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My Open-Faced Turkey Cranberry & Apple Sandwiches started as a creative solution for Thanksgiving leftovers but quickly became a year round favorite. There's something magical about the way the melted cheese blankets the sweet tart mixture of turkey cranberries and crisp apples. My family actually gets excited about leftover turkey now knowing these sandwiches are coming the next day.
The Perfect Quick Meal
This sandwich has saved my sanity on so many busy weeknights. It comes together in just minutes but tastes like something from a fancy café. The mix of flavors is just perfect sweet cranberries tart apples and that savory turkey all topped with gooey cheese. It's become my go to recipe whenever I need something quick but still want to put something special on the table.
What You'll Need
- Bread: Italian artisan bread provides a sturdy and chewy base. Bagel halves or sourdough are excellent substitutes.
- Spread: Butter and a blend of mayonnaise with honey mustard add creaminess and tang.
- Turkey Mixture: Chopped cooked turkey, dried cranberries, crisp Granny Smith apples, and celery offer a mix of textures and flavors.
- Cheese: Yellow American cheese melts beautifully for a creamy topping. Mozzarella or Swiss can be used for variation.
Let's Make Sandwiches
- Start with Your Base
- Get your broiler heating up and butter those bread slices. I like to use day old bread it gets extra crispy under the broiler.
- Mix Up the Good Stuff
- Stir together your mayo and honey mustard then fold in that turkey cranberries apples and celery until everything's perfectly combined.
- Build Your Sandwiches
- Pile that gorgeous mixture onto your bread slices. Don't be shy with it then top each one with cheese.
- Under the Broiler
- Keep a close eye on them while they broil. You want that cheese golden and bubbly it only takes a few minutes.
My Best Tips
The key to perfect sandwiches is starting with slightly stale or toasted bread it helps prevent sogginess. Make sure you mix that turkey filling really well you want every bite to have a little bit of everything. Watch them like a hawk under the broiler they can go from perfect to burned in seconds.
Common Questions
Yes you can definitely use chicken instead of turkey it works beautifully. Any sturdy bread will do I love using sourdough or ciabatta. For my dairy free friends vegan butter and cheese alternatives work great. The turkey mixture can be made ahead just save the assembly and broiling for right before serving.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other types of bread?
Yes, you can substitute with bagel halves or any sturdy bread that can hold the toppings. Just ensure it's thick enough to support the turkey mixture.
- → What type of apple works best?
Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and crunch, but any firm apple variety would work. Just peel and chop them the same way.
- → Can I make the turkey mixture ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey salad mixture up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Assemble and broil just before serving.
- → What cheese can I substitute?
While the recipe calls for American cheese, you can use any melting cheese like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for different flavors.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, assemble and broil sandwiches fresh when ready to eat.