Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Featured in: Weekend Comfort Plates

This sandwich features thinly sliced turkey layered with creamy mozzarella or provolone cheese, aromatic basil pesto, and tangy cranberry sauce, all nestled between buttery sourdough bread. Grilled until golden and melted, it offers a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors. Ideal for a quick, flavorful lunch or a creative use of holiday leftovers. Simple prep and cook times make it easy to enjoy a gourmet twist on a classic. Variations include swapping cheeses or bread types to suit your taste.

Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 10:50:00 GMT
Golden, melted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing crispy bread and gooey cheese. Pin it
Golden, melted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese, showcasing crispy bread and gooey cheese. | fungeniusrecipe.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 this sandwich because it combines the sweet tartness of cranberry sauce with savory turkey and pesto for a unique taste My family always looks forward to this during the holiday season

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 34 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
The savory aroma of Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese fills the kitchen, ready to be enjoyed. Pin it
The savory aroma of Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese fills the kitchen, ready to be enjoyed. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This sandwich always brings my family together especially after holiday meals when we want something quick hearty and delicious

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

A perfectly toasted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese reveals warm turkey and tangy cranberry layers. Pin it
A perfectly toasted Pesto Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese reveals warm turkey and tangy cranberry layers. | fungeniusrecipe.com

This recipe makes a flavorful easy lunch that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes

Recipe FAQs

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough is ideal for its sturdy texture and flavor, but whole wheat or multigrain add extra fiber and taste.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, Swiss, cheddar, or gouda all melt well and provide unique flavor profiles to this sandwich.

How should I cook the sandwich?

Grill on medium heat using a skillet or griddle, pressing gently for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and melted.

Is it possible to substitute turkey?

Chicken or rotisserie chicken make excellent alternatives, maintaining a similar texture and flavor balance.

Are there any allergen concerns?

The sandwich contains wheat, milk, and possibly tree nuts from the pesto. Check ingredient labels if allergies are a concern.

Pesto Cranberry Turkey Melt

Juicy turkey, tangy cranberry, pesto, and melted cheese come together in a golden buttery sandwich.

Prep time
10 minutes
Cook time
8 minutes
Complete time
18 minutes
Created by Fungeniusrecipe Chloe Anderson

Recipe category Weekend Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Portions 2 Number of servings

Dietary details None specified

What You 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

Step 01

Prepare bread with spreads: Butter one side of each bread slice. Flip and spread pesto on two slices and cranberry sauce on the other two slices on the unbuttered side.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Cook sandwiches: Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread turns golden brown and cheese melts.

Step 05

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

Equipment needed

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Bread knife

Allergy details

Don’t forget to check each item for allergens. Talk to a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (cheese, butter), and possible tree nuts (pesto). Verify pesto ingredients for nut and dairy content.

Nutrition (each serving)

These nutrition facts are for reference only. Always consult an expert for medical advice.
  • Calorie count: 480
  • Fat content: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Protein content: 28 g