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Give your holiday extras a fancy upgrade with this turkey and Brie croissant panini. This sandwich takes your leftover turkey to the next level by pairing flaky croissants with smooth Brie, sweet-tart cranberry sauce, and peppery arugula – all grilled to perfection for a lunch that makes yesterday's feast feel brand new.
After many post-holiday kitchen experiments, I found that mixing buttery croissants with melty Brie cheese really transforms ordinary turkey leftovers into something special.
Key Ingredients
Buttery croissants form foundation
Creamy Brie delivers richness
Leftover turkey adds heartiness
Cranberry brings sweetness
Arugula offers pepper kick
Correct grilling methods
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Crafting Your Panini
Stack your fillings correctly.
Warm your cooking surface thoroughly.
Apply gentle pressure when grilling.
Cook until outside turns golden.
Make sure cheese gets completely melty.
Slice and enjoy right away.
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Tasty Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this sandwich in several ways:
- Eat immediately while cheese is gooey
- Pack it ungrilled for outdoor meals
- Make mini versions for snacking
- Add a small bowl of soup alongside
- Include some berries or apple slices
Delicious Alternatives
Switch things up with these tasty changes:
- Swap Brie for smoked gouda or sharp cheddar
- Replace turkey with leftover ham or roast chicken
- Try different jams or mustards
- Use spinach or lettuce instead of arugula
- Test out ciabatta or sourdough
Cooking Tools
Make amazing paninis with what you have:
- Standard panini machine works great
- Heavy pan with something to press down
- Two skillets can work together
- Skip grilling altogether if you want
- Use your toaster in a pinch
Expert Advice
Buy the best ingredients you can find
Arrange fillings for balanced bites
Keep heat medium so nothing burns
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Don't stuff too much inside
Eat while it's hot for best taste
I've tweaked this sandwich from a basic leftover fix to my go-to fancy lunch option. Just remember, the best paninis need both good technique and tasty ingredients. That's how you turn yesterday's dinner into today's treat that nobody will guess came from leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Don’t have a press?
- A grill pan with a weighted skillet works great.
- → Which cranberry sauce works?
- Go for whole berry—it tastes better.
- → Other cheese ideas?
- Use any cheese that melts well!
- → Tips to keep it warm?
- Eat right after grilling for best texture.
- → Make it ahead of time?
- Put it together right before cooking for freshness.