Turkey Cranberry and Brie Paninis Recipe
Introduction
This Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini combines savory roasted turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy brie for a comforting and flavorful sandwich. Perfect for using up leftovers, this panini is easy to assemble and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
- One loaf crusty artisan bread
- Dijon mustard
- Leftover roasted turkey
- Leftover cranberry sauce
- Thinly sliced brie cheese
- Balsamic glaze
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your panini maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Step 2: Slice the bread into sandwich-sized pieces.
- Step 3: Spread Dijon mustard on the inside of the bread slices to your liking.
- Step 4: Layer the roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie cheese evenly on one slice of bread.
- Step 5: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the filling and sprinkle with fresh thyme leaves if using.
- Step 6: Top with the other slice of bread to form the sandwich.
- Step 7: Brush the outsides of the bread lightly with extra virgin olive oil for a crisp finish.
- Step 8: Place the sandwich in the preheated panini maker and cook until the brie is melted and the bread is golden and crisp, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Step 9: Remove from the panini maker, let cool slightly, then slice and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use a good-quality artisan bread like sourdough or ciabatta for the best texture and flavor.
- Swap the brie for a creamy camembert or sharp cheddar if preferred.
- If you don’t have a panini maker, cook the sandwich in a skillet and press it down with a heavy pan or foil-wrapped brick.
- Add a handful of arugula or spinach inside the sandwich for extra freshness and color.
Storage
Store any leftover paninis wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a panini press or skillet to restore the crispness of the bread and soften the cheese again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these paninis without a panini maker?
Yes, you can use a skillet or grill pan. Press the sandwich down with a heavy pan or foil-wrapped weight and cook on medium heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese melts.
Can I prepare these sandwiches ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwiches in advance and keep them wrapped in the fridge for a few hours. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for optimal texture and melted cheese.
PrintTurkey Cranberry and Brie Paninis Recipe
Enjoy a delightful and easy-to-make Turkey Cranberry and Brie Panini that combines savory roasted turkey, sweet cranberry sauce, and creamy brie cheese on crusty artisan bread, enhanced with Dijon mustard and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect for a comforting lunch or light dinner, these paninis deliver a perfect balance of flavors with a crispy golden exterior and melty interior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 2 paninis 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Sandwich Ingredients
- 1 loaf crusty artisan bread
- Dijon mustard, to taste
- Leftover roasted turkey, sliced (about 6-8 oz)
- Leftover cranberry sauce, 1/4 cup
- Thinly sliced brie cheese, 6-8 oz
- Balsamic glaze, 2 tablespoons
- Fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon (optional)
For Grilling
- Extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat the Panini Maker: Turn on your panini press or grill and let it heat up to a medium-high temperature to ensure even cooking and melting of cheese.
- Slice the Bread: Cut the artisan loaf into sandwich-sized slices, approximately 1/2 inch thick, suitable for grilling without falling apart.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread Dijon mustard evenly on one side of each bread slice. Layer the roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and slices of brie cheese on the bottom slice. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the fillings and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves if using. Top with the second bread slice.
- Prepare for Grilling: Lightly brush the outside of both bread slices with extra virgin olive oil to promote a golden, crispy crust during cooking.
- Grill the Paninis: Place the assembled sandwiches on the preheated panini maker. Close the lid and cook for about 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the brie cheese has melted.
- Serve: Remove the paninis carefully, slice if desired, and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the panini maker with a grill pan or skillet by pressing the sandwich with a heavy pan or a foil-wrapped brick.
- Use leftover turkey and cranberry sauce to reduce prep time and add a delicious post-holiday twist.
- Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard and balsamic glaze to suit your taste preference.
- Fresh thyme is optional but adds a lovely aromatic note that complements the turkey and brie well.
Keywords: Turkey Panini, Cranberry Sauce Sandwich, Brie Cheese Panini, Holiday Leftover Recipe, Easy Lunch, Grilled Sandwich
