Transform your post-holiday meal into a gourmet delight with this exquisite Leftover Turkey Brie Panini! This unique and sophisticated sandwich masterfully combines the rich flavors of cranberry aioli, crisp green apples, sweet fig spread, and lusciously melted brie cheese. It’s a sensational experience for your taste buds, turning typical holiday leftovers into something truly extraordinary. While turkey sandwiches are a classic after any festive meal, preparing them on a panini press elevates them to an entirely new level of excitement and deliciousness. This Turkey Apple Brie Sandwich is undoubtedly worthy of all your leftover anticipation!

The inspiration for this phenomenal Turkey Panini dates back years to a memorable chicken sandwich enjoyed at Earl’s restaurant. That sandwich featured a creamy garlic aioli, rich Brie cheese, a hint of fig spread, and the refreshing crunch of apples – it was truly divine! Despite repeated attempts, it never reappeared on their menu, which compelled me to recreate my own version. This turkey and cranberry sandwich recipe is the perfect solution for utilizing those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers or the remnants of your Christmas turkey dinner, ensuring no precious food goes to waste and every bite is a celebration of flavor.

🥘 Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Turkey Brie Panini

This Turkey Panini recipe masterfully blends sweet and savory elements, creating a balanced and incredibly satisfying flavor profile. The star pairing of apple and fig, a combination truly meant to be together, was a delightful discovery during my quest to replicate that unforgettable chicken burger from Earl’s. When you introduce the sweet and tangy cranberry aioli (which can be made with either homemade or canned cranberry sauce), succulent leftover turkey, and luxurious, gooey melted brie cheese, you’ve got yourself a turkey panini sandwich that rivals the holiday feast itself!

If you’re contemplating what to do with your treasured holiday leftovers and seeking an exceptional turkey panini recipe, look no further – this sandwich is an absolute must-try!

• Brie Cheese: We opt for Brie because its creamy, buttery texture and mild, nutty flavor beautifully complement the savory turkey and the refreshing tartness of green apples. Its excellent melting properties are key to that irresistible gooey center.
• Green Apples: Granny Smith apples are the ideal choice for this gourmet sandwich. Their firm texture ensures they maintain their delightful crunch and shape even when pressed, while their distinct sweet-tart notes provide a vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the turkey and brie.
• Fig Spread: (affiliate link) This ingredient is a game-changer. Fig spread offers a unique, mild, and wonderfully fruity sweetness that harmonizes perfectly with both the apples and the turkey. It adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that truly elevates the panini beyond a simple sandwich.
• Cranberry Aioli: The original sandwich that sparked this recipe’s creation featured an aioli that perfectly balanced the fig spread, apple, and brie. We’ve enhanced this by incorporating a homemade cranberry aioli, not only boosting the flavor significantly but also providing another fantastic way to use up any lingering leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday feast.

*For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

📖 Creative Variations & Delicious Substitutions

While this Turkey Brie Panini recipe is perfect as is, it’s also incredibly versatile! Feel free to customize it with these delicious variations and substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Turkey: If you don’t have leftover roasted turkey, don’t let that stop you! High-quality deli turkey meat or even shredded rotisserie chicken can be excellent substitutes, providing a similar savory base for your panini.
• Bread: We prefer robust rye bread for its distinctive flavor and ability to hold up well under pressure. However, you can certainly experiment with other sturdy bread types such as artisan sourdough bread, a hearty multigrain, or even ciabatta for a different texture.
• Fig Spread: If fig spread isn’t readily available, fig jam is a suitable alternative. For a different fruity note, consider using apricot jam, prune jam, or date jam. Each offers a unique sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Cheese: While Brie offers unparalleled creaminess, other cheeses can also create a fantastic panini. Swiss cheese provides a nutty and slightly tart flavor, Provolone offers a mild and meltable option, and sharp Cheddar cheese adds a bold, savory kick.
• Apples: Our go-to are tart green apples, like Granny Smith, because they retain their crispness and tartness beautifully. However, if you prefer a sweeter apple, or simply have other varieties, feel free to use them. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for even cooking.
• Add-ins: Want to take your panini up another notch? Consider adding a dollop of homemade pesto (or a good quality store-bought version) for an herbaceous punch. Crispy bacon is another fantastic addition, bringing a smoky, salty crunch that complements the sweet and savory elements perfectly.

