The turkey cranberry panini is the ultimate sandwich for transforming holiday leftovers into something truly irresistible. It combines tender slices of roasted turkey with sweet-tart cranberry sauce, melty cheese, and crispy bread for a warm, comforting bite that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors.
This panini starts with hearty slices of sourdough, ciabatta, or any rustic bread that can hold up to the fillings and the grilling process. Spread one side with cranberry sauce, which adds a bright, fruity tang that cuts through the richness of the turkey. Layer on slices of roasted turkey – whether fresh from Thanksgiving dinner or deli-style – and then add cheese. Brie is a luxurious choice that melts beautifully and adds creaminess, but Swiss, provolone, or sharp white cheddar also work wonderfully.
For extra flavor, some like to add a smear of Dijon mustard or a handful of baby spinach or arugula for a peppery bite. A few slices of crispy bacon can also turn this already delicious sandwich into something truly indulgent.
Once assembled, the sandwich is brushed with a little butter or olive oil on the outside and pressed on a panini grill or cooked in a skillet until the bread turns golden brown and crisp, and the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
The result is a warm, crunchy, melty panini with the perfect blend of savory turkey, creamy cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce. It’s a comforting yet elevated way to enjoy leftover turkey or simply create a festive meal any time of year.
Serve it with a simple green salad, a cup of tomato soup, or even some kettle chips for a satisfying lunch or dinner. As for drinks, a crisp cider, sparkling water with lemon, or even a glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this panini.
Whether enjoyed the day after Thanksgiving or made anytime you’re craving something cozy and delicious, the turkey cranberry panini is comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread use your favorite type, such as sourdough or ciabatta
- 100 grams cooked turkey sliced
- 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce store-bought or homemade
- 2 slices cheese such as brie or Swiss
- 1 tablespoon butter softened, for spreading
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press or a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese.
- Top with the second bread slice, buttered side out.
- Place the sandwich in the panini press or skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat, slice, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
This panini is amazing! The flavors really pop together. I used cranberry sauce from scratch and it was worth it. 🍗❤️
I totally agree! Homemade cranberry sauce takes it to the next level! 🍂️
Yum!! Simple and nice. Did not have a panini press, just used a frying pan and it worked fine. Will do this again for sure!
I didn’t have a panini press, so I just used a regular skillet. It turned out fine, but I feel like I missed out! ⭐⭐⭐
I don’t get why everyone loves this so much. The cranberry’s too sweet with the turkey. Gave it a shot but won’t make it again.
I totally get where you’re coming from! It’s definitely a unique combo, but not everyone is a fan of sweet toppings with savory. Have you tried adding different spreads?
Who puts cheese on turkey sandwiches? This is weird. I probably won’t try again. ⭐⭐
I totally get it! Cheese on turkey sounds odd to some, but it actually works really well! You should give it a shot, it might surprise you! 🧀
Too much cranberry for my taste, maybe just a dab next time. Other than that, it’s ok 👌 ⭐⭐⭐
Meh, it was alright I guess. Not sure what the hype is about… Cheese and turkey? Kinda boring!
I totally get what you mean! I thought it would be more exciting, but it was just okay for me too.
LOL! This recipe is easy peasy. I can’t believe anyone would mess it up. Just toast it!
It’s not that easy for everyone! I struggled last time I tried a panini.
My kids loved this! It’s so easy to prepare, and I didn’t even have to cook the turkey myself! Thanks for the recipe!
Yea, but isn’t it just a glorified grilled cheese? I dunno, seems kinda easy. Anyone can just slap turkey on bread.
So glad to hear that! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy parents. My kids loved it too!
really good, but i used cheddar instead of brie… not bad tho but who can turn down cheddar?
Why do you need to butter the bread? Seems like extra work.
I love turkey and cranberry together. This is like a Thanksgiving sandwich!
I burnt mine! 😂 Be careful with the heat! Maybe just use the oven next time. ⭐⭐
Yikes! I nearly set mine on fire too! 😂 Oven sounds safer for sure!
It was okay, but I think the brie was too much. Maybe try a milder cheese next time.
Honestly, not sure what you mean. The brie makes the panini fancy! But yeah, try Swiss if you like that.
I love brie! But I get what you’re saying, maybe a Gouda would work better for some people.
I made it with ciabatta bread and it was yumm! I added spinach too, just for some green 👩🍳. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Simple and delicious! I used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving and it was perfect! Can’t believe I never thought of this before.
