Grilled Turkey Cranberry Delight
Experience the perfect balance of savory and sweet with our Grilled Turkey Cranberry Delight sandwich! Inspired by the beloved menu item at Applebee's, this sandwich combines succulent slices of turkey and crispy bacon, layered with creamy provolone cheese and a tangy cranberry-onion spread. Grilling the bread to golden perfection enhances the flavors, while the melted cheese brings it all together in every delicious bite. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this sandwich is sure to become a household favorite!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked turkey
2 slices (sliced)
Cooked bacon
2 slices (crispy)
Provolone cheese
1 slice (sliced)
Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (for spreading)
Whole cranberry sauce
2 tablespoons (mixed with onion)
Red onion
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
Wheat bread
2 slices (or your choice, for grilling)
Butter
2 teaspoons (for grilling)
Instructions
1
Finely chop the red onion and mix it with the whole cranberry sauce in a small bowl. Set aside.
2
Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
3
On the unspread side of one slice, layer the turkey slices, followed by the crispy bacon, and top with the provolone cheese.
4
Spread the cranberry-onion mixture on the unspread side of the second slice of bread and place it on top of the cheese, creating a sandwich.
5
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon of butter, swirling to coat the bottom.
6
Place the sandwich in the skillet and press down gently. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3-4 minutes.
7
Carefully flip the sandwich, adding the remaining butter to the pan, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
8
Remove from heat, slice the sandwich in half, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grilled Turkey Cranberry Delight?
It is a savory and sweet sandwich inspired by Applebee's, featuring turkey, bacon, provolone, and a cranberry-onion spread.
What are the main ingredients for this sandwich?
The main ingredients are cooked turkey, bacon, provolone cheese, mayonnaise, whole cranberry sauce, red onion, wheat bread, and butter.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is portioned for 1 serving.
What kind of bread is recommended?
Wheat bread is suggested, though you can use sourdough or your preferred choice for grilling.
Can I use deli turkey for this recipe?
Yes, sliced cooked turkey or deli turkey both work well for this sandwich.
Is there a specific type of cranberry sauce to use?
The recipe calls for whole cranberry sauce to mix with the onions for the best texture.
How do I prepare the cranberry-onion spread?
Finely chop one teaspoon of red onion and mix it with two tablespoons of whole cranberry sauce.
What cheese is best for this turkey sandwich?
Provolone cheese is used for its creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the cranberry.
How do I get the bread golden brown?
Grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat with butter for 3-4 minutes per side.
Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
Absolutely, this is an excellent way to utilize leftover roasted turkey.
Is this sandwich considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food and an easy lunch option.
Do I need to cook the bacon beforehand?
Yes, the recipe requires cooked, crispy bacon to be layered into the sandwich.
Can I make the cranberry spread in advance?
Yes, you can mix the cranberry sauce and red onion ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Can I use a panini press instead of a skillet?
Yes, a panini press is a great alternative for grilling the sandwich evenly.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise is spread on the inside of the bread to add moisture and flavor.
Can I substitute the red onion?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use shallots or omit the onion entirely.
What side dishes pair well with this sandwich?
It pairs perfectly with sweet potato fries, a side salad, or a cup of soup.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe focuses on savory and sweet flavors without any spicy heat.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative to traditional bacon.
How much butter is needed for grilling?
You will need a total of 2 teaspoons of butter, using half for each side of the sandwich.
Should I use jellied cranberry sauce?
Whole cranberry sauce is preferred for its texture, but jellied sauce can work in a pinch.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
You can substitute the turkey and bacon with plant-based alternatives or extra cheese and roasted vegetables.
What is the best way to slice the sandwich?
Slicing the sandwich in half diagonally is the traditional way to serve it warm.
Is this sandwich healthy?
It contains protein and wheat bread, but the overall nutritional value depends on the specific brands of ingredients used.
How do I prevent the cheese from not melting?
Ensure the sandwich is cooked over medium heat and pressed down gently to help the heat reach the cheese.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine or even a light layer of mayo on the outside of the bread can be used for grilling.
What makes this Applebee's inspired?
The combination of turkey, bacon, provolone, and cranberry on grilled bread mimics their popular menu flavors.
How long does the whole process take?
Preparation and cooking combined take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I add greens like spinach?
Yes, adding fresh spinach or arugula after grilling can add a nice crunch.
Is this suitable for a quick dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for lunch or a light dinner.