These Diner-Style Hot Turkey Sandwiches served open-faced with a simple homemade gravy are always a favorite and are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or lunch!
Slices of soft bread topped with deli-sliced oven-roasted turkey breast smothered in a delicious homemade gravy…now that’s what I call comfort food. Ready to eat in just 15 minutes, it makes for an awesome weeknight dinner when time is tight!
Don’t you just love some really good diner food? Sure, it may not be fancy fare, but it is most definitely very tasty and super satisfying.
Ever since I was a little girl, just about every time I go to a diner, I order the same exact thing: an open-faced hot turkey sandwich (always with a side of fries, and gravy on the fries too, please!).
I don’t even know why I bother looking at the menu because I already know what I’m going to get. It’s such a treat!
As you know, a diner hot turkey sandwich is not the same as the one you might make after Thanksgiving with all of your awesome leftover turkey and gravy.
Nope. It’s just a couple of slices of basic white sandwich bread, turkey from the deli counter, and an almost-too-salty gravy that probably comes from a powdered mix, a can or a jar. And it’s sooo good!
Since I live way out in the country and don’t get out to diners very often, I’ve been making my own version at home for quite a while now.
I use high-quality sliced oven-roasted turkey breast from the deli…the kind that you can tell is pretty close to being carved right from the bird. That super-thin lunchmeat that comes pre-packaged just isn’t the same.
And instead of using a mix or a canned or jarred gravy, I make my own quick gravy using butter, flour, and chicken broth that comes together in a flash (and I make a generous amount so I have enough to put on those fries!).
I dare say that this might even be better than a lot of the diner hot turkey sandwiches I’ve eaten!
Ingredients you need:
- Roasted chicken base (such as Better Than Bouillon (#notsponsored))
- Water
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Sliced oven-roasted turkey breast from the deli
- White sandwich bread
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Here’s a look at how to make Diner-Style Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Note: This is just a quick overview of the steps. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe with detailed instructions.
Tips & Tidbits:
- Use good-quality turkey from the deli counter rather than pre-packaged lunchmeat. It makes a big difference!
- Some diner hot turkey sandwiches can be on the salty side. To better control the amount of salt in this dish and avoid it being too salty:
- Use unsalted butter.
- They also have a low-sodium roasted chicken base if you’d rather use that (I find that the regular version is just fine for me).
- The longer you cook the gravy, the more concentrated the flavor becomes, so simmer it just until it has thickened (this should only take a minute or two). Once you add the turkey, simmer it just until the turkey has heated through.
- Wait to add any salt and pepper to the gravy until after you add the turkey, as the turkey may also have some saltiness to it.
- There is a roasted turkey base as well that you can use. I can’t always find that one, though, so I just stick with the chicken (plus, I like the flavor of the chicken base a little better).
- You can use 3 cups of canned or boxed chicken (or turkey) stock or broth in place of the roasted chicken base and water. I prefer the flavor of the chicken base, so that is what I use. Homemade broth or stock would be excellent if you have it!
- If you want a darker gravy, you could add a few drops of Gravy Master or Kitchen Bouquet.
- Lightly toasted white bread is also a good base for this sandwich.
Like I said, I love my hot turkey sandwich with a side of fries, but it’s also yummy with mashed potatoes. Serve with your favorite vegetable or a salad, and dinner is done!
I hope you try this recipe for Diner-Style Hot Turkey Sandwiches and love it as much as I do. Thanks for visiting today!
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Diner-Style Hot Turkey Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 3 teaspoons roasted chicken base, such as Better Than Bouillon (regular or low-sodium)
- 3 cups water
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 pound deli-sliced oven-roasted turkey breast, cut into large pieces (I usually quarter mine)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 slices white bread
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large measuring cup or a bowl, whisk together the roasted chicken base and water until well-combined; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan (I use a 3-quart pot), melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- When the butter has completely melted, add the flour. Whisk to combine and cook, stirring constantly, for one minute (this will cook out the raw flour taste).
- Slowly add the roasted chicken base mixture to the pot while whisking constantly; whisk until smooth.
- Increase the heat and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until the gravy has thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the turkey and stir to combine, breaking up any clumps of meat. Continue simmering over low heat just until the turkey is heated through. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
- For each serving, place 2 slices of bread on a plate and top with one-fourth of the turkey and gravy (there should be plenty of gravy to top some fries or mashed potatoes if you are serving them). Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use good-quality sliced oven-roasted turkey breast from the deli counter rather than using pre-packaged lunchmeat. It makes a huge difference!
- You can use canned or boxed chicken stock or broth in place of the roasted chicken base and water (use 3 cups). I prefer the flavor of the chicken base, so that is what I use. Homemade broth or stock would be excellent if you have it!
Sharon White
This is real ole’ time comfort food that takes me back to my childhood! I doubled the recipe and took the other portion to a sick friend! She is a picky eater but she devoured this Turkey recipe with some mashed potatoes and wanted to have the rest as dinner later that day! Thank you so much for this blast from the past!!
Michelle
Thanks very much, Sharon! What a nice compliment! I’m so happy that both you and your friend enjoyed it!
Carrie
This was really tasty and so simple , I’m gonna have the grandkids make it next time . They search for recipes they might like then send it to me to review for them . I served it with a Syrian salad w/ lemon mint dressing 😋
Michelle
Hi, Carrie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to comment and rate the recipe!
Briel
This was a delicious recipe! I also added a splash of heavy cream and ate with sliced turkey and mashed potatoes. The kids loved it as well and went back for seconds.
Michelle
Thank you, Briel! So glad you all enjoyed it! And the splash of heavy cream sounds yummy, and I’ll have to try it!