Description
This easy 15-minute panini transforms leftover turkey and cranberry sauce into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying lunch. With crispy golden bread, melty cheese, and a sweet-tart cranberry punch, it’s the ultimate way to upgrade your holiday leftovers.
Ingredients
- 4 slices hearty sourdough, ciabatta, or multigrain bread
- 1 cup cooked turkey (about 5 oz), sliced or shredded
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
- 4 slices or 3 oz Gruyère, fontina, mozzarella, Swiss, or brie cheese
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil (for brushing bread)
- Optional: handful baby spinach or arugula
- Optional: thinly sliced red onion
- Optional: thin swipe Dijon or grainy mustard
- Optional: spoonful leftover stuffing
- Optional: avocado slices
Instructions
- Lay out 4 slices of bread on a cutting board. Spread softened butter or brush olive oil on one side of each slice. Flip so the unbuttered side faces up.
- On two slices, layer 1-2 slices of cheese. Add 1/2 cup of turkey to each, then spoon 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce over the turkey. Add any optional extras (greens, onion, mustard, stuffing, avocado). Top with another slice of cheese if desired.
- Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side out. Gently press down.
- Preheat a panini press, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, add a small pat of butter or drizzle of oil.
- Place sandwiches in the press or skillet. If using a skillet, press with a heavy pan or foil-wrapped brick. Cook 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cheese is melted and turkey is warmed through.
- Check for doneness. If cheese needs more time, lower heat and cook another minute.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let cool 1-2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use sturdy bread and melty cheese. Don’t overstuff the panini or it may not cook evenly. If your cranberry sauce is runny, spread cheese on the bread first to prevent sogginess. For a crowd, assemble ahead and grill just before serving. To reheat, use a skillet or oven for best crispiness. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are easy—just swap in your favorite alternative bread and cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 26
Keywords: leftover turkey, cranberry panini, Thanksgiving leftovers, easy lunch, turkey sandwich, panini recipe, quick lunch, holiday leftovers, grilled sandwich, cheesy panini