Introduction:

Savory and slightly sweet, this Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Brie Melt combines tender turkey, rich brie cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled between crispy sourdough bread. It’s the perfect melt for a cozy meal that hits all the right flavor notes.

Ingredients:

2 slices of sourdough bread
4 ounces roasted turkey breast, sliced
2 ounces brie cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh arugula or spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the roasted turkey, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce. Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach if desired.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Place the sandwich in the preheated skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the brie begins to melt.
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy.
Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm.

Variation:

Swap the Bread: Instead of sourdough, you can use other types of bread like whole wheat, rye, or a buttery croissant for a different texture and flavor profile. Each bread will bring a unique twist, from the earthy taste of whole wheat to the flaky richness of a croissant.
Use Different Cheese: If you prefer a stronger or milder cheese, feel free to switch out the brie for options like goat cheese, sharp cheddar, or even havarti. Goat cheese will bring a tangier profile, while cheddar offers a bolder, sharper contrast to the turkey and cranberry sauce.
Add More Veggies: For extra crunch and freshness, consider adding slices of cucumber or tomato, or even pickled red onions for a tangy contrast. Arugula or spinach provides a nice peppery note, but adding other fresh vegetables can elevate the flavor profile further.

Cooking Notes:

Use Room Temperature Brie: To make sure the brie melts smoothly and evenly, it’s a good idea to let the cheese come to room temperature before assembling the sandwich. Cold brie may not melt as well, resulting in uneven textures when you bite into the sandwich.
Toast the Bread First: If you prefer extra crispiness, you can toast the slices of sourdough before buttering them and assembling the sandwich. Toasting the bread ahead of time will help ensure it’s crisp on the outside and warm on the inside, providing a delightful contrast to the melty filling.
Butter the Bread Evenly: When buttering the bread, spread the butter evenly to ensure an even golden brown crispness on each side. This also helps avoid any areas that might be too soggy or too crispy compared to the rest of the sandwich.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with a Side Salad: A light and fresh side salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a crisp Caesar salad, pairs wonderfully with this warm, savory sandwich. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the melt, providing a nice balance.
Serve with Sweet Potato Fries: For a more hearty meal, serve this melt alongside a batch of crispy sweet potato fries. The slight sweetness of the fries will enhance the cranberry sauce and add a delightful crunch.
Accompany with Soup: If you’re looking for a comforting combo, pair the sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup, butternut squash soup, or a creamy potato leek soup. The soup will provide a rich, velvety contrast to the crispy sandwich, making it a perfect winter meal.

Tips:

Grill in Batches: If you’re making more than one sandwich, don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches to allow each sandwich to have enough room to crisp up properly. Overcrowding can cause the bread to steam rather than crisp, leading to a less satisfying texture.
Use Fresh Cranberry Sauce: If you have time, homemade cranberry sauce can elevate the flavor even more. Fresh cranberry sauce offers a tart contrast to the richness of the brie, whereas store-bought versions may be a little sweeter. You can make a simple sauce by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and a touch of orange zest.
Add a Sweet Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a bit of honey or a balsamic glaze over the sandwich once it’s cooked. The sweet and tangy notes will complement the savory turkey and cheese while adding a touch of sophistication.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 28g
Sodium: 830mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal crispy texture and melty cheese, you can prepare the ingredients in advance (like slicing the turkey, cheese, and bread) and store them in the fridge. Assemble and cook the sandwich when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While brie adds a creamy texture, you can substitute with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or even a milder cheddar for a different flavor. Sharp cheeses work well too if you want a more intense taste.
How can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap the turkey for roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even a plant-based protein. These additions will still provide that hearty, satisfying texture while keeping it meat-free.

Conclusion:

This Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Brie Melt is a delightful, savory-sweet sandwich that’s perfect for a quick meal. Whether you’re looking for a warm lunch or a comforting dinner, this melt offers a flavorful twist on a classic combination. Easy to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors, it’s a versatile recipe you can tweak to your preferences. Enjoy the crispy, gooey perfection in every bite!

Roasted Turkey and Cranberry Brie Melt

Author: Avery
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

2 slices of sourdough bread
4 ounces roasted turkey breast, sliced
2 ounces brie cheese, sliced
2 tablespoons cranberry sauce
1 tablespoon butter
Fresh arugula or spinach (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the roasted turkey, brie cheese, and cranberry sauce. Add a handful of fresh arugula or spinach if desired.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, then top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
Place the sandwich in the preheated skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the brie begins to melt.
Carefully flip the sandwich and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crispy.
Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, try using a slightly aged brie.
Add a few fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the taste.
You can swap turkey for chicken or even roasted veggies for a vegetarian version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Sandwich, Comfort Food
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 830mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Roasted turkey, brie, cranberry sauce, grilled sandwich, melt, sourdough