Thanksgiving leftovers, but make it crispy. This turkey grilled cheese is sourdough loaded with shredded leftover turkey, melty brie, bacon and cranberry sauce, pan fried in butter for about 10 minutes until golden and gooey, and it's on the table in 15.
I made these with my leftover Thanksgiving turkey and honestly, they beat the main event. The trick is mayo on the inside and butter on the outside. The mayo keeps day-old turkey juicy and the butter gives you that crackly golden crust.
No fancy skills. No special equipment. One skillet, two sandwiches, zero leftover turkey sadness. If you are hunting for leftover turkey dishes that people actually get excited about, start here. Got more turkey to burn through? Make my leftover turkey pot pie or these turkey cranberry sliders next.
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How to make (VIDEO)
Ingredients
How to make (PICTURES)
- Step 1: Warm the shredded turkey in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds so the middle of the sandwich gets hot. Make your sandwich. Turkey, Brie, Bacon, Mayo and Cranberry Sauce. Put butter on the outside of the bread, place on the pan on low heat, until the bread is golden and cheese is melted.
What to serve
- A bowl of tomato soup for dunking
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette
- Any of these easy Thanksgiving side dishes you still have in the fridge
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Turkey Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Warm the shredded turkey in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds so the middle of the sandwich is hot by the time the bread is golden.2 cups cooked turkey
- Spread 1 tablespoon mayo on the inside of each slice, then cranberry sauce on two of the slices.4 slices sourdough bread, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Layer slices brie, turkey, and bacon.½ cup cranberry sauce, 8 slices brie, 4 slices cooked crispy bacon
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. That side faces the pan.2 tablespoons butter
- Set a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches 4 to 5 minutes, lid on, until deep golden.
- Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until the brie is melted and the bottom is crisp. Rest 1 minute, slice and serve.
Notes
- Mayo inside, butter outside: the mayo keeps leftover turkey juicy and the butter gives the crust.
- Keep the heat at medium-low with a lid on so the brie melts before the sourdough burns.Â
Nutrition
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I'm the creator of Eat With Carmen, where I share Filipino and other Asian recipes I love and grew up eating, made simple for everyday cooking.
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Frequently Asked Questions for Turkey Grilled Cheese
Brie is the best cheese for a turkey grilled cheese because it melts creamy and pairs perfectly with cranberry. Havarti, white cheddar and Gouda also melt beautifully if you want something milder or sharper.
Yes, thick sliced deli turkey works great in this grilled cheese. Use about 4 ounces per sandwich and warm it for 30 seconds so the center heats through.
Use both: butter on the outside for a golden crust and mayo on the inside for moisture. The mayo is what keeps leftover turkey from tasting dry.
Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat with a lid on. The lid traps heat so the brie melts in the 4 to 5 minutes it takes the bread to turn golden on each side.
Yes, you can make it in the air fryer, but secure the top slice with a toothpick so it doesn't blow off. Check it often, since air fryers vary.
Leftover turkey pot pie and turkey cranberry sliders are two more easy ways to use leftover turkey. Shred the turkey once and you are set for the week.
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