Description
This Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Whiskey Glaze combines savory, smoky turkey with a sweet-tangy glaze and gooey melted cheese, all grilled to golden perfection on buttery sourdough bread the ultimate cozy sandwich for fall or holiday leftovers!
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
6 slices sourdough or rustic bread
2 tbsp butter (softened)
6–8 oz applewood smoked turkey (thinly sliced)
4 slices provolone, Swiss, or white cheddar cheese
½ red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
Handful of baby spinach or arugula (optional)
For the Cranberry Whiskey Glaze:
¾ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
2 tbsp whiskey or bourbon (optional; substitute with apple juice for alcohol-free version)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp balsamic vinegar
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, whiskey (or apple juice), brown sugar, mustard, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
4. On the unbuttered side, layer cheese, smoked turkey, red onion (if using), a drizzle of cranberry glaze, and greens.
5. Top with another slice of cheese and a second slice of bread (buttered side out).
6. Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each sandwich 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden and melted.
7. Slice in half and serve warm with extra cranberry glaze for dipping.
Notes
Tips:
– Substitute whiskey with apple juice for an alcohol-free option.
– Try smoked gouda or brie for a creamier melt.
– Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra depth.
– Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers or cozy winter lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Sandwiches, Lunch, Fall Recipes
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt, Cranberry Glaze Sandwich, Holiday Leftovers, Grilled Cheese, Turkey Sandwich