Turkey Panini

This Turkey Panini is a delightful blend of flavors, perfect for those cozy days when you want a quick meal without the fuss. Made with leftover turkey, sweet apple butter, and sharp cheddar cheese, this sandwich brings together comforting tastes that are sure to satisfy. It’s not just for after the holidays; enjoy it anytime you crave something hearty and delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this tasty meal in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of turkey, apple butter, and cheddar creates a unique flavor profile that is both sweet and savory.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack. It fits any occasion perfectly!
• Great Use of Leftovers: Transform your holiday turkey into something new and exciting.
• Kid-Friendly: This sandwich appeals to all ages, making it a great choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Panini maker
• Butter knife
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Panini maker: This tool ensures even cooking and crispiness that elevates your sandwich.
• Butter knife: A good butter knife makes spreading easy and mess-free.
• Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for slicing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for apples and cheese, making assembly easier.

Ingredients

This Turkey Panini is made with leftover holiday turkey, apple butter, cheddar cheese, and apple slices on deliciously hearty bread. Super easy and a perfect meal for those lazy days following the holiday.

For the Sandwich

• 4 slices of hearty bread
• 2 tbsp butter (softened)
• ¼ cup apple butter
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (thinly sliced)
• 1 apple (thinly sliced)
• ½ pound sliced deli turkey – or thin pieces of turkey leftovers
• 8 leaves fresh sage

How to Make Turkey Panini

Step 1: Preheat the Panini Maker

1. Pre-heat the panini maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Get all of the ingredients ready as you will need to assemble the sandwich quickly once the first slice of bread is placed on the hot panini maker.

Step 3: Butter the Bread

1. Spread the butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.

Step 4: Assemble the First Layer

1. Place one slice of bread on the preheated panini maker with the buttered side facing down.
2. Spread apple butter evenly on that piece of bread.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Apples

1. Layer on the thin slices of cheddar cheese followed by the apple slices.

Step 6: Add Turkey and Sage

1. Layer the sliced turkey evenly over the apples.
2. Place fresh sage leaves on top.

Step 7: Finish Assembling

1. Top with more apple slices and another layer of cheese.
2. Spread apple butter on one side of another slice of bread before placing it on top to finish your sandwich.

Step 8: Cook Your Panini

1. Close the panini lid gently but firmly.
2. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crispy and browned.
3. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Turkey Panini

Enjoying a Turkey Panini can be a delightful experience, especially when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal.

With Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad of mixed greens adds freshness and balances the savory flavors of the panini.
• Apple Walnut Salad: Combine apples and walnuts for a crunchy, sweet side that complements the apple butter in the sandwich.

Pairing with Soups

• Tomato Soup: This classic pairing is perfect for dipping your Turkey Panini, enhancing its flavor with each bite.
• Butternut Squash Soup: Creamy and slightly sweet, this soup provides a lovely contrast to the savory turkey and cheese.

Accompanied by Dips

• Honey Mustard Dip: A tangy honey mustard dip can add an extra layer of flavor to your Turkey Panini.
• Salsa Verde: This green sauce can add a zesty kick that pairs well with turkey and cheese.

How to Perfect Turkey Panini

Creating the perfect Turkey Panini is about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to help you achieve a delicious result.

• Choose Hearty Bread: Using sturdy bread like ciabatta or sourdough prevents sogginess and holds up well during grilling.
• Spread Evenly: Ensure that spreads like apple butter are applied evenly to avoid dry bites.
• Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Place cheese next to bread for better melting and keep wet ingredients away from bread.
• Press Firmly: Close the panini maker firmly for even cooking and to achieve that classic crispy texture.
• Cook at Right Temperature: Monitor cooking time; aim for 3-5 minutes at medium heat for optimal crispiness without burning.

Best Side Dishes for Turkey Panini

A Turkey Panini pairs wonderfully with various sides that enhance the meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these fries provide a satisfying crunch alongside your panini.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, which complements the richness of the sandwich.
3. Pickles: Tart pickles can cut through the richness of cheddar cheese, offering a refreshing bite.
4. Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and brightens up your plate.
5. Chips: Crunchy chips offer texture contrast; try kettle-cooked varieties for an extra crunch.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and flavor, making your meal more nutritious.
7. Crispy Kale Chips: For a healthy snack alternative, kale chips provide crunch without excessive calories.
8. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad can be a comforting addition, enhancing your lunch or dinner experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Turkey Panini, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly buttering too much: Using excessive butter can lead to greasy bread. Instead, spread a thin layer for even crispness.
• Overstuffing the sandwich: Adding too many ingredients can make it hard to grill and enjoy. Stick to recommended amounts for balance.
• Not preheating the panini maker: Skipping this step leads to uneven cooking. Always preheat your panini maker for crispy bread.
• Using stale bread: Old or dry bread won’t hold up well during grilling. Opt for fresh, hearty bread for the best texture.
• Ignoring ingredient temperature: Cold turkey or cheese can affect cooking time. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before assembling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Turkey Panini in an airtight container.
• Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Turkey Panini

• Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Turkey Panini

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the bread soft rather than crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, pressing down gently for about 2-3 minutes per side until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making a Turkey Panini.

What is a Turkey Panini?

A Turkey Panini is a grilled sandwich made with turkey, cheese, and various spreads or toppings, typically served warm.

Can I use leftover turkey for my Turkey Panini?

Absolutely! Leftover turkey is perfect for this recipe and enhances the flavor of your panini.

What kind of cheese works best in a Turkey Panini?

Sharp cheddar cheese adds great flavor, but you can also try mozzarella or gouda depending on your preference.

How do I customize my Turkey Panini?

Feel free to add other ingredients like vegetables (spinach or tomatoes) or different spreads (mustard or pesto) based on your taste.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute turkey with grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins like tempeh or marinated tofu.

Final Thoughts

This Turkey Panini is not only simple to make but also incredibly flavorful and customizable. It’s perfect for using up leftover turkey after holidays or any time you want a quick meal. Experiment with various cheeses and spreads to suit your taste!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Turkey Panini

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2 sandwiches 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Enjoy a delicious Turkey Panini made with leftover turkey and apple butter! Quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Try it today!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 slices of hearty bread
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• ¼ cup apple butter
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese (thinly sliced)
• 1 apple (thinly sliced)
• ½ pound sliced deli turkey or turkey leftovers
• 8 fresh sage leaves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your panini maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Prepare all ingredients for quick assembly.
3. Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly.
4. Place one slice of bread on the panini maker, buttered side down. Spread apple butter evenly on it.
5. Layer cheddar cheese, apple slices, turkey, and fresh sage on top.
6. Add another layer of apple slices and cheese before topping with another slice of bread spread with apple butter on the outside.
7. Close the panini maker gently and cook for 3-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg