Chef Ed’s Toasted Turkey Cranberry Sub

This sandwich brings together tender slices of turkey, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise, all nestled inside a warm, toasted sub roll. It’s a post-holiday favorite or an anytime craveable classic, delivering balanced flavors and textures in every bite.

Ingredients
Serves: 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

  • 1/2 lb sliced roasted turkey breast (preferably thick-cut, from the deli or homemade)Tag words: turkey sandwich, cranberry mayo, toasted sub, holiday leftovers, deli-style lunch, chef Ed, sandwich recipes, healthy sandwiches, quick meals, lunch ideas, turkey sub roll, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise recipes, sub sandwich, turkey recipes, cranberry sauce, toasted sandwich, gourmet sandwich, turkey deli meat, holiday sandwich, post-Thanksgiving meal, sandwich layering, easy sandwich, homemade sub, comfort food, classic sandwich, meal prep lunch, lettuce wrap, turkey melt, flavor packed, simple lunch ideas, tangy spread, savory sandwich, creative lunch, turkey and mayo, toasted bread, artisan sandwich, sandwich fillings, chef inspired, gourmet lunch, festive sandwich, deli favorite, fusion sandwich, easy cooking, cranberry and turkey, sandwich ideas, chef Ed sandwich, sub roll ideas
  • 1/4 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (or jellied if you prefer smooth)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 toasted sub rolls (6-inch, split but not cut through)
  • 1 cup shredded crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for toasting)

Instructions

  1. Tag words: turkey sandwich, cranberry mayo, toasted sub, holiday leftovers, deli-style lunch, chef Ed, sandwich recipes, healthy sandwiches, quick meals, lunch ideas, turkey sub roll, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise recipes, sub sandwich, turkey recipes, cranberry sauce, toasted sandwich, gourmet sandwich, turkey deli meat, holiday sandwich, post-Thanksgiving meal, sandwich layering, easy sandwich, homemade sub, comfort food, classic sandwich, meal prep lunch, lettuce wrap, turkey melt, flavor packed, simple lunch ideas, tangy spread, savory sandwich, creative lunch, turkey and mayo, toasted bread, artisan sandwich, sandwich fillings, chef inspired, gourmet lunch, festive sandwich, deli favorite, fusion sandwich, easy cooking, cranberry and turkey, sandwich ideas, chef Ed sandwich, sub roll ideasToast the Rolls:
    Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Lightly butter the insides of each sub roll if desired for added crispness and flavor. Toast cut-side down until golden and slightly crunchy, about 2–3 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Spread:
    In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and cranberry sauce to create a tangy-sweet cranberry mayo. For extra flair, add a pinch of black pepper or a squirt of lemon juice.
  3. Warm the Turkey (Optional):
    If using cold turkey, warm it slightly in the microwave or a skillet for just 30–60 seconds to enhance flavor and texture, but don’t dry it out.
  4. Assemble the Sub:
    Spread a generous layer of the cranberry mayo on both sides of the toasted rolls. Pile in the turkey slices evenly, followed by the shredded lettuce for crunch and freshness.
  5. Serve:
    Press the sandwich slightly to compact, then slice in half if desired. Serve with kettle chips, sweet potato fries, or a light coleslaw.

Tag words: turkey sandwich, cranberry mayo, toasted sub, holiday leftovers, deli-style lunch, chef Ed, sandwich recipes, healthy sandwiches, quick meals, lunch ideas, turkey sub roll, crisp lettuce, mayonnaise recipes, sub sandwich, turkey recipes, cranberry sauce, toasted sandwich, gourmet sandwich, turkey deli meat, holiday sandwich, post-Thanksgiving meal, sandwich layering, easy sandwich, homemade sub, comfort food, classic sandwich, meal prep lunch, lettuce wrap, turkey melt, flavor packed, simple lunch ideas, tangy spread, savory sandwich, creative lunch, turkey and mayo, toasted bread, artisan sandwich, sandwich fillings, chef inspired, gourmet lunch, festive sandwich, deli favorite, fusion sandwich, easy cooking, cranberry and turkey, sandwich ideas, chef Ed sandwich, sub roll ideasChef Ed’s Tips:

  • Add thin slices of Swiss or provolone cheese before toasting if you want a melty upgrade.
  • For a festive touch, sprinkle a few dried cranberries or chopped pecans on top of the turkey.
  • Swap romaine for arugula or spinach for a peppery twist.

Health Benefits:
This sandwich delivers lean protein from the turkey, fiber from the lettuce, and natural antioxidants from cranberries. Perfect for a balanced lunch that doesn’t weigh you down but still satisfies.

 

 

References:

  • USDA FoodData Central. (2023). Nutritional values for roasted turkey breast and cranberries.
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2022). The benefits of leafy greens in a balanced diet.