Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini: The Ultimate Post-Holiday Comfort Sandwich
Melted cheese, sweet jam, and tangy sauce crisp up into a gourmet bite worth saving.
Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini: A Gourmet Post-Thanksgiving Treat
Thanksgiving dinner is one of the year’s tastiest traditions, but sometimes the true culinary magic happens the next day. If you find yourself with extra turkey and trimmings, this Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini is the perfect way to revive those ingredients, creating an irresistible, crunchy, gooey sandwich that may well become your new holiday tradition.
Whether you use a panini press, skillet, or grill pan, this sandwich brings together layers of flavor—each component balanced for maximum taste from your fridge’s leftovers. Let’s walk through every delicious step of the process.
The Cast of Ingredients
- Leftover Roast Turkey: White or dark meat, shredded or thickly sliced.
- Cranberry Sauce: Jellied or whole-berry for tang and moisture.
- Chopped Pecans: Provide crunch and nutty flavor.
- Fig or Apricot Jam: Sweetness that balances the savory turkey.
- Dijon Mustard: For a zesty, sophisticated edge.
- Swiss Cheese: Melty richness to tie the sandwich together.
- Sourdough or Country-Style Bread: Sturdy enough for grilling.
- Butter: For a golden, crisp exterior.
Each ingredient brings a distinct identity to the panini, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors: savory, sweet, nutty, tangy, and creamy, all in one gooey bite.
Step-By-Step: Building the Ultimate Turkey Panini
- Prepare the Cranberry-Pecan Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine leftover cranberry sauce with a handful of chopped pecans. This adds body and a delightful crunch to the sauce. - Spread the Bread:
Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of fig or apricot jam on one side of each slice. Then, apply a thin but even layer of Dijon mustard on top of the jam for extra flavor depth. - Assemble the Sandwich:
Layer the shredded or sliced turkey generously on half the bread slices. On top of the turkey, evenly distribute the cranberry-pecan mixture.
Place two thick slices of Swiss cheese over the cranberry layer. Top with another slice of bread (jam and mustard side down) to complete each sandwich. - Butter for Golden Perfection:
Using softened butter, liberally butter the outside of each sandwich on both sides. This will ensure a crisp, golden crust once grilled. - Grill to Oozy, Toasty Goodness:
Heat a panini press, grill pan, or heavy skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, you can press the sandwich down with a spatula or a second heavy pan.
Grill each sandwich until the bread is deeply golden brown and the cheese has completely melted—typically about 3-5 minutes. Check halfway through to avoid burning and achieve even browning. - Slice, Serve, and Savor:
Remove the sandwiches from the heat, slice in half on the diagonal for a classic look, and serve immediately. The aroma of warm turkey and melty cheese is mesmerizing.
Why This Panini Works: Flavor and Texture Harmony
The beauty of this panini is its balance:
- The cranberry sauce brings tartness and juiciness.
- Pecans introduce a lasting, subtle crunch.
- Jam adds a dimension of fruity sweetness that brightens rich turkey.
- Dijon mustard rounds it all off with a pleasing tang.
- Swiss cheese stretches between bites for that signature panini feel.
Even if your leftover turkey has dried out a bit overnight, the combination of moist condiments and melty cheese revitalizes it into a luxurious filling.
Ingredient Swaps & Customizations
- Bread: Sourdough is classic, but whole wheat, multigrain, or even hearty white sandwich bread all work beautifully.
- Jam: Apricot and fig are top choices, but orange marmalade or even a light spread of honey bring unique twists.
- Cheese: Swiss melts beautifully, but provolone, Havarti, or Gruyère are also excellent. Cheddar gives a sharper edge.
- Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds—or skip them for a nut-free version.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute sliced roasted mushrooms or eggplant for turkey to create a satisfying meatless meal.
- Gravy: For extra decadence, drizzle a spoonful of leftover turkey gravy inside the sandwich or on the side for dipping.
Serving Tips and Side Ideas
- Pair with Soup: A hot bowl of butternut squash soup or classic tomato soup complements the panini perfectly.
- Crunchy Sides: Serve alongside kettle-cooked chips or a simple leafy green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Pickles or Slaw: Crisp pickles or tangy slaw add a refreshing contrast to the rich, melted sandwich.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460–520 kcal |
| Protein | 22–28 g |
| Fat | 18–24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45–56 g |
| Fiber | 4–6 g |
| Sodium | 680–820 mg |
*Values depend on bread, cheese, and portion size.
Make-Ahead and Storage Advice
- Pre-assemble: You can assemble the panini up to a few hours ahead and cover tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Grill just before serving for the freshest result.
- Reheating: If you have leftover panini, reheat gently in a skillet or toaster oven to revive the crispness. Avoid microwaving, as bread may become soggy.
- Freezing: Assembled but ungrilled sandwiches can be wrapped and frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator and grill as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if I don’t own a panini press?
No problem! Use a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and press down with a large spatula or another heavy pan. Flip once golden on the first side to toast the other side. You can achieve similar results with a grill pan as well.
What others are reading
Can I use ingredients besides what’s listed here?
Absolutely. This recipe is meant to be flexible and encourages creativity. Swap in your favorite cheese, a different jam, another type of bread, or try adding in leftover stuffing or mashed potatoes for a unique (and more filling) sandwich.
What’s the best bread for paninis?
Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or country white. These slice thickly, hold up well on the grill, and will yield that crispy, golden crust enthusiasts crave.
How do I keep my turkey from becoming dry in the sandwich?
The cranberry sauce and jam add ample moisture. Adding a drizzle of leftover gravy is another excellent way to boost both flavor and moisture inside the sandwich.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Definitely! The sweet jam and stretchy cheese are very kid-friendly, though you can adjust the Dijon amount if they prefer milder flavors. For little ones, try cutting the panini into fun shapes using sandwich cutters.
More Creative Turkey Leftover Ideas
- Turkey Pot Pie: A pastry-topped casserole packed with vegetables and creamy sauce.
- Hearty Turkey Soup: Use turkey bones and scraps to make a nutrition-packed soup with root vegetables and noodles or rice.
- Turkey Enchiladas: Roll leftover turkey into tortillas with cheese and salsa, then bake until bubbly.
- Turkey Fried Rice: A quick weeknight meal with vegetables and egg.
But for sheer post-holiday satisfaction, few dishes compete with the panini: fast, comforting, and irresistibly flavorful.
Printable Quick-Glance Recipe Card
Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tablespoons fig or apricot jam
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 cups leftover turkey, shredded
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter, room temperature
Directions:
- Mix cranberry sauce and pecans in a small bowl.
- Spread jam and Dijon on each bread slice (one side only).
- Divide turkey, cranberry mix, and cheese among four slices.
- Top each with remaining bread. Butter outer sides.
- Press in panini grill (or skillet) until golden and cheese melts, 3–5 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Leftovers
With this Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini, Thanksgiving flavors are given a delightful encore. Whether for a cozy family lunch or an impromptu snack, each bite delivers the best of the holiday in textured, savory harmony. Break out your skillet and turn leftovers into new memories—one golden, melty sandwich at a time.
References
- https://damndelicious.net/2011/11/29/leftover-turkey-and-swiss-panini/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvkOYli87_0
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10413/leftover-turkey-and-swiss-panini/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/a11313/leftover-turkey-recipes/
- https://parade.com/701767/parade/ree-drummonds-leftover-turkey-panini/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g41982505/best-leftover-turkey-recipes/
- https://www.cowgirlmagazine.com/thanksgiving-turkey-leftovers/
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