This turkey cranberry cream cheese sandwich is a fun lunch idea perfect for the holiday season. Its so quick and easy to make, and uses ingredients we all have to hand over Thanksgiving and the holidays.
Now Im sure not the only one that has a lot of packets of turkey in the fridge and freezer around the holidays . . . Much like my turkey rissoles, turkey sweet potato hash and my sage turkey in cream sauce, this recipe is a fun way to enjoy this festive food beyond the traditional roasted turkey.
Enjoying a turkey sandwich after Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner has almost become a tradition in itself, dont you think? This turkey cranberry cream cheese sandwich recipe takes up a notch by adding tasty ingredients including creamy cheese and some greens too. Quick, easy and so tasty!
Is cream cheese one of your favourites? I think you will love my herb cream cheese stuffed sweet potato as another fun lunch idea![feast_advanced_jump_to]
The holiday season brings an abundance of delicious Thanksgiving turkey. But after multiple days of feasting, you may be wondering what to do with the leftovers Before the turkey becomes boring, transform those sandwiches into a gourmet delight with a sweet and tangy cranberry spread
This versatile condiment combines the best of Thanksgiving flavors into one easy recipe. The mixture of cranberry sauce and mayonnaise adds a delicious flair that will make you excited for turkey sandwiches again
Benefits of Cranberry Spread
Cranberry spread offers many advantages for leftover turkey sandwiches:
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Adds moisture and flavor to potentially dry turkey meat
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Provides a sweet, tart and creamy contrast to the savory turkey
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Allows you to repurpose extra cranberry sauce after the holiday
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Elevates a basic sandwich into a special homemade treat
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Keeps well refrigerated for multiple days of leftovers
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Endless versatility as a sandwich spread, dip, dressing, and more
With just a few simple ingredients, you can give new life to leftover turkey and enjoy the lingering flavors of Thanksgiving in creative ways.
How to Make Cranberry Spread
Making your own cranberry spread at home is easy. The base combines mayonnaise and whole berry cranberry sauce. Feel free to adjust ingredients to taste.
Ingredients:
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise and cranberry sauce until uniform in color.
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Add lemon juice for extra tanginess if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
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For a smoother consistency, pulse in a food processor.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Refrigerate leftover spread up to 5 days.
Get creative with add-ins! Try chopped fresh herbs, honey, orange zest or spices for extra flavor.
Turkey Sandwich Combinations
When making turkey sandwiches, don’t stop at just turkey and cranberry spread. Pile on your favorite flavors and textures to take it up a notch:
- Sharp cheddar cheese for extra creaminess
- Leafy greens like spinach or arugula
- Sliced avocado for creaminess
- Bacon or prosciutto for crunch
- Sliced tomato for freshness
- Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans
- Sprouts or microgreens for texture
Use crusty artisan bread, baguettes, ciabatta or pretzel rolls to complement the filling. Give sandwiches a final toast in a skillet with butter or mayo for extra richness.
More Ways to Use Cranberry Spread
While turkey sandwiches are a natural use for cranberry spread, it also shines in many other applications:
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Burger or chicken sandwich condiment: Spread on turkey or beef patties for added moisture and sweet tartness.
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Salad dressing: Whisk into vinaigrettes in place of Dijon mustard for a seasonal flavor.
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Dip for chicken tenders or fries: Kids and adults alike will love it for dipping anything!
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Dessert topping: Dollop on vanilla ice cream, waffles or pancakes as a sweet treat.
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Cheese board addition: Serve alongside brie and cheddar for contrasting flavors.
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Glaze for meat: Brush on pork chops, chicken or lamb before baking or grilling.
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Oatmeal mix-in: Add tart sweetness and texture to breakfast oats.
With just a little cranberry spread in your fridge, you’ll have endless options for jazzing up meals and snacks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common cranberry spread questions:
Is cranberry spread good on anything besides turkey?
Absolutely! It’s delicious on chicken, ham, roast beef, veggie sandwiches and more. Get creative with recipes.