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Craft Your Perfect Turkey Brie Panini

Creating this irresistible turkey brie panini is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to assemble and grill your gourmet sandwich to golden, melty perfection:

1. Begin by preparing your Cosmo Cranberry Aioli according to the recipe instructions (or use your favorite homemade or store-bought version). This vibrant aioli is key to the panini’s unique flavor.
2. Take two slices of bread. On one half, generously spread 1 tablespoon of the prepared Cosmo cranberry aioli. On the other slice, spread 1 tablespoon of fig spread. Distributing the sauces on separate bread slices helps ensure an even coating and distinct flavor layers in every bite.
3. Next, layer your fillings. Place ¼ of the leftover turkey onto the bread slice with the fig spread. Arrange thin slices or rings of green apple over the turkey. Finally, add ¼ of the Brie cheese, ensuring it’s spread evenly to allow for optimal melting.
4. Carefully place the bread slice with the cranberry aioli on top of the other slice, completing your sandwich assembly with the delicious fillings nestled in between. Repeat this process for the remaining three sandwiches.
5. Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place a prepared sandwich onto the grill. Close the lid and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown with appealing grill marks and the Brie cheese is beautifully melted and gooey. *Pro Tip: If you don’t have a panini press, you can easily make this sandwich on a stovetop in a frying pan. Simply cook it like a grilled cheese sandwich, pressing down gently with a spatula and flipping once halfway through, until both sides are golden and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve your hot, melty turkey brie panini immediately and savor every incredible bite!

💡 Top Tip: Mastering Brie Cheese Preparation

One common question about Brie is whether to eat the rind. Good news: you absolutely CAN eat the rind from Brie cheese – it’s part of the authentic experience and perfectly edible! In fact, many connoisseurs believe the rind contributes to the cheese’s overall flavor profile. However, if you prefer to remove the rind for aesthetic or textural reasons, here’s the easiest way to do it without losing too much of that delicious creamy cheese:

1. For the Edges: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to gently shave off the rind from the curved edges of the Brie wheel. This method is effective and minimizes waste.
2. For the Top and Bottom: For the flat surfaces, a sharp, thin knife is best. Slice off the top and bottom rinds. While you might lose a thin layer of cheese, this method ensures a clean removal. For even easier slicing, try chilling the Brie slightly beforehand, which makes it firmer and less sticky to handle.

✅ Expert Recipe Tips for the Perfect Panini

Achieving panini perfection is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Temper Your Brie: For the best results, use room temperature Brie. Cold brie can be challenging to slice evenly and may not melt as smoothly or quickly. Allow it to sit out for about 15-20 minutes before you start assembling your sandwich. This ensures a beautifully gooey, melted interior.
• Slice Apples Strategically: Instead of thick wedges, slice your green apples into thin rings or very thin half-moons. This technique allows them to lay flat within the sandwich, ensuring even coverage and a consistent bite of crisp apple in every mouthful. It also helps them soften slightly without becoming mushy.
• Preheat Thoroughly: Whether you’re using a panini press or a skillet, make sure it’s thoroughly preheated to the correct temperature. A hot cooking surface is crucial for achieving those desirable golden, crispy grill marks on your bread and ensuring the cheese melts quickly and completely without over-drying the delicate turkey.
• Avoid Overloading: When it comes to paninis, less is often more. Overstuffing your sandwich can lead to ingredients spilling out, uneven cooking, or the sandwich not pressing properly, resulting in a less-than-perfect panini. Aim for balanced layers.
• Edge-to-Edge Sauce Application: To guarantee a burst of flavor in every single bite, meticulously spread both the cranberry aioli and the fig spread all the way to the edges of your bread slices. This prevents dry spots and ensures a harmonious flavor distribution.
• Flip Skillet Paninis: If you’re opting for a stovetop skillet instead of a panini press, remember to flip the sandwich halfway through the cooking process. Gently press down on the sandwich with a sturdy spatula to ensure even crisping and thorough melting of the cheese on both sides.
• Chill Brie for Rind Removal: If you prefer to remove the rind from your Brie, chilling the cheese slightly beforehand can make the task much easier. A firmer, cooler Brie is less likely to become too soft or sticky during rind removal.
• Choose Sturdy Bread: The foundation of a great panini is excellent bread. Rye bread is a fantastic choice due to its density and ability to withstand the pressing without becoming soggy. Whatever bread you choose, ensure it’s firm enough to hold all the delicious fillings and create a satisfyingly crisp exterior.

