Description
These Cranberry Brie Turkey Melts are a delicious, warm sandwich perfect for using up leftover turkey. Featuring creamy brie, sweet cranberry sauce, and a savory garlic butter turkey mixture, they are cooked to golden perfection in a cast-iron skillet for a melty, crispy treat that’s ideal for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Garlic Butter Turkey Mixture
- 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
Sandwich Components
- 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
- Prepare the Turkey Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the grated garlic, melted butter, honey, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the shredded or chopped leftover turkey and toss thoroughly to coat the turkey evenly in the flavorful mixture.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Take a slice of sourdough bread and layer it with 2 slices of torn brie, then spread 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce over the brie. Add a quarter of the turkey mixture on top. Follow with another 1 1/2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce and 2 additional slices of brie. Top with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich. Repeat this assembly process with the remaining bread, cheese, cranberry sauce, and turkey mixture to make a total of 4 sandwiches.
- Cook Sandwiches: Heat an 8- or 9-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it is hot. Pour in 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Working in batches if needed, place the sandwiches into the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook each side for 2 to 4 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden brown and the brie has melted and is oozing. If the bread absorbs too much oil, add more oil as needed to keep sandwiches crisp and flavorful.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve immediately with additional cranberry sauce on the side for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- Leftover turkey can be chilled or at room temperature, but it’s best if it’s not cold straight from the fridge for even heating.
- Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy skillet for best browning and even heat distribution.
- If you prefer a different bread, a sturdy white or whole wheat sandwich bread would also work well.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the turkey mixture.
- Ensure the skillet is not too hot to prevent burning the bread before the brie melts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry brie turkey melts, turkey sandwich, leftover turkey recipe, grilled turkey sandwich, melted brie sandwich, cranberry sauce sandwich
