heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweeter elements.

How to Make Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Cream Cheese

Mix the softened cream cheese with cranberry sauce until fully combined. This creates a gorgeous pink spread with the perfect balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet-tart cranberry.

Step 2: Toast and Assemble Base

Toast your everything bagel until golden and crispy. Spread a generous layer of the cranberry cream cheese mixture on both sides of the bagel.

Step 3: Warm the Leftovers

Heat your leftover stuffing, mashed potatoes, and turkey slices. Warming them brings the flavors back to life and ensures your sandwich isn’t cold in the middle.

Step 4: Cook the Egg

Fry or poach your egg to your preferred doneness. For the ultimate experience, aim for a runny yolk that will create a rich sauce when broken.

Step 5: Build Your Masterpiece

On the bottom half of your bagel, layer mashed potatoes first (they act as “glue”), followed by a scoop of stuffing, then turkey slices. Top with your perfectly cooked egg, and any optional additions like bacon or avocado.

Step 6: Complete the Sandwich

Crown your creation with the top bagel half, press gently, and prepare for breakfast bliss.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened before mixing with cranberry sauce for a smooth, lump-free spread.
Strategic Layering: Always put mashed potatoes down first as they help everything stick to the bagel, preventing the dreaded ingredient slide-out.
Egg Technique: For the perfect runny yolk, cook your fried egg sunny-side up or over-easy. For poached, aim for a 3-minute cooking time in barely simmering water with a splash of vinegar.
Crisp Your Turkey: For extra texture, quickly sear your turkey slices in a hot pan with a touch of butter before adding to the sandwich.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve with a side of sweet potato hash or a simple fruit salad to balance the richness of the sandwich.

Drink Suggestions

Pair with coffee (perhaps spiced with cinnamon or nutmeg for a seasonal touch), or try a cranberry mimosa for a festive brunch feeling.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the sandwich in half and serve on a plate with a small side of extra cranberry sauce for dipping and a garnish of fresh herbs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepare Components

You can mix the cranberry cream cheese ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making morning assembly even quicker.

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow don’t finish this magnificent creation, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. The flavors will meld even more!

Reheating

For best results, deconstruct the sandwich, warm the ingredients separately, and reassemble with a fresh egg. If reheating whole, wrap in foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make this sandwich without stuffing?

Absolutely! The beauty of this sandwich is its flexibility. If you’re out of stuffing, double up on another component or substitute with leftover roasted vegetables. The everything bagel and cranberry cream cheese provide enough flavor that you can be creative with the fillings.
How do I prevent my sandwich from getting soggy?

Toast your bagel well to create a barrier against moisture. The cream cheese spread also helps protect the bread. If preparing ahead, keep wet ingredients like cranberry sauce away from the bread until just before serving, and make sure hot ingredients have cooled slightly before assembly.
Can I use dried cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?

Yes! Both styles work wonderfully in this recipe. Whole berry sauce adds texture and more distinct cranberry flavor, while jellied sauce creates a smoother, more uniform spread. You might want to use a bit less jellied sauce as it can be sweeter than whole berry.
How do I make this if I don’t have Thanksgiving leftovers?

No leftovers? No problem! You can create a simplified version using deli turkey, prepared stuffing mix, instant mashed potatoes, and store-bought cranberry sauce. It won’t have quite the same homemade charm, but it’ll still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Leftovers Everything Bagel Breakfast Sandwich isn’t just a recipe—it’s the morning-after celebration your holiday deserves. By transforming yesterday’s feast into today’s breakfast sensation, you’re getting the best of both worlds: the comfort of familiar flavors and the excitement of something new. The next time you’re staring at containers of leftovers, remember that morning glory awaits with just a bagel and a few minutes of your time!