If you're craving a delightful sandwich that combines savory and sweet in every bite, look no further than the Turkey Panini with Brie and Cranberry! This mouthwatering recipe is not only quick to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish, but it also delivers a gourmet experience right at home. Imagine biting into crispy, golden bread that encases tender turkey, luscious brie, and a tangy cranberry sauce—it's a flavor explosion you won't want to miss! Perfect for a cozy lunch or a satisfying dinner, this panini will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup sliced turkey
- 4 ounces brie cheese, sliced
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Remove the brie cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly, which will make it easier to slice and melt.
- Carefully slice the brie cheese into thin, even pieces, ensuring they will distribute evenly across the bread.
- Lay out the bread slices on a clean cutting board or work surface.
- Spread a thin, even layer of cranberry sauce on one side of each bread slice, making sure to cover the surface completely but not so thick that it will make the bread soggy.
- Arrange the sliced turkey meat evenly on two of the bread slices, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire surface.
- Place the sliced brie cheese on top of the turkey, ensuring good coverage and distribution.
- Close the sandwiches by placing the remaining bread slices on top, cranberry sauce side down.
- Lightly butter the exterior sides of each sandwich, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling.
- Preheat a panini press or a heavy skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, have a heavy pan ready to press down on the sandwiches.
- Place the prepared sandwiches in the panini press or skillet, and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- If using a skillet, gently press down on the sandwiches with a spatula or another heavy pan to create the classic panini press effect.
- Remove the paninis from heat, let them rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly.
- Slice each panini diagonally and serve immediately while warm and the cheese is still melty.
Tips
- Soften the Brie: Allow the brie cheese to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and helps it melt beautifully during cooking.
- Even Distribution: When layering the ingredients, ensure the turkey and brie are evenly distributed across the bread. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Don’t Overdo the Sauce: Spread the cranberry sauce thinly to avoid soggy bread. A light layer will add just the right amount of sweetness without compromising the texture.
- Perfect Grilling: Lightly butter the outside of the sandwiches for a crispy, golden crust. If you don't have a panini press, a heavy skillet or another pan can work wonders to achieve that classic panini texture.
- Watch the Heat: Preheat your skillet or panini press to medium heat to ensure the bread crisps up while the cheese melts. Cooking too quickly can lead to burnt bread and unmelted cheese.
- Let It Rest: After grilling, let the paninis rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly, making for a cleaner cut and a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Serve Warm: Enjoy the paninis immediately while they're warm and the cheese is gooey for the best flavor and texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
