20-Minute Grilled Turkey Gouda Sandwich
A gourmet twist on leftover turkey featuring melted Gouda cheese and bright orange-cranberry sauce with fresh thyme. The buttery grilled bread creates the perfect crispy exterior while the creamy cheese melts into the savory turkey. Perfect for using holiday leftovers or creating an lunch any time of year. The homemade cranberry sauce with orange zest adds a festive touch that pairs beautifully with the nutty Gouda and tender turkey.
Ingredients
- 1 can whole berry cranberry saucejellied cranberry1:1basic
Provides different texture
- 1 orange
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 12 slices einkorn whole wheat Dutch oven bread
- 12 slices Gouda
- 1 lb deli turkey, slicedleftover roast turkey1:1leftover
Slice thinly for best texture
- 1 head Romaine lettuce
Instructions
- 1
Empty cranberry sauce into medium bowl
- 2
Zest orange and add to sauce with oil and thyme
- 3
Whisk cranberry mixture well and set aside
- 4
Heat large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat
- 5
Brush butter on one side of each bread slice
- 6
Place bread buttered side down in hot skillet
- 7
Add Gouda slice to each bread piece
- 8
Cook until cheese melts without burning bread
- 9
Remove half the bread to cutting board cheese side up
- 10
Spread cranberry sauce on each slice
- 11
Add turkey and romaine leaf
- 12
Top with remaining bread slices and cut
Tips
Use a microplane for fine orange zest that distributes evenly throughout the cranberry sauce for maximum citrus flavor.
Keep heat at medium-high to melt cheese without burning bread - watch carefully as einkorn bread can brown quickly.
Make cranberry sauce ahead of time to let flavors meld together for even better taste.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled sandwiches up to 2 days wrapped tightly
Cranberry sauce can be made 3 days ahead and refrigerated
Serve immediately while bread is crispy and cheese is melted
Common Mistakes
Keep heat at medium-high to avoid burning bread before cheese melts
Butter bread generously to prevent sticking and ensure golden crust
Substitutions
Slice thinly for best texture
Use sourdough or whole grain
Provides different texture
FAQ
Can I use leftover homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, just add fresh orange zest, olive oil, and thyme to freshen the flavors and create the right consistency for spreading.
What if I don't have Gouda cheese?
Swiss, aged cheddar, or Gruyere work well as substitutes. Choose any good melting cheese with nutty or mild flavor.
How long will the cranberry sauce mixture keep?
The enhanced cranberry sauce keeps refrigerated for up to one week and can be used for other sandwiches or served with meats.