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Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Featured in: Rustic Comfort Dinners

This melt blends tender turkey breast with vibrant basil pesto and sweet cranberry sauce, layered between slices of golden, buttery sourdough. Melted provolone cheese adds richness, creating a balanced medley of flavors perfect for a quick, hearty lunch. The sandwich crisps to a golden finish on the skillet, delivering a comforting bite every time. Variations with different cheeses or breads make it effortlessly adaptable to personal tastes.

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Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:35:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, oozing cheese and ready to savor. Pin It
Golden, bubbly Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, oozing cheese and ready to savor. | cedaroven.com

A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese: juicy turkey, tangy cranberry sauce, and aromatic pesto melded with melted cheese between golden buttery bread. Perfect for using holiday leftovers or creating a hearty flavorful lunch.

This sandwich has become a favorite for using up holiday turkey leftovers and never fails to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Spreads: 4 slices sourdough bread, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • Filling: 150 g (5 oz) cooked turkey breast thinly sliced, 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Step 1:
Lay out the bread slices. Spread butter on one side of each slice. Flip the slices and spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices (unbuttered sides).
Step 2:
On the pesto-spread slices layer cheese turkey and then another slice of cheese. Top with the cranberry-spread bread slices buttered side facing outward.
Step 3:
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Step 4:
Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes per side pressing gently until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
Step 5:
Remove let cool slightly slice in half and serve warm.
Close-up of a warm, perfectly toasted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, sliced in half. Pin It
Close-up of a warm, perfectly toasted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, sliced in half. | cedaroven.com

This recipe always brings smiles at family lunches especially during the holidays.

Required Tools

Large skillet or griddle spatula bread knife

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (cheese butter) Tree nuts (possible in pesto). Pesto may contain nuts and cheese check labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutritional Information

Calories 480 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 37 g Protein 28 g (per serving)

Mouthwatering Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt made with turkey and cranberry sauce, delicious. Pin It
Mouthwatering Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt made with turkey and cranberry sauce, delicious. | cedaroven.com

Enjoy this rich flavorful sandwich for a quick satisfying meal anytime.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of bread works best for this melt?

Sourdough bread is preferred for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, but whole wheat or multigrain breads add extra fiber and a nutty note.

→ Can I substitute the turkey with other proteins?

Yes, cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken make excellent alternatives, providing similar texture and flavor.

→ Which cheeses complement the pesto and cranberry flavors?

Provolone and mozzarella are classic choices, while Swiss, cheddar, or gouda offer unique, rich variations.

→ How should the sandwich be cooked for best results?

Cook over medium heat in a skillet, pressing gently, for around 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese melts thoroughly.

→ Are there common allergens to be aware of?

This dish contains wheat, dairy, and potentially tree nuts from the pesto. Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Juicy turkey, tangy cranberry, and aromatic pesto combine with melted cheese on buttery sourdough.

Prep Time
10 min
Time to Cook
8 min
Overall Time
18 min
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Preferences None specified

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

01 150 grams cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
02 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

How To Make It

Step 01

Prepare bread slices: Spread butter on one side of each sourdough slice. Flip and evenly spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices on the unbuttered sides.

Step 02

Assemble sandwiches: On the pesto-spread slices, layer one slice of cheese, turkey slices, then another slice of cheese. Top with cranberry-spread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.

Step 03

Preheat cooking surface: Warm a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.

Step 04

Cook sandwiches: Place assembled sandwiches onto the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until bread is golden and cheese melts.

Step 05

Serve: Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, slice sandwiches in half, and serve warm.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife

Allergy Info

Review all items for potential allergens. If needed, ask a medical expert.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, butter), and possible tree nuts in pesto. Verify pesto ingredients if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

Details given for reference only—contact your doctor for personal advice.
  • Caloric Value: 480
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 28 g