After the grand Thanksgiving feast, a delightful indulgence in the traditional dinner, perhaps once or twice, is always welcome. We all eagerly anticipate that classic turkey-stuffing-gravy sandwich each year, and for good reason—it’s undeniably delicious! However, as the holiday weekend progresses into day two or three, you might find yourself with a considerable amount of leftover turkey, yet still feeling a bit overwhelmed from the holiday’s culinary extravaganza. This is precisely when the need for something fresh, yet comforting and incredibly easy, arises. Enter the magnificent Turkey Croissant Panini.

This sandwich has been a steadfast favorite for countless post-Thanksgiving meals, transforming humble leftovers into a gourmet experience. Imagine tender slices of roasted turkey, layered generously onto flaky, buttery croissants. These are then joined by luxurious slices of creamy Brie cheese, perhaps rescued from the holiday cheese board, and a vibrant spread of sweet-tart cranberry sauce or relish. A scattering of fresh baby arugula leaves adds a much-needed peppery zing, cutting through the richness and bringing a delightful freshness to every bite.

It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a satisfying, luxurious, and effortlessly simple way to savor your holiday remnants. After all the meticulous planning and extensive cooking that goes into Thanksgiving dinner, we all deserve a little “easy” on the days that follow, don’t we? This panini offers just that – a culinary reprieve that feels decadent without any extra effort.

Crafting Your Gourmet Leftover Panini: A Simple Guide

Creating this irresistible panini is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal fuss for maximum flavor. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here’s how you can assemble your own:

No Panini Press? No Problem!

Don’t own an electric panini press? Absolutely no need to worry! I often make these without one, achieving equally fantastic results. A simple grill pan on your stovetop, coupled with a weighted grill press, works wonders. If you don’t have a dedicated grill press, a small cast-iron skillet with a heavy can placed on top makes for an excellent improvised weight. This method delivers that coveted golden-brown crispness and beautifully melted cheese. Even if grilling isn’t your preference, this sandwich is also incredibly delicious served cold. You truly can’t go wrong when combining buttery croissants and delectable cheese, especially Brie, in any form.

The Versatility of the Croissant Panini

While my unwavering preference leans towards the classic turkey and Brie combination, the beauty of this sandwich concept lies in its remarkable versatility. It’s a fantastic canvas for adapting to various leftovers and personal preferences.

• Meat Variations: Beyond turkey, this panini is absolutely superb with thinly sliced ham, roasted chicken, or even leftover pulled pork. For a vegetarian twist, consider grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and portobello mushrooms.
• Cheese Pairings: While Brie offers unparalleled creaminess and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. In previous years, I’ve had wonderful success using nutty gouda, spicy pepper jack, and sharp cheddar, each offering a distinct and equally delicious flavor profile. Fontina, Swiss, or even a smoked provolone could also be excellent choices.
• Cranberry Alternatives: If cranberry relish isn’t available or preferred, consider other sweet and savory spreads. A fig jam, apple butter, or even a touch of apricot preserves can add a delightful fruity note. For a savory kick, a dab of dijon mustard or a creamy aioli could also work well.
• Greens and More: Baby arugula provides a wonderful peppery bite, but tender spinach leaves or mixed greens are great alternatives. For added texture and crunch, a thin slice of apple or pear could be a surprising, yet welcome, addition.

Although croissants aren’t traditional panini bread, they’ve become my absolute “go-to” for day-after holiday sandwiches. We always have them in our holiday bread baskets, and their innate buttery, flaky qualities make them exceptionally delicious when grilled. As the weighted croissant toasts, its coveted flaky layers become wonderfully crisp and extra-buttery, creating an unparalleled texture that truly elevates the sandwich. Due to the high butter content of croissants, you’ll find you need very little, if any, extra fat on your grill pan or panini press to prevent sticking and encourage that perfect golden-brown finish. A light spritz of cooking spray is usually all that’s required. (Of course, I’m not suggesting a Brie and croissant panini is health food, but it’s certainly a delicious indulgence!)

I sincerely hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving, creating cherished memories around the table with those you hold dearest. If you’re out and about, perhaps navigating the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, I wish you good speed, fantastic sales, and a delicious Turkey Croissant Panini to fuel your adventures along the way! It’s the perfect pick-me-up.

For those eager to discover even more creative ways to utilize leftover turkey, be sure to explore my other popular recipes:

• Don’t miss my Turkey Tetrazzini, a classic creamy pasta dish perfect for a comforting meal.
• And for another decadent sandwich experience, try my Monte Cristo Sandwich, a delightful blend of sweet and savory.

Did you know that I share new recipes and culinary inspiration every week? Subscribe to my newsletter to keep up with everything delicious on the blog. It’s truly a wonderful time of year to gather new recipes to share with your family and friends!

Recipe: Turkey Croissant Panini

Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars (based on 2 votes)

Turkey Croissant Panini

by Amanda Biddle

These Turkey Croissant Panini, featuring tender turkey, creamy Brie, tangy cranberry relish, and fresh baby arugula, offer an easy and luxurious way to transform your holiday leftovers. Perfect for a gourmet lunch!

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 panini

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 croissants
• 8-12 slices turkey breast (depending on thickness and desired filling)
• ½ cup cranberry sauce or relish (whole berry works best for texture)
• 12 ounces Brie cheese, cut into ¼-inch thick slices (or your favorite melting cheese)
• 1 cup baby arugula leaves

Instructions

1. Carefully split each croissant horizontally, almost but not entirely in half, to create a pocket.
2. On the bottom half of each croissant, spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of cranberry sauce or relish, adjusting the amount to your preference for sweetness.
3. Layer several slices of Brie cheese over the cranberry sauce, ensuring good coverage for maximum melt.
4. Add 2-3 slices of turkey breast on top of the Brie, then finish with a generous handful of baby arugula leaves.
5. Close the croissant halves, gently pressing down to secure the fillings.
6. Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat, or place a grill pan on the stovetop over a medium flame until hot.
7. If using a panini press, lightly oil the grates and cook the sandwich according to your manufacturer’s instructions, typically until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. If using a grill pan, give it a light coating of cooking spray. Place the panini on the hot grill pan and weigh it down with a grill press. If you don’t have a grill press, use a small sauté pan weighted with a heavy can or two.
9. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the croissants are beautifully toasted, golden, and crispy, and the Brie cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey.
10. Remove from the grill, cut each panini in half, and serve immediately to enjoy the warm, melted goodness.

Nutrition Estimate (per serving)

• Calories: 571kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 124mg
• Sodium: 816mg
• Potassium: 224mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
• Vitamin A: 1060IU
• Vitamin C: 1.5mg
• Calcium: 186mg
• Iron: 1.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used only as an approximation.

About Our Recipes

Please note that our recipes have been developed using the US Customary measurement system and have not been tested for high altitude/elevation cooking and baking.