When it comes to Christmas, the feast is often the highlight of the day. But what about the leftovers? This year, turn your festive surplus into something truly magical: a Christmas leftovers turkey toastie. This recipe has gone viral for good reason: it’s a flavor-packed delight that’s easy to make and even easier to devour.
Forget the usual sandwich. This toastie takes leftovers to the next level with its air fryer twist. The result is a golden, crisp outside with a cheesy center that makes every bite irresistible. It’s perfect for those looking to make the most of their holiday ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this culinary masterpiece at home.
The recipe: Christmas leftovers turkey toastie
This recipe serves two people and in only 10 minutes you’ll swiftly combine your ingredients and assemble the toasties. Once they’re ready, pop them into the air fryer for 12 minutes and you’ll be ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Christmas leftovers and the other ingredients you’ll need
- 60g comté cheese, coarsely grated.
- 4 tablespoons of leftover bread sauce.
- Splash of whole milk.
- Unsalted butter (for spreading).
- 4 slices of bread.
- 3 tablespoons of cranberry sauce.
- About 150g leftover turkey, torn into chunks.
- A small handful of leftover Brussels sprouts, halved.
The turkey toastie preparation
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, stir together the grated comté cheese, bread sauce, and a splash of milk until combined.
- Assemble the toasties: Butter both sides of each bread slice. Spread cranberry sauce over two slices, then layer on the turkey chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Add the halved Brussels sprouts. Spread the cheese mixture on the remaining slices of bread and sandwich them together.
- Cook in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 190°C. Place the sandwiches inside and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the bread is golden and crisp. The cheese mixture should be gooey and melted.
- Serve: Slice the toasties in half and enjoy while warm.
Why you should try this Christmas leftovers recipe
Cooking your toastie in the air fryer gives it a crispy, even finish without needing to press it down. This means you can load it with extra fillings without worrying about uneven cooking. Plus, the exposed ingredients like turkey and Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully, adding even more flavor and texture.
The combination of creamy cheese, sweet cranberry sauce, and savory turkey creates a perfect harmony of festive flavors. The bread sauce acts as a glue, keeping everything together while adding a rich, comforting touch.
This Christmas leftovers turkey toastie is a way to breathe new life into your holiday meal. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet day at home or hosting friends for post-Christmas festivities, this toastie is guaranteed to impress. Who says leftovers can’t steal the spotlight?
Looking for more ways to use your air fryer this season? Explore this list of 7 foods you can cook on your air fryer.