Leftover turkey never tasted so good. This Turkey Cuban Sandwich is a simple, lighter way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a satisfying lunch without weighing you down.
For a balanced meal, serve this sandwich with a light soup or a crisp salad to round out the plate.
Healthy Cuban Sandwich Made With Leftover Turkey
If you love the classic Cuban sandwich, this turkey version delivers the same satisfying flavors with fewer calories. Traditional Cubanos feature roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, thin-sliced pickles, and mustard, pressed until the exterior is crisp and the cheese is molten. Swapping in leftover turkey breast creates a lighter alternative that still offers great texture and flavor. It’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to reinvent Thanksgiving leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cuban Sandwich
These lighter Turkey Cuban sandwiches are quick to make and full of flavor — a perfect post-holiday pick-me-up that puts leftover turkey to excellent use.
- A fresh way to use leftovers. This recipe moves beyond the usual turkey-on-bread routine and turns leftovers into something special.
- Lighter, but still satisfying. Using turkey breast instead of fatty roast pork keeps the sandwich lighter while preserving the classic Cubano taste.
- Quick and easy. Ready in minutes, this sandwich is ideal when you want something fast and tasty after cooking a big meal.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- French bread – a 6-inch slice works well; a soft baguette or Cuban-style roll can also be used.
- Leftover turkey breast – warm it briefly so the sandwich finishes hot and the cheese melts.
- Ham – deli-sliced ham adds saltiness and classic Cubano character.
- Swiss cheese – thin slices melt nicely; lower-calorie Swiss slices are an option if you prefer a lighter sandwich.
- Pickles – thin dill pickle slices are essential for that tangy contrast.
- Mustard – yellow or a more pungent mustard both work depending on how assertive you want the flavor.
- Cooking spray or a light oil – to crisp the bread when pressing the sandwich.
How to Make a Turkey Cuban Sandwich
See the recipe card below for a clear ingredient list and printable instructions.
- Assemble. Slice the bread and spread mustard on both cut sides. Layer with Swiss cheese, pickle slices, warmed turkey, and ham.
- Cook. Close the sandwich and lightly coat a panini press or skillet with cooking spray. Press or grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread is golden and crisp.
- Serve. Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve hot.
Tips and Variations
- Try different breads. A soft baguette, roll, or authentic Cuban bread all work well. If you want to reduce calories, scoop some of the bread interior out and reserve it for breadcrumbs.
- Pick your ham. Honey-baked or smoked deli ham adds depth of flavor; prosciutto can be used for a saltier, more refined twist.
- Use shredded or sliced Swiss. If you can’t find special low-calorie Swiss slices, shredding a block of Swiss allows for even coverage while using less cheese.
- Add a little crunch. For texture, add thinly sliced raw onion or a few pepperoncini if you like a touch of heat.
What to Serve With a Cuban Sandwich
Pair the sandwich with something crisp or bright to balance the richness. Popular choices include baked kale chips, air-fryer sweet potato fries, a simple green salad, or a light coleslaw. A cup of vegetable or cabbage-based soup also makes a comforting, low-calorie accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator and use within 2 days for best texture.
- Reheat: Reheat in a sandwich press or in a skillet to restore crispness. Let the sandwich sit at room temperature for a few minutes before reheating so the interior warms through evenly while the exterior crisps.
More Ideas for Leftover Turkey
- Turkey noodle soup provides warm comfort and stretches a little meat into several servings.
- Leftover turkey enchiladas or a skillet version make a flavorful, easy dinner.
- A harvest-style cobb salad uses turkey for a protein-packed lunch with seasonal produce.
- Turkey pot pie empanadas turn leftovers into handheld savory pastries.
- Turkey tacos with a Brussels sprout slaw add crunch and a modern twist to taco night.
Turkey Cuban Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 — 6-inch slice French bread
- 3 ounces cooked turkey breast, leftover and warmed
- 1 slice ham
- 2 thin slices Swiss cheese
- 3 slices dill pickles
- Yellow mustard, to taste
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Instructions
- Slice the bread open and spread mustard on both cut sides.
- Layer cheese and pickles on the bread, then add warmed turkey and top with ham.
- Close the sandwich, lightly oil or spray the press or skillet, and press or cook until the cheese is melted and the crust is crisp. If you do not have a sandwich press, use a heavy skillet and press the sandwich with another pan or a foil-wrapped heavy object.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally and enjoy while hot.
Last Step:
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Nutrition
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