The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to indulge in all the cozy, comfort food classics. This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce is the ultimate warm, satisfying sandwich that’s packed with flavor in every bite. Melty cheese, juicy turkey, and a bright, zesty cranberry sauce come together in a festive, craveable dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce
This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce is the perfect cozy and indulgent meal for the holiday season. The combination of the smoky, savory turkey, the melty, creamy cheese, and the bright, lush cranberry sauce creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and unique. The textures in this dish are also perfectly balanced, with the crispy, golden bread, the velvety cheese, and the juicy turkey all coming together for a truly satisfying and craveable bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch, a hearty dinner, or a festive appetizer, this recipe is sure to delight.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce is made with just a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a truly impressive dish. You’ll need applewood smoked turkey, slices of your favorite cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss), cranberry sauce, and sturdy bread like sourdough or rye. The key is to use the best quality ingredients you can find to ensure maximum flavor and texture.
- 8 oz – Applewood smoked turkey slices
- 8 oz – Sliced cheddar or Swiss cheese
- 1 cup – Cranberry sauce
- 8 slices – Sourdough or rye bread
- 2 tbsp – Unsalted butter, softened (optional)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Smoked Turkey: Roasted or oven-baked turkey (same savory, smoky profile)
- Cheese: Gruyère, Havarti, or Provolone (for a twist on the melty, creamy texture)
How to Make Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce
This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce comes together in just a few simple steps for a delicious, comforting meal.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Slice the bread into thick, even slices and arrange them on a baking sheet. Spread a generous amount of cranberry sauce on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, layer the applewood smoked turkey slices on top of the cranberry sauce, followed by the slices of cheese. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Once the melts are out of the oven, you can optionally add a few extra toppings like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of honey for additional flavor and texture. Carefully transfer the melts to plates and serve immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crispy Crust: Brush the bread slices with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before assembling the melts for an extra crispy exterior.
- Flavor Boost: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to elevate the flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the turkey and use a plant-based cheese or a flavorful vegan cheese alternative to make this melt vegetarian.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: Assemble the melts in advance and bake them just before serving for a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A side salad, crispy fries, or a steaming cup of tomato soup for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
Storage: Store any leftover melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the melt in a preheated oven or toaster oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Make-Ahead: While you can assemble the melts in advance, it’s best to bake them just before serving for the ultimate in melty, crispy perfection. The bread can become soggy if left sitting with the cranberry sauce and toppings for too long.
Nutrition Information
This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to fill you up. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. It’s a balanced dish that’s perfect for a cozy, comforting lunch or dinner.
- Serving Size: 1 melt
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this melt ahead of time?
While you can assemble the melts in advance, it’s best to bake them just before serving for the ultimate in melty, crispy perfection. The bread can become soggy if left sitting with the cranberry sauce and toppings for too long.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect flavor combination. Some delicious options include cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, or even a blend of cheeses.
How can I make this melt extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust on your bread, you can brush the slices with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before assembling the melts. You can also try toasting the bread lightly before adding the toppings.
Can I make this melt vegetarian?
To make this melt vegetarian, simply omit the turkey and use a plant-based cheese or a flavorful vegan cheese alternative. You can also try adding grilled or roasted vegetables for extra heartiness.
How can I make this melt ahead of time for a crowd?
If you’re serving this melt for a crowd, you can assemble the melts up to a day in advance and bake them right before serving. You can also keep the baked melts warm in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
Try These Next
- Applewood Smoked Bbq Meatball Sliders With Tangy Sauce
- Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
- Epic Burgers Melts
Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt with Cranberry Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: 🍔 Epic Burgers & Melts
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Applewood Smoked Turkey Melt features juicy smoked turkey, melted cheese, and tangy cranberry sauce, all sandwiched between buttery toasted bread for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
2 slices of whole-grain bread
4 oz Applewood smoked turkey
2 slices of cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cranberry sauce
1 tbsp butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
2. 2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. 3. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer the turkey, cheddar cheese, and cranberry sauce.
4. 4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
6. 6. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
7. 7. Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, about another 3-4 minutes.
8. 8. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can add sliced avocado or spinach to the sandwich.
Pair with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: turkey melt, sandwich, easy recipe