Black Friday Leftover Turkey Panini Recipe: Ultimate Comfort Food
I love the holiday season, but let’s be honest: one of the best parts about Thanksgiving is the tasty leftovers. There’s a certain magic in transforming yesterday’s feast into today’s lunch. If you’re like me, you end up with a surplus of turkey post-Thanksgiving.
I’ve discovered a mouthwatering solution—my Black Friday Leftover Turkey Panini Recipe. This savory masterpiece combines the cherished flavors of Thanksgiving with the crispy, comforting excellence of a panini. Perfect for a lazy afternoon or as a delightful way to refuel after a Black Friday shopping spree. Let's get started!
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Best Bread Choices for a Perfect Panini: Choosing the right bread is crucial for a delicious panini. My favorite is sourdough for its tangy flavor and sturdy structure, which holds up well under heat. Ciabatta is another excellent choice, offering a nice, crispy texture. Whole grain bread provides a hearty, nutty taste and makes the panini more wholesome. The key is to avoid overly soft or airy breads, as they may get too soggy or fall apart during grilling.
Creative Variations to Try: Feel free to put your own spin on the recipe! Add slices of avocado for a creamy texture, or a handful of arugula for a peppery kick. If you’re not a fan of Swiss or cheddar cheese, try provolone or gouda. Swap out the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for a garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with different combinations is all part of the fun.
Black Friday Leftover Turkey Panini Recipe
Equipment
- Equipment
- Panini press or large skillet
- Spatula
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread sourdough, whole grain, or ciabatta work well
- 1 cup of leftover turkey meat sliced or shredded
- 2 slices of Swiss or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup of cranberry sauce
- ¼ cup of stuffing optional
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of butter softened
Instructions
Prep the Bread:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice.
- On the opposite side of each slice, spread Dijon mustard.
Layer the Ingredients:
- Lay one slice of bread, mayo-side down, on a clean surface.
- Add one slice of cheese on top.
- Pile on the turkey meat.
- If using, spread the stuffing over the turkey.
- Drizzle the cranberry sauce over the stuffing or turkey.
- Top with the second slice of cheese.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Place the second slice of bread, mustard-side down, over the fillings.
Butter the Bread:
- Lightly butter the top of the assembled sandwich.
Grill the Panini:
- Preheat your panini press or a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the sandwich buttered-side down on the press or skillet.
- Butter the unbuttered side while the first side cooks.
- Close the press or place a heavy skillet on top to weigh it down.
- Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes per side.
Serve:
- Remove the panini from the grill.
- Let it cool slightly, then cut in half.
- Enjoy your Black Friday Leftover Turkey Panini immediately, while it's still warm and crispy.
