Smashed Stuffing Sandwich

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups leftover stuffing
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons gravy (or more as needed depending on consistency of gravy)
• Pinch of salt (or to taste)
• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons gravy for sandwich (or to taste)
• Slices of leftover turkey, as desired
• 4 slices brie cheese (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce

Directions

Step 1: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 400F (200C).

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the leftover stuffing, eggs, gravy, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Allow the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes, so the ingredients have time to hydrate and come together.

Step 4: After resting, divide the stuffing mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into balls.

Step 5: Spray a 13x18-inch baking pan with nonstick spray or lightly coat with oil. Place the stuffing balls onto the pan, then cover with parchment paper. Gently smash the balls to your desired thickness.

Step 6: Lightly spray the top of the stuffed balls with more oil.

Step 7: Bake the stuffing balls in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bottoms have formed a crispy, golden crust.

Step 8: Once baked, use a metal spatula to carefully remove the stuffing balls from the pan.

Step 9: Assemble each sandwich by spreading a layer of mayonnaise and gravy on your desired bread. Then, add slices of turkey, a slice of brie cheese, and a dollop of cranberry sauce.

Step 10: Serve and enjoy your delicious turkey stuffing sandwich!

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe: 2

Nutrition	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1042
Total Fat	62g	79%
Saturated Fat	15g	73%
Cholesterol	263mg	88%
Sodium	2264mg	98%
Total Carbohydrate	84g	30%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Total Sugars	14g
Protein	37g	73%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	184mg	14%
Iron	5mg	30%
Potassium	506mg	11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The History of the Smashed Stuffing Sandwich

The Smashed Stuffing Sandwich has its roots in the tradition of making creative use of Thanksgiving leftovers in the United States. After the holiday, families often face an abundance of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gravy. Rather than letting these ingredients go to waste, inventive home cooks began combining them into hearty sandwiches, transforming the classic holiday meal into a portable and indulgent treat. The dish is a modern evolution of the traditional leftover sandwich, gaining popularity in the 2000s as part of comfort food culture.

Regional Variations

Although the Smashed Stuffing Sandwich is widely recognized in the United States, regional differences affect its preparation. In the Midwest and Northeast, where Thanksgiving celebrations are especially large, the sandwich often includes thick layers of homemade stuffing and generous slices of roast turkey. In the South, it is common to add additional condiments like pimento cheese or pickles to create a tangy contrast with the savory stuffing. West Coast versions may incorporate artisanal breads and gourmet cheeses such as Brie or Havarti to elevate the sandwich to a modern comfort-food experience.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

This sandwich differs from other leftover-based sandwiches in its use of stuffing as the primary bread component rather than relying on traditional slices of bread. Unlike a turkey club or a standard Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, the Smashed Stuffing Sandwich uses pressed and baked stuffing that crisps on the outside while remaining soft inside, creating a unique texture. Additionally, the combination of gravy, cranberry sauce, and Brie cheese adds layers of flavor that balance sweet, savory, and creamy notes, setting it apart from simpler sandwich preparations.

Typical Serving Occasions

The Smashed Stuffing Sandwich is most commonly served during post-holiday meals, especially in the days following Thanksgiving. It can appear at casual family gatherings, informal lunches, or even as a comfort food option at cafes specializing in holiday-inspired dishes. While it is primarily a home-cooked creation, some restaurants and diners in the U.S. have embraced it as a seasonal menu item during the holiday season, offering it as a nostalgic, indulgent treat for patrons.

Interesting Facts

• The sandwich was popularized through online recipe sharing and social media, where inventive leftover recipes became a viral trend.
• The technique of pressing the stuffing into a bun allows for both portability and a satisfying crunch, making it stand out from traditional soft sandwiches.
• Despite its indulgent appearance, the sandwich is a practical solution for minimizing food waste, demonstrating how creativity in the kitchen can transform leftovers into gourmet-style meals.
• Many chefs have experimented with this concept, adding unique ingredients such as caramelized onions, sage butter, or different cheeses, which has led to numerous variations across the country.

FAQ about Smashed Stuffing Sandwich