Name: Turkey Cranberry Cheddar Sandwich
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup mayo; 2 tbsp whole-berry cranberry sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp lemon juice; salt; 4 sourdough bread; 8 oz sliced roasted turkey; 4 sharp white cheddar; 1/2 Honeycrisp apple (very thinly sliced); 1/2 cup arugula; 1/4 cup candied pecans (toasted and finely chopped); 1 tbsp butter; Freshly cracked black pepper

This turkey cranberry cheddar sandwich tastes like Thanksgiving leftovers got a fancy café makeover. Sourdough is spread with a tangy cranberry Dijon mayo, layered with roasted turkey, sharp white cheddar, thin apple slices, peppery arugula and toasted pecans, then grilled in butter until golden. This turkey cranberry sandwich is ready in about 16 minutes and it is so good.

It is one of my favorite Sandwich Sunday episodes, and it is perfect for using up holiday turkey or deli turkey any time of year. More sandwich inspo: my Copycat Jimmy John’s Beach Club Sandwich and Caramelized Onion Grilled Cheese.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Sweet, tangy and savory all in one bite.
Cranberry Dijon mayo you will want to put on everything.
Melty and crunchy with golden sourdough, crisp apple and toasted pecans.
Perfect for leftovers after Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.

Ingredients for a Turkey Cranberry Cheddar Sandwich

The Cranberry Dijon Mayo

Mayo, whole-berry cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Whole-berry sauce gives you little bursts of cranberry.

The Sandwich

Sturdy sourdough bread, sliced roasted turkey (deli or leftover) and sharp white cheddar.

The Crunch

Very thinly sliced Honeycrisp apple, a handful of arugula and finely chopped candied pecans that get toasted for extra crunch.

For Grilling

A little butter and some freshly cracked black pepper.

Swap note: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free turkey cranberry sandwich. For a lighter version, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.

How to Make a Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Step 1: Make the cranberry mayo

Stir together the mayo, cranberry sauce, Dijon, lemon juice and salt until smooth. Taste and add a little more Dijon or lemon if you like it tangier.

Step 2: Toast the pecans

Finely chop the pecans and toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.

Step 3: Build the sandwiches

Spread the cranberry Dijon mayo on the inside of each slice of bread. Layer on cheddar, turkey, apple, arugula and pecans, then top with the second slice.

Step 4: Grill until golden

Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the cheddar is melted. Finish with cracked black pepper.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Slice the apple paper thin. It layers better and stays crisp without sliding out.
Low and slow. Medium-low heat melts the cheese before the bread gets too dark.
Cheese on both sides of the turkey helps glue the sandwich together.
Make extra mayo. It is amazing on turkey burgers and wraps.

Make It Your Own

Brie: Swap the cheddar for creamy brie.
Pear: Use thinly sliced pear instead of apple.
Stuffing: Add a layer of leftover stuffing for the ultimate holiday sandwich.
Cold version: Skip the grilling and serve it on toasted bread for a quick lunch.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Mix the cranberry Dijon mayo and toast the pecans up to 4 days ahead. Keep them in the fridge and pantry, then assemble and grill the sandwiches right before eating.

What to Serve With a Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Pair this sandwich with a cup of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, kettle chips or a simple fall salad. It is also great with a pickle and some apple slices on the side.

Storing and Reheating

This sandwich is best right off the skillet. Leftover cranberry Dijon mayo keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

If you have a leftover sandwich, wrap it and refrigerate for up to 1 day, then reheat in a skillet over low heat.

What People Ask About Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

What cheese goes best on a turkey cranberry sandwich?

Sharp white cheddar is my favorite because it melts well and balances the sweet cranberry. Brie, Swiss and Havarti are also great.

Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?

Yes. Leftover roasted turkey is perfect here. Slice it thin so it layers easily.

What bread is best for a turkey cranberry sandwich?

Sourdough is sturdy and toasts beautifully. Ciabatta or multigrain also work.

Can I use regular pecans?

Yes. Regular pecans or walnuts work. Toast them for the best crunch.