Holiday Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half

We’ve got a big holiday coming up – Thanksgiving, of course! For many people around the country, us included, this year’s celebration will be much smaller as we do our part to keep our community safe and well. That said, later this week I’m going to share a “small batch” Thanksgiving menu.

Today though? Today I’m giving you permission to enjoy a sneak peek of your Thanksgiving feast by making a Holiday Grilled Cheese sandwich. Check out that drippage!

cheese melting out of a grilled cheese sandwich

Holiday Grilled Cheese Sandwich

First of all, this cheese, right?! I did nothing else to this sandwich except slice it open and plop one half on top of the other. Behold – the power of brie cheese. That said, sliced brie cheese anchors this toasty grilled cheese sandwich that’s packed full of holiday flavor in the form of turkey, whole cranberry sauce, and a smear of Dijon mustard.

I cannot tell you how incredible this condensed version of a Thanksgiving dinner plate tastes! I’ll show you how to make it from scratch but of course this sandwich is a great way to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.

Best of all, like all grilled cheese sandwiches, the recipe takes 5 minutes to make. I’ll show ya.

close up photo of a melty turkey and cranberry grilled cheese sandwich

Pair with Wild Rice Stuffing

How to Make This Recipe

Start by spreading two slices of bread with mayonnaise – YES, mayonnaise. Go big or go home – this IS a holiday sandwich! That said, if mayo just isn’t for you, use butter or a brush of extra virgin olive oil instead. Flip one slice over then add a thin layer of Dijon mustard. The tangy, spicy flavor is great for balancing out the sweet, tart cranberry sauce.

Gluten Free Bread Recommendation

I like Canyon Bakehouse’s Heritage-Style Whole Grain Bread for gluten free grilled cheese sandwiches because the slices are as large as a “regular” slices of bread.

Next add slices of brie cheese. Brie cheese is extremely melty, mild and buttery. If you don’t like brie, or can’t find it, white cheddar cheese would be a great substitute. Layer thinly sliced deli turkey, or leftover holiday turkey, on top.

Finally, the piece de resistance – whole cranberry sauce. Sweet, tart, and really drives home that holiday feeling. It is SO good in this grilled cheese sandwich! You can find whole cranberry sauce in a can right next to the regular cranberry sauce.

Last step to grill that bad boy up! I have a Calphalon Griddle that’s perfect for making grilled cheese sandwiches, though a large skillet will do just as well. Cook your grilled cheese over medium heat until the bottom side is golden brown, then flip and cook until the second side is golden brown. See how toasty the mayonnaise makes this grilled cheese? YUM.

Last step is to slice then devour! I hope you LOVE this holiday spin on a classic grilled cheese! Enjoy!

Holiday Grilled Cheese

5/5 (1 REVIEW)

Description

Give your grilled cheese sandwich a spin with Holiday Grilled Cheese! Warm and ultra cheesy, this sandwich is stuffed with holiday flavors.

Ingredients

serves 1

  • 2 slices bread (any kind)
  • Mayonnaise, butter, or extra virgin olive oil
  • Dijon mustard
  • Brie cheese, sliced
  • Deli turkey slices
  • Canned whole cranberry sauce

Directions

  1. Preheat a flat top griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, spread mayonnaise, butter, or extra virgin olive oil on both slices of bread then flip one slice over. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto the flipped over slice then layer on the brie cheese followed by the deli turkey. Top with whole cranberry sauce then place the other slice of bread on top, mayo/butter/evoo side facing out.
  2. Place on griddle then toast until golden brown on bottom. Flip then toast until golden brown on the second side. Slice then serve.

This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.

photo collage of holiday grilled cheese sandwich