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Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Featured in: Simple Comfort Bakes

This savory melt blends sliced turkey with aromatic basil pesto and tangy cranberry sauce layered between golden, buttery toasted bread. Melted cheese adds creamy richness, making it a perfect hearty lunch or a creative way to use holiday leftovers. The sandwich cooks quickly on a skillet for a crisp, golden finish with melted, gooey cheese inside.

Optional swaps include different cheeses or bread types to customize flavors and textures. Serve warm and enjoy the fusion of sweet, savory, and herbal notes in every bite.

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Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:39:00 GMT
Golden-brown Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt with bubbling cheese oozing from the bread. Pin it
Golden-brown Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt with bubbling cheese oozing from the bread. | emberthyme.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

I first served this sandwich during the holidays and it quickly became a family favorite the perfect way to use leftovers in a creative way

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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

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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
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| emberthyme.com

This sandwich always brings back warm family memories from holiday dinners and has become a go-to lunch option

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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

A close-up of a perfectly grilled Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, ready to be sliced and devoured. Pin it
A close-up of a perfectly grilled Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, ready to be sliced and devoured. | emberthyme.com

This recipe comes together quickly making it ideal for busy weekdays or a comforting weekend treat

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Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

A hearty melt featuring tender turkey, tangy cranberry, basil pesto, and gooey cheese on toasted bread.

Time to Prep
10 mins
Time to Cook
8 mins
Overall Time
18 mins
By Ember Thyme Clara Henshaw


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 2 Portion Size

Dietary Details None specified

What You’ll Need

Bread & Spreads

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

Filling

01 150 g (5 oz) cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
02 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

How To Make

Step 01

Prepare the bread: Lay out the bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice. Flip the slices and spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices on the unbuttered sides.

Step 02

Assemble the sandwiches: On the pesto-spread slices, layer cheese, turkey, then another slice of cheese. Top with the cranberry-spread bread slices with the buttered side facing outward.

Step 03

Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 04

Cook the sandwiches: Place the sandwiches onto the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Step 05

Finish and serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let cool slightly, slice in half, and serve warm.

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Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, butter), and possibly tree nuts (in pesto). Verify ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Details (for each portion)

This nutritional info is just for reference—always consult your healthcare provider for specific advice.
  • Calorie Count: 480
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 28 g

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