This festive Christmas sandwich combines all the best flavors of the season—tender turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, melted brie, crispy smashed potatoes, and caramelized veggies—tucked into a loaf of focaccia bread. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to create the ultimate Christmas sandwich that’s not only hearty but bursts with holiday spirit in every bite. Whether using leftovers from Christmas Day or making from scratch, this sandwich will take your holiday meal to a whole new level.
This perfect Christmas sandwich is packed with festive flavors, from tender turkey to creamy brie, crispy bacon, and caramelized veggies, all nestled in focaccia. This meaty sandwich is perfect for using up holiday leftovers or enjoying the taste of Christmas in every bite.
This ultimate Christmas sandwich is a crowd-pleaser, whether at a Christmas party brunch, lunch, or on the Christmas dinner table. However, in my opinion, Christmas sandwiches like these are best eaten as a boxing day sandwich with your leftover succulent turkey and all of your favourite festive flavours to enjoy your Christmas dinner in sandwich form.
This focaccia sandwich is nestled inside my Christmas Decorated Focaccia, try making this same-day focaccia recipe this Christmas period to make your Christmas sandwich extra impressive. If you are looking for other fun Christmas Recipes using similar ingredients, try my Pigs in Blanket Sausage Rolls or my Brie and Bacon Smashed Brussels Sprouts. Each of these are perfect for this time of year.
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Ingredients
Focaccia Bread: Focaccia is the ideal bread for a Christmas sandwich because of its airy, soft interior and slightly crisp crust. The rosemary-infused flavor of my homemade focaccia complements the festive ingredients, giving the sandwich a Mediterranean flair.
Leftover Turkey or Sliced Turkey: Turkey is, of course, the centerpiece of a Christmas sandwich, bringing protein and a subtle savory flavor at Christmas time. Leftover turkey adds a wonderful holiday essence, but store-bought turkey slices can save time if you’re craving this sandwich outside of Christmas.
Brie Cheese: Brie’s creamy, rich texture melts beautifully under the grill, adding a luxurious mouthfeel. The mild, slightly tangy flavor of brie complements the sweetness of cranberry sauce and the earthiness of the vegetables.
Smashed Roast Potatoes: The smashed roast potatoes add a crispy texture and heartiness to the sandwich. They’re seasoned with garlic salt, paprika, and a touch of olive oil, making them an irresistible addition that complements the turkey and brie.
Cranberry Sauce: A classic Christmas flavor, cranberry sauce brings a sweet-tart contrast that brightens the sandwich. I love cranberry sauce for its fruity depth that pairs perfectly with savory turkey and creamy brie.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty kick, enhancing the flavors and making the sandwich extra indulgent. Plus, bacon’s crunch is a great textural contrast to the soft brie and focaccia.
Gravy: A drizzle of gravy gives the Christmas sandwich a delicious moistness and adds that unmistakable holiday flavor. It’s the secret ingredient that brings everything together.
Mustard and Mayonnaise: This combination adds creaminess with a hint of tangy, peppery bite. The mustard balances the richness of the brie and complements the savory turkey and bacon.
Rocket (Arugula): Rocket adds a fresh, peppery note, bringing a bit of crunch and balancing the sandwich’s richness.
Christmas Caramelized Veggie Mix (skip if using leftover vegetables)
This veggie mix brings extra flavor and depth to the Christmas sandwich. I love using it to add texture, color, and subtle sweetness.
Carrot, Onion, Red Cabbage, and Brussels Sprouts: These veggies create a colorful and flavorful medley with earthy notes and a hint of sweetness. When caramelized, they take on a lovely softness that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Honey and White Wine Vinegar: The honey adds a touch of sweetness, while the vinegar adds acidity, helping to balance the flavors in the Christmas sandwich.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Preparing ingredients (if using leftovers, skip this step)
- Step 1: If making potatoes from scratch, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil baby potatoes on high heat for 20 minutes until fork tender.
- Step 2: Smash the potatoes then season with garlic salt, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast until crispy and golden, about 35-40 minutes.
- Step 3: While the potatoes roast, start the veggie mix. Grate the carrot, and finely slice the cabbage, onion, and Brussels sprouts. Add them to a pan over medium heat with salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar.
- Step 4: Sauté for about 20 minutes, then stir in honey and vinegar, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until caramelized.
Building the Sandwich
- Step 1: Fry the bacon on medium-high heat until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
- Step 2: Take the focaccia loaf and spread a layer of cranberry sauce on one side. Add the turkey, then layer on slices of brie.
- Step 3: Place the sandwich open-faced under the grill and heat until the brie melts slightly, creating a gooey, creamy layer over the turkey. Once the brie is melted, add the crispy bacon, caramelized veggie mix, and smashed potatoes. Drizzle a bit of hot gravy over the top for added flavor. Spread a mustard-mayo mixture on the other side of the focaccia, add a handful of rocket, and close the sandwich.
- Step 4: Slice the Christmas sandwich in half, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy the festive flavors of this hearty Christmas sandwich. It’s perfect for cozying up with a delicious meal, making it the best Christmas sandwich to enjoy this holiday season.
Hint: If using leftovers, warm the turkey, vegetables and gravy slightly before adding to the Christmas sandwich. This brings out the flavors and keeps everything warm and cozy.
Substitutions
Focaccia Bread - Substitute with White bread, Ciabatta bread, sourdough loaf, or whole wheat bread. These breads are sturdy and have a similar structure to focaccia, making them ideal for holding all the delicious sandwich fillings. However, most slices of bread will work in these turkey sandwiches.
Leftover Turkey or Sliced Turkey - Swap your thick slices of turkey for Roast chicken breast, ham slices, or roast beef. Each option offers a savory, tender bite that works perfectly in a festive sandwich.
Brie Cheese - Instead of brie you could use Camembert, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar. These cheeses melt well and add a creamy or tangy element, enhancing the sandwich’s richness. Any melted cheese will work for these though including swiss cheese.
Smashed Roast Potatoes - Substitute roast potatoes with Sweet potato, roasted baby potatoes, or hash browns. These options add a hearty, crispy texture to the sandwich.
Cranberry Sauce - Substitute with Cranberry chutney, redcurrant jelly, cherry preserves, or fig jam. Each brings a sweet-tart flavor that complements the savory ingredients.
Bacon - Swap for Pancetta, prosciutto, or turkey bacon. These choices offer a similar salty, crispy element, adding depth to each bite. You could even replace bacon with bacon jam for a sweet twist.
Gravy - Instead use Turkey stock, au jus, or a creamy mushroom sauce. Each provides moisture and enhances the savory flavors.
Mustard and Mayonnaise - Substitute with Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt, aioli, or horseradish sauce. These options add a creamy, tangy kick that balances the rich flavors.
Rocket (Arugula) - Try Spinach, baby kale, or mixed salad greens. Each brings a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that lightens up the sandwich.
Christmas Caramelized Veggie Mix - Substitute with Roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or sautéed mushrooms. These alternatives add flavor and texture, fitting the festive feel.
Variations
Alternative Leftovers Christmas Sandwich - Christmas sandwiches are a great way to experiment with leftovers this festive season, try using other ingredients such as crispy onions, leftover nut roast, sage stuffing or onion stuffing or pork sausages for a different version of this turkey sarnie.
Veggie Christmas Sandwich - Swap the turkey for roasted portobello mushrooms or a chickpea mash for a hearty vegetarian version. Add extra caramelized veggies and a sprinkle of feta for a flavorful boost. You could also remove the cheese and dairy for plant-based options.
Spicy Christmas Sandwich - Add a touch of heat with jalapeños or sriracha mayo. Substitute pepper jack cheese for brie and sprinkle on crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
Italian Christmas Sandwich - Replace brie, with mature cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese or provolone, swap cranberry sauce for a tangy balsamic glaze, and add fresh basil leaves for an Italian twist on the classic Christmas sandwich.
