Delightful Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini

Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini is a delightful concoction that marries the savory with the sweet in a way that makes your taste buds sing. Imagine biting into crispy, golden bread, only to discover a gooey, melted Brie oozing alongside tart cranberry sauce and tender turkey pieces. Each mouthful is a joyous explosion of flavors that transport you back to Thanksgiving feasts, where the aroma of roasted turkey fills the air with warmth and comfort.

Now, let’s talk about the nostalgia tied to this recipe. Picture it: a post-holiday kitchen filled with leftovers, where the family debates whether they should brave another turkey dinner or get creative. This panini brings laughter and love to the table as you transform yesterday’s feast into today’s gourmet delight. It’s perfect for cozy winter evenings or impromptu lunch gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Get ready to experience an amazing flavor adventure that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ciabatta Bread: A crusty yet soft bread holds up well to grilling while giving that satisfying crunch.
• Cooked Turkey: Use leftover roasted turkey breast for maximum flavor; shred or slice according to your preference.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; just ensure it’s not too runny for a perfect spread.
• Brie Cheese: Choose creamy Brie for melting; remove the rind if desired for extra gooeyness.
• Butter: A generous smear on the outside of your bread ensures that golden crust we all love.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Griddle

Start by preheating your griddle or pan over medium heat. You want it hot enough to create that delightful crispy exterior but not so hot that you’ll set off smoke alarms.

Step 2: Prepare Your Bread

While waiting for your griddle, slice your ciabatta bread in half horizontally. Spread butter generously on the outside of each piece—this is key for achieving that coveted golden crunch.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

On one half of each ciabatta slice, layer shredded turkey first. Next, add a generous spoonful of cranberry sauce. Finally, crown it all with slices of creamy Brie cheese—don’t be shy; more cheese equals more happiness!

Step 4: Top It Off

Close your sandwich with the other half of ciabatta (buttered side facing out). Give it a gentle press down—this helps everything melt beautifully together.

Step 5: Grill It Up

Carefully place your sandwich on the preheated griddle. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. You may need to use a spatula to press down slightly while cooking.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the Brie has melted into gooey perfection, take it off the heat! Slice in half (if you can resist eating it whole) and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side—because who doesn’t want more?

Enjoy this Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini as an incredible way to breathe new life into those holiday leftovers!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve panini perfection, start by preheating your pan or grill. Assemble your sandwich with turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie, then grill until golden brown. Flip carefully to ensure even cooking and that melty cheese goodness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your panini! Swap turkey for chicken or add some spinach for a pop of color. Try different cheeses like gouda or cheddar if brie isn’t available. The world is your sandwich playground!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the panini in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Sometimes I wonder if my friends love my cooking or just my leftover creations more! This panini was a hit at our post-Thanksgiving gathering, leaving everyone asking for seconds—and that’s always a good sign!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for a Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini?

To make a delicious Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini, you will need leftover turkey, cranberry sauce, slices of Brie cheese, and your choice of bread. You can use sourdough or ciabatta for a crispy texture. Additionally, some butter for grilling will enhance the flavor. This simple combination creates a flavorful sandwich that celebrates holiday leftovers in an exciting way.

How do I prepare the Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini?

Start by preheating your panini press or skillet. Spread butter on the outside of your bread slices. Layer turkey, cranberry sauce, and Brie cheese between two slices of bread. Place the sandwich in the press or skillet and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. The crispy exterior pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey filling.

Can I customize my Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini?

Absolutely! The beauty of the Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini lies in its versatility. Feel free to add ingredients like spinach, arugula, or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. You can also swap out the cheese with goat cheese or sharp cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile. Experimenting with these variations makes each panini unique.

How can I store leftover paninis?

If you have any leftover Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, use your panini press or skillet to ensure they regain their crispy texture while warming through.

Conclusion for Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini:

The Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini is an excellent way to transform holiday leftovers into a mouthwatering meal. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, this sandwich offers both convenience and flavor. Customize it to your liking by adding vegetables or experimenting with different cheeses. Enjoy this delightful dish as a quick lunch or dinner option that brings joy to your taste buds!

Print

Leftover Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini

• Author: Lilly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: Serves 1
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Transform your holiday leftovers into a scrumptious panini with gooey Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and tender turkey, all nestled between crispy ciabatta. Perfect for a quick lunch or cozy dinner!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 slices ciabatta bread
• 1 cup cooked turkey, shredded or sliced
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 3 oz creamy Brie cheese, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter (for grilling)

---

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat Your Griddle: Heat your griddle or skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
2. 2. Prepare Your Bread: Slice the ciabatta in half horizontally. Spread butter generously on the outside of each slice.
3. 3. Layer the Ingredients: On one half of each ciabatta slice, layer: Shredded turkey, Cranberry sauce, Slices of Brie cheese.
4. 4. Top It Off: Close the sandwich with the other half of ciabatta (buttered side facing out) and gently press down.
5. 5. Grill It Up: Place the sandwich on the preheated griddle. Cook for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, pressing down slightly with a spatula as needed.
6. 6. Slice and Serve: Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the Brie has melted, remove from heat. Slice in half and serve warm with extra cranberry sauce on the side.

---

---

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 panini (approximately 150g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider adding some spinach or arugula. If Brie isn't available, substitute with another melting cheese like gouda or cheddar. To enhance crispness, let the Brie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.