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Best Easy Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe

turkey cranberry grilled cheese - featured image

This turkey cranberry grilled cheese combines savory roasted turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and a three-cheese blend for the ultimate comfort food. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for using holiday leftovers or a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 8 ounces roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup caramelized onions (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients. Take the butter out of the fridge to soften. Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese if using blocks. Slice the turkey if needed.
  2. Butter the bread. Lay all 8 slices of sourdough on your cutting board. Using a butter knife, spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each slice.
  3. Assemble the first sandwich. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on your work surface. Spread about 1 tablespoon of cranberry sauce on the bread. Layer on 2 ounces of turkey, then add one slice of provolone cheese. Sprinkle with about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar and 1 tablespoon of mozzarella. Top with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
  4. Repeat for remaining sandwiches. You’ll make 4 sandwiches total. If adding caramelized onions or sage, layer them between the turkey and cheese.
  5. Preheat your skillet. Place your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Let it heat for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Cook the sandwiches. Carefully place 2 sandwiches in the skillet (or all 4 if your pan is large enough). Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Flip carefully. Slide the spatula under the sandwich and flip it in one smooth motion. Press down gently with the spatula. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
  8. Check for doneness. The cheese should be oozing out slightly at the edges, and the bread should be deep golden brown. If the bread is browning too quickly but the cheese isn’t melted, reduce the heat and cover the pan with a lid for 1-2 minutes.
  9. Rest and serve. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally with a sharp knife and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use thick-cut sourdough bread and cook on medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts without burning the bread. If using leftover turkey, let it come to room temperature before assembling. To prevent sogginess, spread cranberry sauce on both slices of bread. For a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cranberry grilled cheese, leftover turkey sandwich, holiday sandwich, grilled cheese recipe, easy lunch