Equipment
Baking tray
Storage
To store your Christmas sandwich, wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container in the fridge. If made with fresh ingredients, it will last up to two days. To reheat, separate the focaccia from the fillings and warm the fillings in a skillet or microwave. Toast the focaccia briefly to restore its texture, then reassemble your Christmas sandwich. If you’re preparing it in advance, wait to add delicate ingredients like rocket until just before serving to keep them fresh. This sandwich doesn’t freeze well, as the vegetables and focaccia can lose their texture, so it's best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days.
Top Tip
For extra crunch, grill the focaccia briefly before assembling your Christmas sandwich. This adds texture while keeping the bread sturdy enough to hold the fillings. You could also make the Christmas caramelized veggie mix ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will cut down on prep time and allow the flavors to meld, making your Christmas sandwich even more flavorful.
FAQ
A British Christmas sandwich is typically filled with holiday ingredients like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and sometimes gravy, brie, or bacon. It’s a festive way to use Christmas leftovers, capturing the flavors of a traditional holiday meal in a convenient, hearty sandwich.
To avoid sogginess, layer the sandwich strategically: place drier ingredients like turkey and bacon between moist ones, such as cranberry sauce and veggies. Spread sauces lightly and toast the bread for extra resistance to moisture, keeping your turkey sandwich fresh and crisp.
A turkey sandwich is ideal for a quick, satisfying meal, whether for lunch, a post-holiday snack, or as part of a festive Christmas sandwich. It’s packed with protein, versatile, and can be customized with various flavors to suit any taste.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Turkey Christmas Sandwich:
Recipe
Festive Christmas Turkey Focaccia Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- large pan
- Baking tray
- Large Pot
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- ½ Loaf Focaccia bread
- 200 g leftover turkey or store bought sliced turkey
- 100 g brie
- 6-8 smashed roast potatoes or 8-10 baby potatoes if making from scratch
- 1 teaspoon musard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gravy
- 60 g rocket
- 1-2 tablespoon cranberry sauce
- 6 bacon rashers
For the Christmas caramelized veggie mix, if you have leftover slaw, red cabbage or roast vegetables then these can be used instead
- 1 carrot grated
- 1 onion
- ½ red cabbage thinly sliced
- 200 g brussels sprouts grated or finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- If you are using leftovers for this sandwich, skip steps 2-5
- If making potatoes from scratch, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Boil baby potatoes on high heat for 20 minutes until fork tender.6-8 smashed roast potatoes
- Smash the potatoes then season with salt and pepper. Roast until crispy and golden, about 35-40 minutes.Salt and pepper
- While the potatoes roast, start the veggie mix. Grate the carrot, and finely slice the cabbage, onion, and Brussels sprouts. Add them to a pan over medium heat with salt, pepper, and a bit of sugar.1 carrot, 1 onion, ½ red cabbage, 200 g brussels sprouts, 1 teaspoon sugar, Salt and pepper
- Sauté for about 20 minutes, then stir in honey and vinegar, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until caramelized.1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- Fry the bacon on medium-high heat until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain.6 bacon rashers
- Take the focaccia loaf and spread a layer of cranberry sauce on one side. Add the turkey, then layer on slices of brie.½ Loaf Focaccia bread, 200 g leftover turkey, 100 g brie, 1-2 tablespoon cranberry sauce
- Place the sandwich open-faced under the grill and heat until the brie melts slightly, creating a gooey, creamy layer over the turkey. Once the brie is melted, add the crispy bacon, caramelized veggie mix, and smashed potatoes. Drizzle a bit of hot gravy over the top for added flavor. Spread a mustard-mayo mixture on the other side of the focaccia, add a handful of rocket, and close the sandwich.1 teaspoon musard, 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon gravy, 6 bacon rashers, 60 g rocket
- Slice the Christmas sandwich in half, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy the festive flavors of this hearty Christmas sandwich. It’s perfect for cozying up with a delicious meal, making it the best Christmas sandwich to enjoy this holiday season.
