Give your Thanksgiving leftovers a gourmet twist! Instead of settling for the usual leftover turkey sandwich, upgrade to these irresistible Turkey, Brie, and Cranberry Sandwiches. Each bite combines tender slices of turkey with buttery, creamy brie that melts beautifully, perfectly balanced by the sweet-tart cranberry sauce. It’s a festive flavor pairing that feels indulgent and satisfying.

If you don’t have leftover turkey, deli-sliced turkey works just as well, making this recipe a great option any time of year. For the bread, leftover large dinner rolls are perfect, but if they’ve all been gobbled up, ciabatta rolls are an excellent alternative for added texture and crunch.

The real game-changer for this easy sandwich? A sweet and savory butter glaze is brushed over the tops of the sandwiches before serving, adding a golden finish and an extra layer of flavor. For the best results, use fresh rosemary to infuse the butter, though dried rosemary will work in a pinch.

Ingredients for Turkey Brie and Cranberry Sandwiches

LARGE LEFTOVER ROLLS OR CIABATTA ROLLS
TURKEY
CRANBERRY SAUCE
BRIE CHEESE
BUTTER
ROSEMARY
HONEY

Instructions for Turkey Brie and Cranberry Sandwiches

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you assemble the sandwiches. While the oven warms up, prepare the rolls. Spread a generous layer of cranberry sauce on the bottom half of each roll—this sweet and tangy base is what makes the sandwich so flavorful. Next, layer on slices of turkey (leftover from Thanksgiving or deli-sliced if you don’t have leftovers) and top with thick slices of brie cheese. The cheese melts into a creamy, buttery layer that pairs perfectly with the cranberry and turkey.

Place the prepared bottoms on a baking sheet along with the tops of the rolls and bake for about 8–10 minutes, just until the brie is melted and gooey. While the sandwiches are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Stir in honey for a touch of sweetness and fresh rosemary for savory flavor. If you don’t have fresh rosemary, dried works fine too.

Once the sandwiches come out of the oven, place the tops on each one and brush them generously with the honey-rosemary butter mixture. This step adds a glossy finish and an extra layer of flavor that makes these sandwiches feel special. Return the sandwiches to the oven for another 2–3 minutes so the butter soaks in and the tops turn golden brown.

Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm. These sandwiches are perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner, and they’re a delicious way to make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use brie cheese?

Brie adds a creamy, buttery texture that pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce, but you can substitute with other soft cheeses like Camembert or even a mild Havarti if you prefer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can assemble the sandwiches up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, bake as directed. Just note that the bread may soften slightly from the cranberry sauce.

What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?

Fresh rosemary gives the best flavor, but dried rosemary works fine. Use about half the amount of dried rosemary since it’s more concentrated.

What other types of bread would be good for this sandwich?
Baguette – Adds a crisp crust and chewy texture for a rustic feel.
Focaccia – Soft, airy, and infused with olive oil for extra richness.
Pretzel Rolls – Slightly salty and dense, perfect for a hearty sandwich.
Brioche Rolls – Buttery and soft for an indulgent twist.
Whole Grain Rolls – Adds nuttiness and a healthier option.

Can I freeze these sandwiches?

It’s best to enjoy them fresh because of the cranberry sauce and brie, which don’t freeze well. However, you can freeze cooked turkey separately and make the sandwiches later.

What do you suggest serving alongside these sandwiches?
Pair these sandwiches with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a complete meal. Serve with a warm bowl of soup (like creamy turkey and wild rice) for the ultimate comfort food combo.

For more recipes like this, try:

sandwich with turkey and cranberry sauce

Turkey Brie and Cranberry Sandwiches

Real Mom Kitchen

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Main Dish

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 582 kcal

Equipment

baking sheet

Knife Set

sauce pan

Ingredients

▢ 4 large leftover rolls or ciabatta rolls
▢ 12 oz turkey or 12 slices of deli turkey
▢ ½ cup cranberry sauce
▢ 8 oz brie cheese cut into slices

Rosemary honey butter:

▢ ¼ cup butter melted
▢ 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary or 1 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
▢ 1 Tbsp honey

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Spread a layer of cranberry sauce over the bottom of each of the rolls. Top with turkey and brie cheese.
Place on a baking sheet along with the tops of the rolls and bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is nice and melted.
In the meantime, melt the butter and mix with the honey and rosemary. Once the sandwiches have baked, remove from the oven and place the tops onto each sandwich. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with the butter mixture.
Return to the oven and bake for a couple of minutes. Remove from the oven and enjoy. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Nutrition

Did you love this recipe?Please !

Keyword cranberries, leftovers, sandwiches, Thanksgiving, turkey

This recipe is adapted from Choosing Balance.