Elevate Your Leftovers: The Irresistible Turkey & Brie Panini Recipe

Thanksgiving might traditionally be a time for lavish feasts, but the true magic often happens the day after, when the bounty of leftovers transforms into new culinary delights. While a cold turkey sandwich is a classic, we’re here to introduce you to a creation that elevates leftover turkey to gourmet status: the Turkey and Brie Panini. This isn’t just any grilled sandwich; it’s a warm, melty, and incredibly flavorful experience that breathes new life into your holiday remnants.

Our journey to this perfect panini began during a day of shooting Thanksgiving segments for Living Calgary (CBC TV). Amidst an “extreme makeover, turkey edition” that featured creative dishes like bang bang turkey, this exquisite panini emerged as a clear winner. There were enough leftovers to recreate the magic at home, spurred on by the joyous return of my panini grill. (My sister had borrowed it for an intriguing chocolate panini experiment for a staff meeting—a delicious tale for another day, perhaps even tomorrow!)

What Makes a Panini Special?

At its heart, a panini is simply a grilled sandwich, but the secret lies in the “press.” Cooked simultaneously on both sides in a panini grill, the bread becomes wonderfully crispy, the fillings warm and melty, and the flavors meld together harmoniously. If you don’t have a dedicated panini press, fear not! A heavy skillet can easily stand in. Simply cook your sandwich in one skillet, then place another heavy skillet (or a pot, or any other weighty object) on top to press it down as it cooks. The result is a beautifully flattened, perfectly toasted sandwich with a satisfying crunch.

Crafting the Perfect Turkey and Brie Panini

This particular panini is a symphony of textures and tastes. It starts with a base of crusty, artisanal bread, generously brushed with fragrant garlicky canola oil. Inside, you’ll find tender, shredded leftover turkey (yes, for TV, it was a Safeway roasted chicken—who can tell the difference once it’s deliciously pressed?), a dollop of chunky cranberry sauce providing a delightful sweet-tart counterpoint, and several slices of creamy brie cheese, acting as the perfect binder and flavor enhancer. The best part? Those crispy, golden bits of brie that inevitably ooze out the sides and caramelize on the grill. They are, quite simply, perfection itself. (Apologies, I may have already devoured them before capturing the photo above!) These cheesy, crispy morsels are truly a highlight, and if I hadn’t worried about a lifetime of teasing, I might have named a pet “Crispy Bits.” Who could resist such delightful crunch?

Key Ingredients for Panini Perfection:

• Leftover Turkey: The star of the show. Shredded or thinly sliced, ensuring it’s evenly distributed for consistent warmth. While fresh turkey works, using leftovers is part of the charm and efficiency. If turkey isn’t available, roasted chicken is an excellent substitute, as demonstrated by our TV segment.
• Brie Cheese: The unsung hero. Brie melts beautifully, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that binds the ingredients. Its mild, buttery flavor complements the turkey and cranberry perfectly. As it cooks, the brie forms those irresistible crispy edges that elevate the panini from good to extraordinary. Don’t be shy with the brie – a generous amount ensures maximum meltiness and flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: A must-have. Whether homemade or store-bought, chunky cranberry sauce adds a vital layer of sweetness and tartness, cutting through the richness of the brie and turkey. It brings that quintessential Thanksgiving flavor profile right into your sandwich.
• Crusty Bread: The foundation. Ciabatta, sourdough, or a rustic country bread are ideal choices. The sturdy crust holds up well under pressure, and the interior becomes soft and yielding. A good crusty bread prevents sogginess and provides the perfect textural contrast to the soft fillings.
• Garlic-Infused Oil: The flavor booster. To make it, simply crush a clove of garlic and mix it into a small ramekin of canola or olive oil. Brushing this flavorful oil on the outside of your bread before grilling not only ensures a golden, crispy exterior but also infuses every bite with a subtle, aromatic garlic kick.

Assembling Your Gourmet Panini:

1. Prepare the Bread: Slice your chosen bread into even pieces. Using a pastry brush, generously coat one side of each slice with the garlicky oil. This ensures a beautifully golden and flavorful crust.
2. Layer the Fillings: On the unoiled side of one slice of bread, layer your shredded turkey. Don’t overfill, but make sure there’s a good amount.
3. Add the Brie and Cranberry: Place slices of brie over the turkey. The brie will melt and help hold everything together. Spoon a generous amount of cranberry sauce over the brie.
4. Top it Off: Place the second slice of bread, oiled side up, on top of the cranberry sauce.
5. Grill to Perfection:
• Using a Panini Press: Preheat your panini press. Once hot, carefully place the assembled sandwich inside and close the lid. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbling, with some glorious crispy bits escaping the edges.
• Using Skillets: Preheat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet. Take a second, slightly smaller skillet (or a heavy pot) and place it directly on top of the sandwich, pressing down firmly. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, lifting the top skillet and flipping the sandwich carefully until both sides are golden and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
6. Serve Immediately: Let the panini rest for a minute or two before slicing diagonally. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents all the delicious fillings from oozing out. Serve warm and enjoy!

Beyond the Panini: A Delightful Holiday Drink

Speaking of festive indulgences, let’s talk about an unexpected, yet utterly brilliant, companion for your holiday season – or any time you need a special treat: red wine milkshakes! I first encountered this culinary marvel seven years ago when I met my friend Dana (one of several friends named Dana, to be precise). We met when I was food stylist for her Calgary book tour. That morning, I had spontaneously lost my voice entirely, which made taking her around to media outlets and setting up her shows quite an adventure. She was incredibly understanding when I could barely manage a squeak.

Anyway, at that very first meeting, Dana created these incredible Pepto-Bismol pink milkshakes. They were made from vanilla ice cream blended with red wine that had been reduced down to a syrupy consistency with sugar, orange juice, and mulling spices. I thought she was absolutely brilliant then, and I still do. This festive drink is a fantastic, sophisticated alternative to traditional eggnog, and it’s guaranteed to win you many friends. Just be sure to warn them upfront that it’s not strawberry!

Why This Panini Will Be Your New Favorite

The Turkey and Brie Panini is more than just a way to use up leftovers; it’s a culinary experience. It’s an ideal solution for post-Thanksgiving meals, transforming familiar flavors into something exciting and new. It’s simple enough for a quick lunch but gourmet enough to impress. The combination of crispy bread, tender turkey, tangy cranberry, and creamy, melted brie with those addictive crispy edges makes for an utterly satisfying meal. It’s comforting, warm, and bursting with flavor, proving that sometimes, the best dishes are born from a little creativity with what you already have.

So, next time you find yourself with an abundance of leftover turkey, don’t just settle for another cold sandwich. Reach for your panini press (or your trusty skillets!) and create this incredible Turkey and Brie Panini. It’s a delightful way to extend the holiday spirit and enjoy a truly memorable meal.

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