Warm, crispy sourdough with a sweet and tangy crunch. This Turkey Cheddar and Apple Melt is perfect for fall and has become a go-to lunch from September to November.

Buttery toasted sourdough gets a swipe of cranberry mayo on one side and melty sharp cheddar on the other, then deli turkey and thin slices of Honeycrisp apple go in the middle. It tastes like Thanksgiving in sandwich form.

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Apple Melt

15 minutes: a quick, cozy lunch.
Sweet and savory: apple and cranberry with sharp cheddar.
Crispy and melty: buttery toasted sourdough.
Great for leftovers: use leftover holiday turkey.

Turkey Apple Melt Ingredients

Sourdough Bread

Buttered and toasted until golden.

Cranberry Mayo

Equal parts whole cranberry sauce and mayonnaise.

Sharp Cheddar

Freshly shredded melts best.

Deli Turkey

Or leftover roast turkey.

Honeycrisp Apple

Thinly sliced for a sweet, juicy crunch.

Swap It: Use gluten-free bread for a gluten-free melt.

How to Make a Turkey Apple Melt

Step 1: Toast the Bread

Toast buttered sourdough in a pan until golden.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Mayo

Mix equal parts cranberry sauce and mayonnaise and spread on one slice.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese

Melt sharp cheddar on the other slice.

Step 4: Layer and Close

Layer the turkey and apple on the cheddar and close with the cranberry mayo slice.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Shred your own cheddar. It melts smoother.
Slice apples thin. They layer easily and stay crisp.
Cover the pan. A lid helps the cheese melt faster.
Toast both sides. Toast again after assembling for extra crunch.

Make It Your Own

Brie: Swap the cheddar for brie.
Ham: Use ham instead of turkey.
Pear: Use thinly sliced pear.
Greens: Add arugula or spinach.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Mix a batch of cranberry mayo and keep it in the fridge for up to a week of fall lunches.

What to Serve With a Turkey Apple Melt

Pair with tomato soup, butternut squash soup, chips, or a simple green salad.

Storing and Reheating

Best fresh: This sandwich is best eaten warm.

Cranberry mayo: Keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Apples: Slice right before assembling.

What People Ask About Turkey Apple Melt

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes. Any sturdy bread works.

What apple is best?

Honeycrisp, but Gala or Granny Smith work too.

Can I use leftover turkey?

Yes. It is perfect for leftovers.

Can I make it in a panini press?

Yes. Press until golden and melty.