Save Last November, I stood in my kitchen staring at a mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers. The turkey containers were stacked like Jenga blocks, and that jar of cranberry sauce kept mocking me from the refrigerator door. Something about the combination clicked in my brain around midnight when hunger hit hard. I slapped everything between bread, buttered it up, and what happened next changed how I view leftovers forever.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
My brother walked in during that first experimental batch, skeptical about cranberry sauce on a sandwich. One bite later, he was building his own with twice the cheese. Now every holiday gathering includes at least one person asking when were making these again. The way the butter soaks into sourdough while Swiss cheese bubbles over the edge creates aromas that pull everyone into the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or country bread: Sourdough holds up better to the weight of toppings and develops that perfect crunch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Room temperature spreads evenly without tearing the bread
- 4 ounces cooked turkey breast, sliced: Thin slices heat through quickly and distribute throughout every bite
- 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce: Whole berry adds texture while jellied melts into the cheese beautifully
- 4 slices Swiss or provolone cheese: Swiss complements the tart cranberries while provolone brings creaminess
Instructions
- Prep your bread:
- Spread softened butter generously on one side of each bread slice, reaching all corners to ensure even golden color
- Build the layers:
- Place cheese directly on unbuttered bread followed by turkey, cranberry sauce, another cheese slice, then top with remaining bread butter side out
- Get the heat right:
- Warm your skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles gently across the surface
- Careful flipping:
- Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with your spatula to encourage contact without crushing the sandwich
- The waiting game:
- Let sandwiches rest one minute after cooking so the cheese sets slightly instead of oozing out when sliced
Save These sandwiches saved our family game night last month. Everyone was too tired to cook a full meal but wanted something more substantial than cereal. The house filled with buttery, cheesy goodness and suddenly we were all sitting around the counter, trading bites and brainstorming other leftover combinations.
Perfect Pairings
A simple arugula salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Sweet potato chips add crunch without competing with the main attraction. Sometimes I serve tomato soup on the side for dunking, which takes the whole experience back to childhood comfort food territory.
Cheese Swaps That Work
Sharp cheddar brings bold tanginess while brie creates an incredibly luxurious mouthfeel. Gouda adds subtle sweetness that plays nicely with cranberry. I have discovered that mixing two cheeses often yields the most interesting results.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this sandwich lies in its adaptability based on whatever is sitting in your refrigerator. Some additions elevate it from great to unforgettable.
- Slice some red onion thinly for sharp contrast against the sweet elements
- Fresh arugula or spinach adds brightness and cuts through richness
- A smear of mayonnaise inside creates an extra creamy element worth trying
Save Hope this sandwich brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy cooking
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough or country bread provides ideal structure and tangy flavor that complements the sweet cranberry sauce. The sturdy slices hold up well to grilling without becoming soggy.
- → Can I use different cheese?
Absolutely. Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, brie creates creamy richness, or try gruyère for nutty notes. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly for the best results.
- → How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep the heat at medium and cook for 3–4 minutes per side. Press gently with your spatula to ensure even contact without flattening completely. Watch for deep golden brown color.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the turkey with sliced roasted tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables like portobello mushrooms. The cranberry and cheese pairing remains delicious.
- → How should I store leftovers?
These are best enjoyed immediately while the cheese is hot and bread is crispy. If you must store, wrap in foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.