Turn your Thanksgiving (or holiday) leftovers into something truly special with this Turkey Cheese Walnut Panini. Leftover turkey gets a gourmet twist with creamy Havarti, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy cranberry chutney, all pressed between buttery slices of bread until golden and melty. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy those holiday flavors again — quick, cozy, and downright irresistible.
INGREDIENTS:
8 thick slices of egg bread or whole-grain bread
2 tablespoons butter, softened
8 slices turkey
1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped
4 slices Havarti cheese
1/4 cup cranberry chutney
METHOD:
Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place 4 slices butter-side-down on a work surface. Layer each with 2 slices of turkey, a sprinkle of walnuts, and a slice of Havarti.
Spread cranberry chutney on the unbuttered side of the remaining 4 bread slices. Place them on top of the sandwiches, chutney side down, leaving the buttered sides facing out.
Preheat a panini press (or skillet). Grill sandwiches until golden brown and crisp, and the cheese has melted — about 5 minutes in a press, slightly longer in a skillet (flip halfway if using a skillet).
Cut in halves or quarters and serve warm.
VARIATIONS: Substitute turkey, Havarti cheese, and cranberry chutney with equal amounts of:
- Ham and Cheddar: Sliced ham, sharp white cheddar, and honey mustard.
- Roast Beef and Brie: Sliced roast beef, brie, and horseradish mayonnaise.
- Pork and Stilton: Sliced roast pork, stilton cheese, and apricot preserves.
YIELD: Makes 4 servings.
SOURCE: Adapted from recipe at California Walnuts
