Irresistible Turkey Cranberry Grilled Cheese Recipe for Lunch
A comforting and indulgent sandwich combining savory turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and gooey melted cheese pressed between crispy, buttery bread. Perfect for using up holiday leftovers or enjoying a quick, delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Sliced bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or rye)
- Cooked turkey (leftover turkey slices or shredded turkey, or deli turkey)
- Cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Cheese (mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, cheddar, or gouda)
- Unsalted butter (or olive oil/vegan spread for dairy-free option)
- Optional: baby spinach or arugula
- Optional: red onion slices
Instructions
- Lay out your bread slices on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. This will be the side that touches the skillet.
- Flip the slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Spread a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce on one slice. Place your turkey slices on top of the cranberry sauce.
- Layer your choice of cheese on top of the turkey. If you’re adding spinach or arugula, place it on top of the cheese. Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, butter side facing out.
- Preheat your non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the assembled sandwich onto the skillet.
- Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure even browning. The bread should turn golden and crispy, and the cheese should melt beautifully.
- Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich in half, and serve warm. It’s best enjoyed immediately.
Notes
[‘Spread butter evenly for a golden crust.’, ‘Use sturdy bread like sourdough or artisan-style slices.’, ‘Cook on medium heat to ensure even browning and melted cheese.’, ‘Customize with different cheeses or add-ins like spinach, arugula, or red onion.’, ‘Avoid overloading cranberry sauce to maintain flavor balance.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Turkey, Cranberry, Grilled Cheese, Sandwich, Comfort Food, Leftovers, Quick Lunch, Easy Dinner