Dinner

Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts Recipe

ByAiden Wells December 23, 2025December 23, 2025

Introduction

Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts are the perfect cozy sandwich to enjoy leftover turkey in a delicious new way. With creamy brie, tangy cranberry sauce, and a touch of honey-garlic butter, these melts offer a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up of a toasted sandwich held by a woman's hand showing two halves stacked. The top layer is golden brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture. Beneath it is a thick layer of melted yellow cheese, oozing and dripping down the sides. Beneath the cheese is a layer of shredded light pink turkey meat mixed with bright red cranberry sauce that looks thick and slightly chunky. The bottom layer is another slice of toasted bread with a golden crust and airy interior. The sandwich is placed on a white plate with a few crumbs scattered around, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 garlic cloves, grated or finely chopped
4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp. honey
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
3 cups packed leftover shredded or chopped turkey
8 slices sourdough bread
8 oz. brie, sliced into 16 slices
12 tbsp. cranberry sauce, divided, plus more for serving
4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the grated garlic, melted butter, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the shredded turkey and toss well to coat all the pieces evenly.
Step 2: On each of 4 slices of sourdough bread, layer 2 slices of torn brie, 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce, and one-quarter of the turkey mixture. Add another 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and 2 more slices of brie on top. Close the sandwiches with the remaining bread slices.
Step 3: Heat an 8 or 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until hot. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Working in batches, place the sandwiches in the skillet, cover, and cook for 2 to 4 minutes per side, turning halfway through. Add more oil if the bread absorbs too much. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the brie is melted and oozing.
Step 4: Serve the sandwiches immediately with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a more savory flavor, add a few fresh sage leaves inside the sandwich along with the turkey.
Swap sourdough bread for a hearty multigrain or rye for a different texture and taste.
If brie rind isn’t your favorite, you can remove it before slicing to make the melts creamier.
Add thinly sliced apples or pears for a crisp, sweet contrast to the savory turkey and brie.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to help retain the crispy bread and melted cheese texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Three toasted sandwiches are cut into halves and placed on a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has a golden brown crust with a slightly crispy texture. Inside, there are visible layers of melted yellow cheese and light pink shredded turkey meat. Some red cranberry sauce is seen spilling out from the sandwiches, adding a pop of bright color. In the top right corner, a small white bowl holds extra cranberry sauce with a silver spoon resting inside. The sandwiches have a slightly messy look with bits of turkey and sauce around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches a few hours ahead and keep them wrapped in the refrigerator. Cook them just before serving to ensure the bread stays crispy and the brie melts perfectly.

What can I substitute for cranberry sauce?

If you don’t have cranberry sauce on hand, you can use raspberry jam, fig jam, or even a chutney for a similar sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with turkey and brie.