The Arby's Deep-Fried Turkey sandwich presents a unique culinary experience that defies traditional Thanksgiving expectations. While it may not be the entire Thanksgiving sandwich battered and deep-fried as hoped, it still holds its own in terms of taste and texture.

Unconventional Thanksgiving Fare at Arby's

Section 1: The Sandwich's Composition

This sandwich is a curious concoction that combines thick-sliced deep-fried turkey breast with crispy onions, everything seasoning, Swiss cheese, savory Herb Spread, lettuce, and tomato. At first glance, it seems to be a Thanksgiving-adjacent creation that can fool the senses. However, upon closer inspection, one can't help but wonder about the inclusion of certain ingredients. It's like a culinary experiment that teeters on the edge of oddity.The "thick-sliced deep-fried turkey breast" is the alleged star of the show. It sounds more indulgent than it actually is, with just a hint of crispness on the edges. The "savory herb spread" adds a layer of complexity that initially tricks the mind into thinking there's stuffing present. But upon further exploration, its true nature remains a mystery.The crispy onions fit the vague Thanksgiving theme due to their long-time association with green bean casserole. However, the addition of Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato seems out of place, like an unexpected guest at a Thanksgiving dinner.

Section 2: Taste and Flavor Profile

Eating this sandwich is like being at a raucous dinner party where eight people are shouting at each other in four different conversations. There's a lot going on, but it all comes together in a harmonious way.The turkey itself is solid, with a slight juiciness and a hint of crispness. The "savory herb spread" and "everything seasoning" permeate the sandwich, adding savory tones that give the impression of stuffing and/or gravy. It's like a gravy-and-stuffing cover band, providing a similar flavor without the actual ingredients.There's also a tang in the spread that helps break up the heavy starches involved in the sandwich. The lettuce and tomato add a nice crunch and textural change, while the cheese, surprisingly, fades into the background.

Section 3: Overall Impression

Overall, this was a good sandwich. It's not a classic Thanksgiving sandwich with stuffing and cranberry sauce, but it offers a lighter alternative that still satisfies the taste buds. It's a unique take on Thanksgiving flavors that manages to stand on its own.While there may be questions and uncertainties about the sandwich's composition, it doesn't detract from the enjoyment of eating it. It's a fun and unexpected culinary adventure that leaves a lasting impression.—Want more "I Ate It" food coverage? You can follow Nick on Instagram (@NickAteIt) and TikTok (also @NickAteIt)."I ate it so you don't have to" is a regular food column about off-beat eats, both good and bad. I picked the name years ago and now we're sort of stuck with it.This article is dedicated to my friend, Derek, who passed away suddenly last week. In his honor, you should play video games and watch a TV show that you can't get anyone else to watch no matter how hard you try. If you get the chance to stay up too late and get trashy food/drinks you don't need, do it. You might just end up creating some of your fondest memories, and you never know when it will be your last chance to do it. You can send any tales of late-night shenanigans to nomalley@masslive.com. You can check out the rest of the series here.