I recently crafted a twist on leftover turkey by layering sourdough bread spread with unsalted butter, tender turkey slices, tangy cranberry sauce, and cheddar cheese into my favorite Grilled Cheese Sandwich. A hint of Dijon mustard adds extra kick, producing a unique blend of flavors that wonderfully reinvents every bite.

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I’ve always been excited about combining unexpected flavors in the kitchen and that Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese is not an exception. I discovered this sandwich when I was looking for ways to give my Thanksgiving leftovers new life.

Imagine two slices of sourdough bread generously spread with soft unsalted butter, lined with few slices of leftover turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and two slices of cheddar cheese. I even throw in a little bit of Dijon mustard if you’re up for a kick to hit that extra tang.

The flavors mix together easily while it grills to perfection creating a melty, delicious sandwich that really stands out from your regular grilled cheese. I had a surprising moment of how this recipe managed to elevate the ordinary into something that brings a bold combination of tastes every time you bite.

Give it a try and see how leftovers can turn into an extraordinary meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love how this recipe turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something totally new and exciting. The mix of sweet cranberry and savory turkey makes every bite taste amazing even if it sounds kinda odd at first. I also really appreciate that its super easy to whip up, even on busy days, and the crispy grilled exterior with melty cheese reminds me of simpler times. Lastly, I enjoy the little kick from the Dijon mustard that gives the sandwich an edge without overpowering everything else.

Ingredients

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Sourdough bread: Provides carbs, fiber and a tangy flavor to fuel your day.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture while crisping up delicious golden edges.
Turkey: Offers lean protein and a savory note that makes every bite satisfying.
Cranberry sauce: Brings a sweet and tart burst that enlivens the sandwich.
Cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness with a sharp, creamy taste.
Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle heat that lifts and balances the other flavors.
This grilled cheese merges sweet, savory, and tangy notes for a comforting meal.
Every bite is a fun twist on a familiar favorite and delightfully unexpected.

Ingredient Quantities

2 slices of sourdough bread

2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened for spreading

3-4 oz sliced turkey (leftover turkey from Thanksgiving works great)

2 tbsp cranberry sauce

2 slices cheddar cheese

1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional if you want a little kick)

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat while you get your ingredients ready.

2. Spread the softened butter on one side of each sourdough bread slice.

3. On the unbuttered side of one slice, quickly spread the Dijon mustard if using.

4. Next, layer the cheddar cheese on top of the mustard, then add the sliced turkey.

5. Drizzle the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.

6. Place the other slice on top with the buttered side facing out.

7. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden and crispy.

8. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it is golden and the cheese starts melting.

Equipment Needed

1. A nonstick skillet to heat the sandwich.
2. A spatula to flip it over.
3. A butter knife for spreading the butter and mustard.
4. Measuring spoons to measure out the butter, sauce, and mustard.
5. A plate to serve your finished sandwich.

FAQ

Can I use any kind of turkey for this recipe?

Yeah, you can use any cooked or leftover turkey, not just Thanksgiving turkey. It works fine with the cranberry sauce.

Do I need to pre-toast the sourdough before grilling?

No need to toast it first. The butter and heat from the pan make it crispy enough during grilling.

Can I swap cheddar for another cheese?

Sure, if you dont have cheddar, american or provolone cheese works pretty well too.

Is it okay to add extra spices like pepper or garlic?

Definitely, a pinch of pepper or even a tiny bit of garlic powder can give an extra kick, but keep it light so as not to overpower the cranberries and turkey.

Can I use a panini press instead of a skillet?

Yep, a panini press is a good option; just watch the time since it grills faster than a regular skillet.

Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have sourdough bread, you can swap it with whole wheat or even a nice multigrain bread.
If unsalted butter is missing, try using some margarine or a light drizzle of olive oil.
If you’re outta turkey, leftover chicken or ham can work just as well.
If cranberry sauce ain’t available, you could use a raspberry or apricot jam for a similar sweet zing.
If cheddar cheese isn’t your thing, Swiss or provolone make a pretty good alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you spread the butter evenly on the bread so you get a nice crispy and golden finish, it helps prevent any parts from burning cause some spots might be thicker than others.

2. For the best melty cheese, try covering the skillet with a lid for a short minute on each side; this traps the heat and helps the cheese melt perfectly without overcooking the bread.

3. Dont rush the flipping part – let the sandwich cook long enough on one side before turning it so the cheese and turkey layer stay in place and you dont end up with a messy flip.

4. If your turkey seems a bit dry, you can drizzle a little extra cranberry sauce or even warm the turkey briefly in the pan before assembling, it makes the flavors blend better and keeps the meat moist.

Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

855

kcal

Equipment: 1. A nonstick skillet to heat the sandwich.
2. A spatula to flip it over.
3. A butter knife for spreading the butter and mustard.
4. Measuring spoons to measure out the butter, sauce, and mustard.
5. A plate to serve your finished sandwich.

Ingredients

2 slices of sourdough bread
2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened for spreading
3-4 oz sliced turkey (leftover turkey from Thanksgiving works great)
2 tbsp cranberry sauce
2 slices cheddar cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional if you want a little kick)

Directions

Preheat your skillet over medium heat while you get your ingredients ready.
Spread the softened butter on one side of each sourdough bread slice.
On the unbuttered side of one slice, quickly spread the Dijon mustard if using.
Next, layer the cheddar cheese on top of the mustard, then add the sliced turkey.
Drizzle the cranberry sauce evenly over the turkey.
Place the other slice on top with the buttered side facing out.
Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom is golden and crispy.
Flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it is golden and the cheese starts melting.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.