🥗 Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Turkey Brie Panini

This gourmet Leftover Turkey Brie Panini is a satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right side dishes. Complement its rich flavors with fresh, crisp veggie sides or delicious fries for a complete and balanced meal.

Consider these fantastic options:

• Light and Fresh: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or a vibrant slaw like our Skinny Coleslaw Recipe, can cut through the richness of the panini beautifully. Quick Cucumber Kimchi offers a refreshing, tangy crunch that provides a delightful contrast.
• Crispy Fries: For a more substantial side, vegetable fries are an excellent choice. Our delicious Sweet Potato Fries with Garlic Mayo Dip (as pictured) are a perfect match. Other healthy and flavorful alternatives include Air Fryer Carrot Fries with a spicy mayo dip or savory Air Fryer Parsnip Fries.
• Soups: A warm bowl of creamy tomato soup or a light vegetable broth soup can make for a cozy and comforting meal, especially on a chilly day.

🌡️ Storage and Preparation Tips

While this turkey cranberry brie panini is best enjoyed immediately after it’s made for optimal crispness and melted cheese perfection, it generally does not hold up well when stored in the fridge as a fully assembled and cooked sandwich. The bread can become soggy, and the textures may change. However, you can certainly prep all the individual ingredients in advance to make assembly quick and easy when hunger strikes!

Here’s how to best prepare and store components:

• Individual Ingredients: Prepare your turkey, slice your apples, cut your Brie cheese, and mix your cranberry aioli. Store each component in separate, airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you can quickly assemble fresh paninis as needed.
• Bread: Keep your bread fresh at room temperature or in the freezer (thaw before use) until you’re ready to make your sandwich.
• Freezing: We do not recommend freezing an assembled or cooked panini. The textures of the bread, cheese, and apples would suffer significantly upon thawing and reheating.

🍽 Essential Equipment for Panini Perfection

There’s something truly magical about a panini press. It transforms an ordinary, cold sandwich into a warm, melty, crispy delight! The secret, I believe, lies in that glorious melted cheese. When it’s creamy Brie cheese, well, need I say more? The panini press takes all the guesswork out of grilling, ensuring even heat and perfect grill marks every time.

While you can absolutely make this Turkey Panini on a stovetop using a frying pan (much like you would a grilled cheese), if you’re aiming for those iconic, appealing grill marks and effortless cooking, a panini press is an invaluable kitchen tool. If you don’t already own one, I highly recommend investing in one – you won’t regret it! I personally swear by my Breville Panini Press, which has proven to be one of the best kitchen investments I’ve ever made for quick and delicious meals.

Alternatively, you could also use a dedicated sandwich press, another type of indoor grill such as a George Foreman grill, or even a stovetop grill pan (affiliate links) if you want those lovely char lines without a dedicated panini maker.

👪 Yield and Adjustments

This delightful turkey panini recipe yields 4 satisfying sandwiches, making it perfect for a family lunch or a gathering with friends. However, its flexibility allows you to easily adjust the serving size to fit your needs. You can half the recipe if you’re cooking for one or two, or conveniently double or triple it for larger groups. Simply click on the blue serving size option within the recipe card, select your desired number of servings, and all the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust accordingly. This ensures you always have the right amount of ingredients for your culinary adventure!

❔ Frequently Asked Questions About This Turkey Panini Recipe

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