Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt (Printable Version)

Juicy turkey, tangy cranberry, and aromatic pesto melded with melted cheese on golden sourdough bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Spreads

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
04 - 2 tablespoons cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)

→ Filling

05 - 150 grams (5 ounces) cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
06 - 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

# How to Make It:

01 - Spread unsalted butter on one side of each sourdough bread slice. Flip the slices and apply basil pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices, covering the unbuttered sides.
02 - Layer cheese, then sliced turkey, and another slice of cheese on the pesto-spread bread slices. Top these with the cranberry-spread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward.
03 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.
04 - Place sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese melts completely.
05 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet, allow them to cool briefly, slice in half, and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses holiday leftovers creatively
  • Combines savory and sweet flavors
02 -
  • Swap turkey for chicken or rotisserie chicken if desired
  • Try using Swiss cheddar or gouda cheese for different flavors
03 -
  • Press gently during cooking to ensure even melting and browning
  • Let sandwiches cool slightly before slicing for cleaner cuts
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