On the Menu: Leftover Turkey Banh Mi

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I am one of those people, like my mother, that doesn't love leftovers (pizza and pie are the two exceptions) and yet loves a big meal with more than enough to go around. Our fridge is a temple to big dinners that we couldn't finish and that I don't want to eat the next day around. That waste is usually less-than-ideal during the holidays and a fresh round of budgeting in our household has lead to the necessitated eating-of-leftovers, and conservation of ingredients. If we have chicken and pasta one night and have leftovers of that chicken the next day, it needs to make its way into a sandwich or a new dish. If we cut open a butternut squash and only use half, the next night better incorporate that ingredient so it doesn't go bad. It feels good to be conscious of our eating, but sometimes it can get a bit dull hopping on the reheat, rinse, repeat train. With Thanksgiving barreling toward us and a ton of potluck/holiday party/Christmas dinner events, it's officially leftover season. How to make do? Change up your protein into something new and delicious. This leftover turkey banh mi is a perfect, easy alternative to the traditional turkey sandwich and the meat can be substituted for chicken, salmon, or pork if you're cooking something less traditional for the big turkey day. For more ideas, be sure to check out the Cooking Up Good website that focuses on great Kraft meals revolving around the holidays (more on that in a second)!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it tastes totally different than your usual turkey dinner and it's an Asian-inspired option that incorporates new spices and a ton of fresh and crisp veggies. I always want to take a break from gravies and heavy sauces after the holidays and this lets you relax with some spice.

You can pick up Kraft Mayo and Kraft Shreds for this recipe at Walmart!

You'll need:

Leftover Thanksgiving rolls or ciabatta rolls

2-3 cups leftover turkey, chopped

Kraft mayo

Sriracha 

Handful of cilantro

1 carrot, grated

1/2 a cucumber, sliced

Sliced jalapeno

Sprinkle of Kraft shredded cheese (if desired)

Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 warm your leftover rolls for a few minutes. Chop up your turkey into small pieces and mix with about 1/4 cup of Kraft mayo, a few squirts of sriracha (season to taste), and some salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and then spoon onto your warmed roll. Layer on thinly sliced cucumbers, a sprinkling of grated carrot, a healthy amount of cilantro, and finally a few thin slices of jalapeno for an extra kick!. (Though not part of a traditional banh mi, for those that can't get enough cheese on their sandwiches, add some Kraft shredded cheese to the warmed bun.) Serve with some leftover sparkling something and enjoy!

As I mentioned before, if you need more inspiration for delicious meals that put to use your leftovers (from any holiday party) in creative ways, you definitely need to check out the Kraft Walmart hub, Cooking Up Good, website for ideas, the opportunity to participate in a rewards program, and a chance to win some prizes. There's a pretty awesome gallery of pinned recipes that look drool-worthy on the site that you probably need to explore.