Giada’s Thanksgiving Monte Cristo Helped Me Love Leftovers

After watching the Food Network Kitchen class, I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

November 28, 2019
Giada De Laurentiis features a Post Thanksgiving Monte Cristo, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Giada De Laurentiis features a Post Thanksgiving Monte Cristo, as seen on Food Network Kitchen Live.

Photo by: Jason DeCrow

Jason DeCrow

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On Black Friday, I dream of pizza. While most people — including my husband’s family — crave Thanksgiving leftovers, and eat them over multiple meals over the holiday weekend, I secretly long for pizza pizza (or anything else for that matter). After all, why go for seconds (or thirds) on the big day, if you just plan to eat it all over again tomorrow?

Then I watched Giada De Laurentiis make her Post-Thanksgiving Monte Cristo in a live class on the Food Network Kitchen app. Seeing her twist on the popular sandwich gave me new hope and inspiration for the days after the holiday.

Instead of just using the ham and cheese that are usually tucked into the bread, Giada subs in Thanksgiving leftovers. She starts by mixing Dijon mustard and cranberry sauce — a great little hack to remember for regular turkey sandwiches as well. (And, by the way, Giada confesses that she sometimes buys canned cranberry sauce, so don’t worry if you do, too!)

She spreads that cranberry spread on buttery brioche, layers on some Swiss cheese, then adds leftover turkey.

Dip your combo in egg batter and cook on the stove for the perfect sweet, savory, cheesy Thanksgiving leftover redux.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to convince my husband’s family that anything is better than leftovers straight out of the fridge, but I know what I’ll be making for my Black Friday feast.

If you want to make Giada’s Post-Thanksgiving Monte Cristo — or find other weekend-friendly recipes from your favorite Food Network talents — head to the all-new Food Network Kitchen app. Sign up now for special offers. You’ll be able to drop in for Giada's classes and learn more must-know tips and must-make recipes.

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