Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Grilled Cheese

Does anyone else like Thanksgiving leftovers almost as much as they like Thanksgiving dinner? Don’t get me wrong, I love all the things about Thanksgiving dinner….once it’s all prepared, that is! Enjoying the turkey and trimmings the day after is like a bonus: all of the goodness with half the work!

Not everyone in my house feels the same way, though. What I’ve discovered is that mixing it up just a bit appeals to those that are harder to please, and a fun twist on a grilled cheese sandwich is just the ticket! Add turkey and cranberry sauce, and a Thanksgiving leftover turkey grilled cheese sandwich becomes a great take on the old classic.

How Long Does Cooked Turkey Keep?

Cooked turkey should be refrigerated or frozen within 2 hours of cooking. Place the turkey in a shallow air-tight container, or wrap the turkey tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

Refrigerator: 3 – 4 days
Freezer: 2 – 3 months

How To Make A Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Just a few simple ingredients are needed!

Leftover Thanksgiving turkey
Sourdough bread
Swiss cheese
Cranberry sauce
Avocado slices
Softened butter
Leftover gravy

To make the sandwich:

Using two slices of sourdough bread, add butter to one side of each slice.
Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on a frying pan set to medium heat.
Layer the turkey, avocado, and cranberry sauce, then top with the Swiss cheese and the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
Grill for 4 – 5 minutes per side or until toasted to preference.
Warm the leftover gravy, either on a stovetop or in a microwave, and serve on the side for dipping.

Tips:

If you forgot to set your butter out to soften, microwave the butter in 5-second intervals until it’s just soft enough to spread.
Want more cheese? Add a slice of cheese on the bottom, then layer the turkey, avocado, and cranberry sauce and top with another slice of cheese. It actually helps hold the layers together!
If the cheese isn’t melted before the bread is toasted, turn the heat down a smidge.
Cover the frying pan with a lid to trap in the heat. This will help the cheese melt.

What Kind Of Cheese Works Best On A Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

We prefer Swiss cheese, but any mild cheese would work. Provolone or cheddar would taste great, or kick it up a notch with pepper jack!

Can Grilled Cheese Be Made In The Oven?

Absolutely! Using a baking sheet you can make multiple sandwiches at once, so if you’re feeding for a crowd it may be the way to go. Set the oven to 450 degrees F, then assemble the sandwiches as outlined above. Place the sandwiches side by side on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 5 – 6 minutes, then flip and bake the second side for 5 – 6 minutes. Keep a close eye on the oven as baking times will vary depending on the type of baking pan used and your oven.

Can Grilled Cheese Be Made Under The Broiler?

Once again, absolutely! The trick is to keep a close eye on the sandwiches because the broiler will toast the sandwich quickly. Broilers also vary from oven to oven, so yours may cook more quickly or more slowly. Assemble the sandwiches and place on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil for about 3 minutes per side.

Other Ideas For Leftover Turkey

We’re fans of swapping out the chicken for turkey on several recipes! Try these options, substituting turkey for the chicken:

Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Grilled Cheese

Author Kami | NoBiggie.net

Ingredients

Leftover turkey sliced
Sourdough bread
Swiss cheese sliced
Cranberry sauce
Avocado sliced
Butter softened
Leftover gravy

Instructions

Using two slices of sourdough bread, butter one side of each slice.
Place one slice of bread, butter side down, on a frying pan set to medium heat.
Layer the turkey, avocado, and cranberry sauce, then top with Swiss cheese and the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
Grill for 5 - 6 minutes per side or until toasted to preference.
Serve with warmed leftover gravy for dipping.

Tips:

If you forgot to set the butter out to soften, microwave in 5-second intervals until it's just soft enough to spread.
Want more cheese? Add a slice of cheese on the bottom, then layer the turkey, avocado, and cranberry sauce and top with another slice of cheese. It will help hold the layers together!
If the cheese isn't melted before the bread is toasted, turn the heat down a smidge.
Cover the frying pan with a lid to trap in the heat. This will help the cheese melt.

Recipe Notes

the ultimate thanksgiving grilled cheese | NoBiggie.net

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Looking for more ways to use your leftover turkey?

There are SO.MANY.OPTIONS! 25+ Leftover Turkey Recipes has some of our favorites, like turkey tetrazzini, turkey enchiladas, turkey corn chowder, and turkey stroganoff!