Description
This Turkey Grilled Cheese with Cranberry Recipe transforms leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into a golden, melty, sweet-savory sandwich. Crispy, buttery bread surrounds layers of tender turkey, gooey cheese, and bright cranberry sauce—perfect for holiday leftovers or a cozy comfort meal any time.
Ingredients
Scale
For 2 sandwiches
- 4 slices of bread
(sourdough, brioche, country white, or your preferred sturdy bread) - 1 cup cooked turkey slices
(leftover roasted, smoked, or deli turkey) - 4–6 slices of cheese
(brie, Havarti, Swiss, provolone, cheddar, or a mix) - 3–4 tablespoons cranberry sauce
(whole berry, jellied, or cranberry relish) - 2–3 tablespoons softened butter
(or butter-mayo spread for extra browning)
Optional flavor boosters
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh herbs
(thyme, rosemary, or sage – finely chopped) - 1–2 tablespoons stuffing
- 1 tablespoon gravy
- Thin slices of apple or pear
Instructions
1. Prepare All Ingredients
- Slice or shred your turkey.
- Slice or grate cheese for better melting.
- Stir cranberry sauce until smooth.
- Soften butter or make a butter-mayo spread.
2. Assemble Each Sandwich
- Lay the bread slices on a board.
- Spread butter (or butter-mayo) on the outer sides of each slice.
- Flip the bread so the buttered sides face down.
- Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce on the inside of one slice.
- Add a layer of cheese over the cranberry.
- Add turkey slices evenly.
- Add another layer of cheese on top—this helps “glue” the sandwich.
- Close with the other slice of bread, butter side facing out.
3. Grill Low and Slow
- Heat a skillet over medium-low.
- Place the sandwich in the pan; cook 3–4 minutes per side.
- Press lightly with a spatula for even browning.
- Flip when golden; cook until cheese is fully melted.
4. Rest & Serve
- Let the sandwich rest for 1–2 minutes before cutting.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Serving Ideas
- Add a side of extra cranberry sauce
- Serve with tomato soup, potato soup, or a fresh salad
- For brunch, top with a fried egg
Notes
- The cheese layer should touch both slices of bread—this prevents the cranberry from soaking in.
- If the turkey is very cold, warm it briefly so the bread doesn’t burn before the cheese melts.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT10M
- Category: Sandwiche
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg