Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini Recipe

This Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini is a cheesy and crispy recipe, which is made with leftover turkey and Swiss cheese. It’s the perfect post-holiday lunch, ready in about 15 minutes.

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Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Leftover Turkey, Shredded
1/2 cup Leftover Cranberry Sauce
1/4 cup Chopped Pecans
2 Tbsp. Fig Or Apricot Jam
4 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
8 slices (thick) Swiss Cheese
8 slices Sourdough Or Other Bread
8 Tbsp. Butter, softened

How To Make Leftover Turkey and Swiss Panini

Prep the bread: Lay out the 8 slices of bread. Spread one side of each slice with a mix of the fig (or apricot) jam and Dijon mustard.
Layer the ingredients: On four of the bread slices, layer the shredded turkey on top of the jam/mustard spread.
Add the cranberry mixture: In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and chopped pecans together. Spread this mixture evenly over the turkey.
Add the cheese and top: Place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of the cranberry layer. Place the remaining four slices of bread on top, with the jam/mustard side facing down.
Grill the panini: Generously spread the softened butter on the outside of the top and bottom slices of each sandwich. Toast in a panini press until golden and the cheese is melted, or cook in a heavy skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes per side, pressing down firmly with a spatula.
Serve: Slice the panini in half and serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Recipe Tips

What’s the best bread for a panini? Sturdy, thick-sliced bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia is ideal because it holds up to the fillings and pressing without becoming soggy.
How to get a crispy crust without a panini press? Use a heavy skillet (like cast iron) and press the sandwich down with another heavy pot or a foil-wrapped brick on top. This mimics the pressure of a press.
Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely. Provolone, Gruyère, or even a sharp white cheddar would melt beautifully and complement the other flavors.
How to keep the fillings from squeezing out? Don’t overfill the sandwich. Also, arranging the cheese as the top and bottom layers of the filling can help act as a “glue” to hold everything together once it melts.

What To Serve With Turkey Panini

This is a hearty sandwich that stands well on its own. For a fuller meal, serve it with a simple side salad with vinaigrette, a cup of creamy tomato soup, or a handful of kettle-cooked potato chips.

How To Store a Turkey Panini

Refrigerate: While a panini is best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container or wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread will soften over time.
Reheat: To get some of the crispiness back, reheat the panini in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer for a few minutes.

Turkey Panini Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 panini
Calories: 680 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Sugar: 15g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use something other than cranberry sauce?

Yes, if you don’t have cranberry sauce, a good-quality chutney (like mango or apple) or even a few slices of fresh apple or pear would provide a nice sweet and tart contrast.

What’s the best way to shred turkey?

For the best texture, use two forks to pull the turkey meat apart along the grain. This works for both breast and thigh meat.

Can I add other ingredients?

Certainly. A layer of leftover stuffing, some fresh spinach or arugula for a peppery bite, or a few slices of crispy bacon would all be delicious additions.

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