Cozy Turkey Cranberry Brie Panini
A quick and easy panini recipe that transforms leftover Thanksgiving turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie into a warm, melty, and satisfying sandwich perfect for cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4–6 ounces leftover roasted or smoked turkey, thinly sliced
- 3–4 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and sliced
- 2–3 tablespoons cranberry sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard (Dijon or whole-grain)
- 2 slices artisan bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic country loaf), about 1/2 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon softened butter, for spreading on bread
- Optional: fresh spinach or arugula
- Optional: thin apple slices
- Optional: drizzle of honey
Instructions
- Remove the brie from the fridge to come to room temperature; slice the turkey thinly if not pre-sliced, and have cranberry sauce ready (warm slightly if homemade).
- Lay out bread slices on a clean surface. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on the outside face of each slice.
- Spread 1 tablespoon grainy mustard evenly on the inside of one bread slice.
- Layer turkey slices evenly over the mustard-spread slice.
- Add sliced brie in a single layer over the turkey.
- Dollop or spread cranberry sauce over the brie. Add optional greens or apple slices if desired.
- Place the other slice of bread on top, butter side out.
- Transfer sandwich to a heated panini press or grill pan set to medium heat.
- Press sandwich firmly and cook until bread is golden brown and brie is melted, about 4-5 minutes in a panini press or 6-7 minutes in a skillet, flipping halfway if using skillet.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a minute to allow cheese to settle.
- Slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
Let brie come to room temperature before assembling for better melting. Use softened butter to prevent tearing bread. If no panini press, use a heavy skillet and press sandwich with a weighted object, flipping halfway. Avoid overstuffing to prevent sogginess. Warm cranberry sauce slightly if too thick for easier spreading.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 22.5
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 37.5
- Fiber: 3.5
- Protein: 30
Keywords: turkey panini, cranberry brie sandwich, leftover Thanksgiving recipe, easy panini, comfort food sandwich