Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious and comforting way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. The combination of melty provolone cheese, savory turkey, and sweet cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s an easy twist on a classic grilled cheese that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Sliced bread
- Turkey (fresh or deli)
- Cranberries, prepared according to bagged directions
- Sliced provolone cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
- Step 2: On the non-mayo side, layer the provolone cheese first, then add the turkey slices, and top with prepared cranberries.
- Step 3: Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, mayo side inside.
- Step 4: Heat a skillet over low to medium heat and melt butter in the pan.
- Step 5: Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and oozing out.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and enjoy the sandwich warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly baked bread and slice cheese from the block for the best melt and flavor.
- Try cranberry sauce instead of prepared cranberries for a smoother texture.
- Add a little garlic powder to the butter when grilling for extra flavor.
- Substitute provolone with cheddar or mozzarella if preferred.
Storage
Store any leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through and the cheese melts again, or use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving to keep the bread crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use leftover turkey for this sandwich?
Yes, leftover turkey works perfectly in this sandwich and is a great way to prevent waste while enjoying a tasty meal.
What can I use if I don’t have provolone cheese?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese are good alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors of turkey and cranberry.
Print
Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Description
This Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a deliciously comforting and creative twist on the classic grilled cheese. Perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or simply elevating your lunch with savory turkey, sweet cranberries, and melty provolone cheese all grilled to golden perfection. A quick, easy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 2 slices of sliced bread (white or whole wheat)
- 2–3 oz sliced turkey (fresh or deli)
- 1–2 tbsp prepared cranberry sauce (cooked or from a bag)
- 2 slices provolone cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp butter (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Spread mayonnaise evenly on one side of each slice of bread. This will add flavor and help the bread brown nicely when grilled.
- Layer the sandwich: On the un-mayo side of one bread slice, lay down a slice of provolone cheese, then add the turkey slices on top. Spread the prepared cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey, and then top with the second slice of provolone cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top, mayo side out.
- Heat the pan: Preheat a skillet or frying pan over low to medium heat and melt the butter evenly across the pan surface.
- Grill the sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and cook for 2-4 minutes on the first side until the bread is golden brown and cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side for another 2-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is gooey and slightly spilling out of the sides.
- Serve warm: Remove from pan and slice if desired. Serve immediately while warm and melty for the best experience.
Notes
- Using freshly sliced provolone cheese from a block improves flavor and melt compared to pre-sliced packaged cheese.
- Cooked cranberry sauce or leftovers work equally well for the sweet component.
- Grill on low to medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
- Mayonnaise adds both flavor and a golden crisp texture to the bread crust.
- This sandwich is ideal for using Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry leftovers, but you can make it any time with deli turkey and store-bought cranberry sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry turkey sandwich, turkey grilled cheese, Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, grilled cheese recipe, cranberry sauce sandwich, quick lunch