My husband is picky, but he devoured it! Finally found a way to get him to eat turkey.
Turkey on a sandwich is just wrong. #TeamHam
Just made this, but I used leftover chicken instead of turkey. Still turned out delicious! 🤤
Using leftover chicken? That’s a great idea! I might try that next time for a change. 😍
I dunno, isn’t turkey kinda the point? 🤔 But if it worked for you, then that’s cool, I guess.
This panini is fantastic! The combo of turkey and cranberry is spot on. Family loved it too! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’m not into cranberries, could I use ketchup instead?
I don’t know about cranberries on a sandwich… sounds weird to me. Just sticking with turkey and cheese from now on. Pass!
I mean, do what you want. But really, it ain’t that weird! Sweet and savory can be a good mix. I think you’d be surprised!
Cranberries add a nice sweetness! You gotta try it before you knock it. It’s way better than just turkey and cheese. ☺️
AMAZING! Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers. I made it with ciabatta, loved it!
I’m glad you loved it! Ciabatta is a great choice for paninis. Did you try any other fillings?
Too simple! I was expecting something more complicated. This is just basic.
I think sometimes simple is best! Not everything has to be complicated to taste good.
I didn’t grease the pan, and it totally stuck! Lesson learned 😅. Still, the taste was good!
This panini was absolutely delicious! The combination of turkey and cranberry is genius. I’ll definitely make it again.
So simple but sooo good! Kids loved it too!
Easy recipe! Just what I needed. 🥪
This sandwich is a total game changer! The combo of turkey and cranberry is sooo good. I added some spinach for extra crunch. 5 stars!
This is my new go-to sandwich! So delicious and easy to make. The combination of turkey and cranberry is just perfect!
I don’t see how turkey and cranberry could be a sandwich. Sounds weird.
I totally agree! This combo is heavenly! I added some spinach for extra crunch. Yum!
This receipe is just average. I’ll stick to grilled cheese.
Low calorie? Nah, this is a lot of butter for me. Gotta watch my waistline.
I burnt mine! Lol. Maybe a lil shorter cook time next time.
Yeah, paninis can be tricky! Burning it just means you’re one step closer to perfection. Don’t give up!
I thought it was alright, but my kids didn’t like it. They said it tasted like school lunch. 😕
Honestly, my kids didn’t like it either. Maybe it’s just the way it sounds? 🤔
I used leftover Thanksgiving turkey and it was perfect! A great way to repurpose food. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GREAT RECIPE!!! Will definitely make again!!
followed the recipe step by step, but my bread got soggy 😭. Maybe I shouldn’t have added so much sauce?
very good, I liked it! My kids licked their plates clean! #CleanPlateClub ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yum! Tried it with ciabatta and it was perfect!
Wasn’t great tbh. The cranberry sauce overpowered the turkey.
Nah, I think the sauce is what makes it special! But I guess everyone has different tastes.
I actually loved the cranberry sauce! It gives a nice sweetness to the turkey. Maybe you just used too much?
I don’t know about the brie, I used cheddar instead and it turned out great! But the cranberry sauce felt a bit too sweet for me.
I totally get that! Cheddar has such a strong flavor, I bet it was delicious! Maybe just add a pinch of salt to the cranberry sauce next time to balance it out a bit!
Simple and delicious, but my kids didn’t like the cranberry. Should’ve left it off.
Cranberry can be hit or miss with kids! Maybe try with just turkey and cheese next time. Still love this recipe though.
This is sooo good! I can’t believe I never thought of putting cranberry sauce on turkey. A must-try!
Easy and tasty! I used leftover turkey from Thanksgiving. Would definitely make again!
Yum, I love paninis! But I hav no panini press, so I grilled it in a skillet. Same outcome? 😂
Using a skillet works just fine! As long as you press it down while cooking, you’ll get that nice crispiness. Enjoy! 😊
This panini is so good! The turkey and cranberry together are a match made in heaven. 😍
Yummmm!!! The cheese all melty-licious! 😋
I know right?! Cheese just makes everything better! Can’t wait to try this recipe!
Melty cheese? Sounds great but is it really that good? I don’t know about this combo…
I’m skeptical about the cheese. Brie with turkey? Seems weird…
I don’t understand why people put cranberry with meat. Seems weird to me.
Amazing! The flavors totally blend together. My new fave!
Can i use chicken instead of turkey?