Crispy Turkey Cranberry Panini
A warm, toasted panini combining savory turkey, sharp cheddar, and sweet cranberry sauce, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices rustic sourdough bread
- 1 cup cooked turkey breast, sliced thin
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or mixed cheddar and provolone)
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought, whole berry preferred)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Optional: handful fresh baby spinach or arugula
- Optional: thin slices of red onion
Instructions
- Lay out bread slices, turkey, and cheese. Spread cranberry sauce on one side of each bread slice if using.
- On four slices of bread, layer turkey evenly, then add cheese. Add spinach or onions if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, cranberry side down.
- Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
- Heat panini press or skillet to medium heat.
- Place sandwiches on press or skillet. If using skillet, press firmly with spatula or weighted pan. Cook 5-7 minutes until bread is golden and cheese melted, flipping halfway if needed.
- Remove sandwiches and let rest 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve.
Notes
Butter the outside of the bread for a crispy crust. Press sandwiches firmly but gently if using a skillet. Let sandwiches rest before slicing to prevent cheese from oozing. Use medium heat to avoid burning bread while melting cheese. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based cheese. Gluten-free bread can be used but watch toasting time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: turkey panini, cranberry sauce sandwich, holiday sandwich, easy panini recipe, turkey sandwich, toasted sandwich