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Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Featured in: Simple Comfort Dinners

This melt layers tender turkey slices with vibrant basil pesto, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and melted provolone or mozzarella cheese between toasted sourdough. Buttered bread grills to a golden crisp, creating a balanced medley of savory, tangy, and herbal notes perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch or a clever way to repurpose leftovers.

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Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:35:00 GMT
Golden-brown Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, oozing melted cheese and tempting aromatics. Pin This
Golden-brown Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, oozing melted cheese and tempting aromatics. | messli.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 love making this sandwich to use up holiday leftovers it always brings a delicious new flavor to day-old turkey.

Ingredients

  • Bread: 4 slices sourdough bread
  • Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • Pesto: 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • Cranberry Sauce: 2 tbsp cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
  • Turkey: 150 g (5 oz) cooked turkey breast thinly sliced
  • Cheese: 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
Aromatic basil pesto combines with sweet cranberry sauce in this Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt. Pin This
Aromatic basil pesto combines with sweet cranberry sauce in this Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt. | messli.com

This sandwich has become a family favorite especially during holiday seasons when we have plenty of leftover turkey.

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

Savory Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, served warm with perfectly melted cheese and crusty bread. Pin This
Savory Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Melt, served warm with perfectly melted cheese and crusty bread. | messli.com

This sandwich is a quick delicious way to reinvent leftovers and enjoy a comforting meal anytime.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I substitute the turkey with other meats?

Yes, chicken or rotisserie chicken works well as a substitute, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.

→ What cheeses complement the turkey and pesto best?

Provolone and mozzarella melt beautifully, but Swiss, cheddar, or gouda can add unique flavor twists.

→ Is it possible to use different bread types?

Whole wheat or multigrain bread are great alternatives for added fiber and a nuttier crunch.

→ How do I prevent the bread from burning while melting the cheese?

Cook over medium heat and press gently, flipping after 3–4 minutes to achieve golden brown crust without burning.

→ Can I prepare this melt ahead of time?

Assemble in advance and grill just before serving to maintain freshness and optimal texture.

Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

A hearty melt combining turkey, pesto, cranberry sauce, and melted cheese on toasted sourdough bread.

Prep Needed
10 minutes
Time to Cook
8 minutes
Overall Time
18 minutes
Created by Messli Tessa Marlow


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 2 Portions

Dietary Notes 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 5 ounces cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
02 4 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

Steps

Step 01

Prepare bread with butter and spreads: Lay out the bread slices and spread butter on one side of each slice. Flip them over and spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices, applying on the unbuttered sides.

Step 02

Assemble sandwich layers: On the pesto-spread slices, layer cheese, turkey, and another slice of cheese. Top each with a cranberry-spread slice, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife

Allergy Details

Be sure to check each ingredient for allergens and consult your healthcare provider if you have questions.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, butter), and potentially tree nuts (in pesto). Verify pesto ingredients if nut allergies are a concern.

Nutrition Breakdown (per portion)

For general guidelines only. Not meant to provide medical or dietary diagnosis.
  • Caloric Value: 480
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Proteins: 28 g