Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many fast-food chains are hopping on the seasonal food trend, offering unique spins on traditional holiday flavors. Arby’s is stepping up to the plate this year with two brand-new Thanksgiving-inspired sandwiches.
But while the menu additions have sparked excitement, some fans can’t help but wonder if an essential Thanksgiving ingredient has been overlooked.
In an Instagram post from famous food blogger Markie Devo, Arby’s revealed two new Thanksgiving sandwiches: the Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler and the Deep Fried Turkey Club. Though the new offerings sound delicious, they puzzled some fans with one key question Where’s the cranberry sauce?
A Closer Look at Arby’s Thanksgiving Sandwiches
Arby’s new Thanksgiving-inspired sandwiches, set to debut on October 28th, take turkey to the next level with deep-fried turkey breast as the star ingredient. Let’s break down what each sandwich offers.
1. The Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler
The Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler has flavors Arby’s fans will recognize with a holiday twist. The sandwich features deep-fried turkey breast topped with crispy onions, melted Swiss cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and an “everything” seasoning that adds a savory flair. To finish it, there’s a delicious herb spread infused with hints of sage and garlic, served on a soft brioche bun.
2. The Deep Fried Turkey Club
The Deep Fried Turkey Club keeps things simple but hearty. It combines deep-fried turkey breast with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, tomato, and mayo on a brioche bun. This sandwich adds a nice crispy contrast to the tender turkey for bacon lovers.
Both sandwiches promise to bring familiar Thanksgiving flavors in a fast-food format, making it convenient for fans to enjoy a holiday meal on the go.
The Missing Ingredient Where’s the Cranberry Sauce?
While many people are excited about these new turkey sandwiches, the conversation on social media quickly turned to what some saw as a glaring omission: cranberry sauce.
In the Instagram comments on Markie Devo’s post, many fans expressed disappointment that cranberry sauce wasn’t included. After all, cranberry sauce is a staple in many Thanksgiving dinners, and its sweet-tart flavor pairs perfectly with turkey.
One fan commented, “They should substitute the tomato for cranberry sauce,” while another said, “Where is the cranberry sauce? I’m going to say this is a missed opportunity.” Several others agreed that cranberry sauce could elevate these sandwiches to a more festive level.
Fans Get Creative with Cranberry Solutions
Despite the absence of cranberry sauce on Arby’s new Thanksgiving sandwiches, some fans are already brainstorming ways to fix that. One user suggested, “I will probably just add my own,” hinting that many will take matters into their own hands by bringing cranberry sauce to add to the sandwiches.
This DIY approach resonates with several fans who feel that cranberry sauce is an essential complement to the turkey.
Other Missing Thanksgiving Flavors
The cranberry sauce debate wasn’t the only critique from fans. While many praised Arby’s for getting into the Thanksgiving spirit, others pointed out that additional classic Thanksgiving ingredients like mashed potatoes or gravy could have made the sandwiches even better.
One Instagram user commented, “People are asking about the cranberry sauce, but here I am, wondering why there are no potatoes or gravy!”
For some, a Thanksgiving sandwich should incorporate many holiday elements, including hearty sides like mashed potatoes or a decadent gravy drizzle.
Why Cranberry Sauce Could Have Made a Difference
Cranberry sauce isn’t just a Thanksgiving side dish — it’s a perfect complement to turkey. Its sweet-tart flavor cuts through the meat’s richness and other savory ingredients, adding balance to a meal that sometimes feels too heavy.
Regarding a Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich, cranberry sauce offers a bright, tangy contrast to the deep-fried turkey breast, cheese, and bacon. With it, some fans feel the sandwiches take advantage of an opportunity to deliver a complete holiday experience in every bite.
Cranberry sauce is also iconic, instantly invoking memories of Thanksgiving dinners. For many, a sandwich mimicking a holiday feast without cranberry sauce feels incomplete.
Arby’s Seasonal Sandwich Strategy
Despite the cranberry sauce controversy, Arby’s decision to release Thanksgiving-inspired sandwiches isn’t surprising. The fast-food chain is known for introducing limited-time offerings that take comfort food classics and give them a unique twist.
By adding deep-fried turkey and bold flavors like “everything” seasoning and herb spreads, Arby’s keeps up with the seasonal food trend while staying true to its brand.
Other fast-food brands are also jumping on the Thanksgiving train. DiGiorno, for example, recently launched a Thanksgiving Pizza, and Lay’s released a line of Thanksgiving dinner-flavored chips. This seasonal marketing strategy clearly aims to give customers a taste of the holidays in convenient, fast-food form.
Should You Try Arby’s New Thanksgiving Sandwiches?
While the absence of cranberry sauce has disappointed some fans, others are excited to try Arby’s new turkey creations. The Deep Fried Turkey Gobbler and Deep Fried Turkey Club offer hearty, savory flavors that might hit the spot if you’re looking for a quick taste of Thanksgiving.
If you’re a die-hard cranberry sauce fan, consider following the advice in the Instagram comments and bringing your own. With some customization, these sandwiches could be a satisfying way to celebrate the holiday season early.
Conclusion
Arby’s new Thanksgiving-inspired sandwiches have generated buzz, with fans eager to try the deep-fried turkey creations. While some are ready to embrace the new menu items, others wonder why cranberry sauce—a quintessential Thanksgiving ingredient—didn’t cut it.
As these sandwiches hit menus on October 28th, it will be interesting to see if Arby’s listens to its fans and offers a cranberry sauce option in the future.
In the meantime, those looking for a whole Thanksgiving flavor experience might have to get creative and bring their cranberries to the table.
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