Welcome to our **Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftovers Guide: The November Recipe Round-Up!**
As the crisp autumn air settles and the scent of pumpkin spice fills our homes, we know Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s a time for family, gratitude, and, of course, an abundance of delicious food. While the main feast is undoubtedly the star, there’s an undeniable magic that happens the day after: the transformation of Thanksgiving leftovers into entirely new culinary delights. Today, we’re thrilled to share some truly fabulous **Family Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes** with you, designed to inspire your holiday feasting and creative post-holiday meals. Are you constantly on the lookout for Easy Family Dinner Ideas that are both comforting and memorable? Look no further! Our theme this month revolves around cherished family favorites, and I couldn’t resist highlighting my absolute go-to, the dish I anticipate most when Thanksgiving approaches. It’s not the turkey or the pie, but a creation that truly shines the day *after* the big celebration. It’s a testament to the joy of repurposing and savoring every last bit of the holiday spirit.
The Pilgrim Butty: A Thanksgiving Leftover Masterpiece

Behold the legendary **Pilgrim Butty**, a sandwich that encapsulates all the cherished flavors of Thanksgiving dinner into one incredibly satisfying bite. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a culinary experience, transforming your carefully prepared holiday remnants into something truly extraordinary. Imagine every element you adore from your Thanksgiving plate – the succulent turkey, the tangy cranberry, the rich gravy – all harmoniously brought together between two perfectly grilled slices of bread. This sandwich isn’t merely a meal; it’s a celebration of the holiday that extends beyond the dinner table, a delightful second act to your Thanksgiving feast. Its very name, “Butty” (a British term for a sandwich), playfully suggests its humble yet hearty nature, promising comfort and pure deliciousness.

The secret to the Pilgrim Butty’s structural integrity and incredible flavor lies in its foundation: a grilled French loaf. Trust us, this is not a suggestion but a crucial detail. A robust French loaf provides the ideal canvas, capable of holding together the generous and flavorful contents without falling apart. Grilling the bread adds a wonderful texture – a slightly crisp exterior with a soft, warm interior – that perfectly complements the rich fillings. Each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes, from the crunch of the bread to the tender turkey and the creamy, tangy layers within. This sandwich is designed for maximum enjoyment, ensuring that every morsel is a delight, robust enough to handle the generous helpings of your favorite Thanksgiving components.

The allure of the Pilgrim Butty is so profound that, for me, waiting until November for its annual appearance is often unbearable. I’ve even been known to roast a turkey sometime in late spring, purely because the craving for this extraordinary sandwich becomes too intense to postpone! It’s that good. This isn’t just a leftover meal; it’s a destination dish, eagerly anticipated and thoroughly savored. The combination of savory turkey, rich cream cheese, the bright zest of cranberry, a hint of briny olives, and the satisfying crunch of fried onions, all moistened with a touch of turkey gravy, creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. It’s a harmonious blend that perfectly captures the essence of Thanksgiving, allowing you to relive the holiday’s best flavors in a new, exciting format. This sandwich truly takes comfort food to an unparalleled level, making every single bite a moment to cherish.

Seriously, prepare for your taste buds to dance with delight. This Pilgrim Butty is guaranteed to be a showstopper, earning you accolades from everyone lucky enough to try it. Get ready to experience pure culinary bliss!

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Pilgrim Butty ~ The Ultimate Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 French loaf – cut into sandwich-size pieces
- 1/4 stick butter – melted
- Cream Cheese
- Leftover turkey, sliced or shredded
- Jellied Cranberry Sauce (or whole berry cranberry sauce)
- Sliced Olives (optional, but highly recommended for a unique flavor twist)
- Crispy Fried Onions (such as French’s brand)
- Simple Turkey Gravy
Instructions
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Brush your French loaf pieces generously with melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with granulated garlic and a pinch of salt. Grill in a pan over medium heat or place in a broiler for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy. This step creates a fantastic flavorful base.
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Remove the grilled bread from heat and allow it to cool slightly, making it easier to handle and spread toppings.
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Generously spread a layer of cream cheese on one side of each bread piece. The cream cheese acts as a delicious binder and adds a creamy tang.
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Layer the leftover turkey on top of the cream cheese. Follow with dollops of jellied cranberry sauce, sliced olives (if using), and a generous sprinkle of crispy fried onions. These layers combine classic Thanksgiving flavors with delightful crunch.
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Before placing the top piece of bread, drizzle a little warm turkey gravy over the fillings. This adds essential moisture and enhances the overall Thanksgiving flavor profile.
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Gently place the other piece of grilled French loaf on top, completing your Pilgrim Butty. Serve immediately and get ready to ENJOY!!!
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is an approximate estimate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy tailored to your specific ingredients. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Your understanding is appreciated.
But wait, there’s more! I’m excited to share this as part of our expansive November’s Recipe Round-Up. Want even more incredible Thanksgiving Recipes to complete your holiday menu, from appetizers to desserts and everything in between? These recipes are perfect for planning your big feast or for finding creative ways to use those precious leftovers!

Thanksgiving is a feast for the senses, and our round-up brings together a delightful array of dishes that promise to make your holiday table unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking traditional classics or a fresh twist on old favorites, these recipes are tried-and-true family pleasers. From rich and creamy desserts that provide the perfect sweet ending to savory sides that complement your main course, and even innovative ideas for appetizers that will impress your guests, we’ve got you covered. Each recipe here has been carefully selected to bring joy and flavor to your holiday gatherings, ensuring that every meal is special. Dive into these culinary gems and discover new traditions for your family!
Pumpkin Chip Cream Pie from Let’s Dish: A delightful twist on classic pumpkin pie, adding chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture.
Cranberry Orange Martini from One Martini at a Time: A refreshing and festive cocktail, perfect for toasting the holiday season.
Pilgrim Butty – Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich from Kleinworth & Co.: Our featured star, the ultimate way to enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Snickers Caramel Apple Salad from In the Moment With: A surprisingly delicious and popular dessert salad, combining sweet and tart flavors with crunchy candy.
Vegetarian Friendly Thanksgiving Ideas from Random-osity: Inspiring options to ensure everyone at your table has a delicious and fulfilling meal.
Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Streusel from Joyful Healthy Eats: A beloved side dish, offering creamy sweetness topped with a crunchy, nutty streusel.
Cranberry Sauce from Little by Little: The essential homemade cranberry sauce, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor that elevates any Thanksgiving plate.
Garlic Cheese Dip Appetizer from Nap-Time Creations: A savory and irresistible start to your holiday meal, perfect for sharing.
Grandma’s Jello Salad from More Than Simply Living: A nostalgic and colorful dessert or side that brings back childhood memories for many families.
Baked Sweet Potatoes topped with Whipped Maple Butter & Toasted Pecans from The Well Floured Kitchen: A simple yet elegant side, highlighting the natural sweetness of potatoes with rich maple and crunchy pecans.
Pumpkin Rolls from Rainy Day Cravings: Soft, spiced pumpkin rolls, a comforting addition to any holiday bread basket or a delightful snack.
Do you love discovering new recipes and sharing your own culinary creations? We’d love for you to participate in future Recipe Round-Up’s & join in on the fun!
Don’t forget to come back & join me on Mondays for Project 52, where we explore a new theme each week!
To see where I am linking today and find more inspiration, visit HERE.