Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese: juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and aromatic pesto melded with melted cheese between golden buttery bread. Perfect for using holiday leftovers or creating a hearty flavorful lunch.

This sandwich quickly became my go-to for using holiday leftovers and never fails to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• Bread & Spreads: 4 slices sourdough bread, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• Filling: 150 g (5 oz) cooked turkey breast thinly sliced, 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1:

Lay out the bread slices. Spread butter on one side of each slice. Flip the slices and spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices (unbuttered sides).

Step 2:

On the pesto-spread slices, layer cheese, turkey, and then another slice of cheese. Top with the cranberry-spread bread slices, buttered side facing outward.

Step 3:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 4:

Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

Step 5:

Remove, let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve warm.

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My family especially loves this sandwich when served with a simple green salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Required Tools

Large skillet or griddle, Spatula, Bread knife

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (cheese butter) Tree nuts (possible in pesto). Pesto may contain nuts and cheese check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 480 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 28 g per serving

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This melt is a perfect blend of sweet savory and creamy flavors sure to satisfy your lunch cravings quickly.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this melt?

Sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but whole wheat or multigrain can also provide extra fiber and taste.

→ Can I substitute the turkey with other proteins?

Yes, chicken or rotisserie chicken are great alternatives and can easily be swapped in for turkey.

→ Which cheeses complement the flavors here?

Provolone or mozzarella work well for their meltability, while Swiss, cheddar, or gouda offer richer, varied flavors.

→ How should I cook the sandwich for the best results?

Use a medium-heat skillet or griddle, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.

→ Are there allergy concerns with the pesto spread?

Yes, pesto often contains nuts and cheese, so check labels carefully if allergies are a concern.