Best Cheeses To Compliment Turkey And Cranberry Delights

Turkey, cranberry sauce, and cheese is a classic combination for a sandwich, especially after Thanksgiving when you can use up leftovers. But what type of cheese goes best?

Swiss cheese is a popular choice as its mild, nutty, slightly sweet flavour doesn't overpower the turkey. It also has a firm yet creamy texture that holds up well in sandwiches.

For a classic pairing, add Swiss cheese to a sliced turkey, lettuce and tomato sandwich. For something more gourmet, try it with avocado, bacon and honey mustard on artisan bread.

With its smooth, mild taste and firm texture, provolone is another excellent option. It has a subtle smoky and nutty flavour that enhances the turkey.

Havarti is a good choice if you're after a creamier texture. Its smooth, velvety texture and buttery, mildly acidic taste complement the rich flavour of turkey breast. It also melts well, making it a smart choice for hot sandwiches.

For a sophisticated option, try buttery, rich brie. Its soft, spreadable texture and mildly earthy flavour are perfect for highlighting quality sliced turkey breast.

Best cheeses for turkey, cranberry and bread

There are many types of cheese that go well with turkey and cranberry, and the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and what other ingredients you plan to include. Here are some recommendations and things to consider:

Mild and creamy cheeses

If you want the flavour of the turkey and cranberry to shine through, a mild cheese is a good option. Cream cheese, for example, is a popular choice for turkey sandwiches and can be used as a spread. Other mild cheeses that pair well with turkey include Monterey Jack, Havarti, and Muenster. These cheeses have mild, slightly sweet or nutty flavours, and melt well, making them ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses

Semi-soft and semi-firm cheeses provide a nice contrast to the tenderness of the turkey. Gouda, for instance, has a sweet, nutty flavour that complements turkey, and it melts evenly, making it suitable for grilled sandwiches. Gruyère is another semi-firm cheese with a nutty, complex flavour that can add depth to dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and casseroles.

Firm and hard cheeses

Firm and hard cheeses like sharp cheddar and Manchego can provide a concentrated flavour punch that enhances the mildness of the turkey. They also have a dense texture that makes them ideal for grilled sandwiches, as they melt evenly without becoming runny.

Blue cheeses

The bold, tangy flavour and crumbly texture of blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Stilton, and Roquefort can also pair well with turkey. Just a small amount can add a lot of flavour to a sandwich.

Other considerations

When choosing a cheese to pair with turkey, cranberry, and bread, consider the other ingredients you plan to include. For example, if you plan to use other strong flavours like bacon or avocado, you may want to choose a milder cheese that won't compete with those flavours. On the other hand, if you're making a simple sandwich with just turkey, cranberry, and bread, you might want a cheese with a more assertive flavour.

The type of bread you use can also make a difference. Soft, crusty bread like ciabatta or sourdough can stand up to stronger cheeses, while milder cheeses might be a better match for delicate breads like pita or rice cakes.

How to make a turkey, cranberry and cheese sandwich

How to Make a Turkey, Cranberry, and Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• Bread (white pita, sourdough, brioche, or ciabatta)
• Turkey (leftover or deli meat)
• Cheese (Swiss, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or cream cheese)
• Cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Optional extras: spinach or lettuce, tomato, arugula, cucumber, radish, slivered almonds, etc.

Method

First, warm up your bread. If you're using pita, simply warm it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—this will ensure it stays soft. For other types of bread, you can toast it, or add butter or mayo and broil in the oven or brown in a pan.

Next, prepare your filling. If you're using Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese, place the cheese on top of the turkey and warm in the microwave until the cheese melts. For cream cheese or Havarti, simply spread it on your bread.

Now it's time to assemble your sandwich! Spread cranberry sauce on your bread, then add the rest of your fillings. For an extra special touch, try adding some fresh herbs or greens, like spinach, arugula, or lettuce.

Finally, enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!

Other ingredients to add to the sandwich

There are several other ingredients you can add to a turkey, cranberry, and cheese sandwich to make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas:

• Bread - Sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, baguette, crusty bread, or a soft multi-grain bread are all great options. Toasting the bread can add extra flavour and crunch to your sandwich.
• Greens - Arugula, butter lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens can add a nice freshness to the sandwich.
• Condiments - Mayonnaise, dijon mustard, honey mustard, or balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavour and moisture of the sandwich.
• Cheese - In addition to the cheese that goes with turkey and cranberry, you can also experiment with other cheeses like sharp cheddar, gouda, provolone, or cream cheese.
• Extras - Toasted almond slivers, cucumber slices, radish slices, or pickled onions can add a nice crunch and tanginess to the sandwich.
• Leftovers - If you're making this sandwich after Thanksgiving or a big meal, you can add other leftovers like stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or gravy.
• Herbs - Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add a nice flavour boost to the sandwich.
• Spices - Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning the sandwich, but you could also try something different like smoked paprika.
• Meat alternatives - If you're not a fan of turkey, you can substitute it with deli chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.

What condiments go well with turkey and cranberry

When it comes to condiments that go well with turkey and cranberry, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas to elevate your next sandwich:

Mayo

Mayonnaise is a classic condiment that pairs well with turkey and cranberry. It adds a creamy texture and helps to balance the flavours of the sandwich.

Mustard

If you're looking for a bit of a kick, mustard is a great option. Dijon mustard, in particular, goes well with the tartness of cranberry sauce. Honey mustard is another tasty option, especially if you're looking for a touch of sweetness.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese adds a rich and creamy texture to your sandwich. It goes well with the other flavours without being too overpowering. It's a great option if you're looking for something a little different.

Balsamic Vinegar

For those who like a tangy flavour, a splash of balsamic vinegar can be a great addition to a turkey and cranberry sandwich. It adds a depth of flavour that complements the other ingredients well.

Gravy

If you're making a leftover Thanksgiving turkey sandwich, why not add some gravy? It's a great way to keep things moist and enhance the flavour of the turkey.

Other Cheeses

While not strictly a condiment, adding different types of cheese can take your sandwich to the next level. Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack, and Havarti are all excellent choices that pair well with turkey and cranberry.

How to serve the sandwich

There are many ways to serve a turkey, cranberry, and cheese sandwich, depending on your preferences and what ingredients you have available. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make and serve this delicious sandwich:

Choose your ingredients

Select your preferred type of bread, such as sourdough, brioche, ciabatta, or a soft multigrain loaf. For the cheese, options like Swiss, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or cream cheese will complement the turkey and cranberry flavours well. You can also add some greens, such as arugula, butter lettuce, spinach, or fresh herbs like parsley.

Prepare the bread

Lightly toast your bread of choice. This adds flavour and crunch to your sandwich. You can toast it by spreading a little mayonnaise or butter on the slices and either broiling them in the oven or browning them in a pan.

Build your sandwich

Spread a layer of cream cheese on one slice of bread. On the other slice, spread some cranberry sauce. If you're using fresh turkey, cook and shred it before adding it to your sandwich. Layer the turkey on top of the cream cheese, followed by your chosen greens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Add extra toppings

Feel free to add some extra toppings to your sandwich. You can include leftover Thanksgiving dishes like stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, or even a splash of gravy. Sliced tomatoes, cucumber, or radishes can also add a nice crunch. Toasted almond slivers or other nuts can provide a tasty textural contrast.

Serve and enjoy

Cut your sandwich in half or into triangles and secure it with a toothpick if desired. Serve it with extra cranberry sauce or your favourite side dishes. This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, as the bread may become soggy if prepared too far in advance.

Frequently asked questions