How long does homemade cranberry spread last?
About 5 days refrigerated. The mayonnaise can cause it to spoil faster than plain cranberry sauce.
Can I freeze leftover cranberry spread?
Freezing is not recommended. The mayo could separate after thawing. Simply make a fresh batch when needed.
What’s the best cranberry sauce to use?
We recommend whole berry sauce for the best texture. Homemade has superior flavor but store-bought works too.
Can I use jam instead of cranberry sauce?
You can try it, but the flavor and consistency will be quite different from traditional cranberry sauce.
What bread is best for turkey cranberry sandwiches?
Hearty artisan breads like ciabatta work well. Brioche, pretzel buns, bagels andsourdough are other good choices.
Cranberry Spread for Holiday Hosting
Your homemade cranberry spread can also be a festive addition to any holiday party. Set out a bowl for guests to sample and enjoy:
- As a dip for crackers, pretzels, apple and pear slices
- Dolloped on baked brie for a warm, melty app
- Served alongside a cheese board
- As a sandwich spread if you have a build-your-own station
- Topped on vanilla wafers or sugar cookies for dessert bites
No matter how you serve it, cranberry spread is sure to be a hit! Keep a batch in your refrigerator to instantly elevate snacks, appetizers and sandwiches for holiday gatherings.
Creative Leftover Turkey and Cranberry Recipes
Leftover turkey and cranberry sauce offer so many possibilities beyond sandwiches. Here are some favorite recipes to try:
Cranberry Turkey Salad
Toss shredded turkey with diced apple, cranberries, celery, onion and cranberry spread. Serve on bread, lettuce or baked squash halves.
Hot Turkey and Cranberry Cheese Balls
Combine cream cheese, cheddar, turkey, dried cranberries, herbs and spices. Chill, scoop and bake until melty.
Turkey Cranberry Pizza
Top pizza dough with turkey, mozzarella, cranberries, brie and drizzle with cranberry sauce.
Cranberry Turkey Pot Pie
Stir turkey, vegetables, broth and cranberry into a creamy sauce. Bake with your favorite pie crust.
Cranberry Turkey Wraps
Fill tortillas with turkey, spinach, cranberries, onion, feta and cranberry spread.
Cranberry Turkey Noodle Soup
Simmer turkey, veggies and cranberries in broth. Finish with a swirl of cranberry sauce.
With a combination of leftovers and pantry staples, you can reinvent your Thanksgiving favorites in endless comforting and delicious ways. Cranberry spread acts as the perfect binder to bring together all your turkey meal components into crave-worthy recipes.
Enjoying Leftovers Year-Round
The flavors of Thanksgiving truly shine when you get creative with leftovers instead of merely reheating the plain original dishes. With the easy addition of cranberry spread, you can craft gourmet sandwiches, dips, bakes and more to enjoy the remnants of your holiday meal for days to come.
Whip up a batch of this versatile condiment after Thanksgiving. Keep extras on hand in the freezer all season long to instantly elevate leftover turkey, chicken, ham and roast beef sandwiches with its signature sweet tanginess. This recipe allows you to experience the joy of Thanksgiving flavor combinations all winter long.
So breathe new life into lackluster leftovers with the magic of cranberry spread. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Swaps and variations
Swap arugula for butter lettuce. I love the slight peppery heat of arugula, but lettuces are good too!
Add some mayo. One of my recipe testers was my niece who is 8 years old and *very* honest(!). I asked if the cream cheese was enough or if mayo was needed too, and she said just cream cheese. But if you like mayo and it works for you, then add a smear too.
Swap bread for oat or rice cakes. If bread isnt for you, then load up some crackers with the sandwich fillings!
Frequently asked questions
If leftover turkey from your Thanksgiving or holiday meals works for you (likely not my low histamine readers), then you can easily skip the steps of cooking fresh turkey and simply assemble your sandwich!
You can easily use gluten free bread if that is suitable for you, or perhaps load up some rice cakes or oat cakes with the turkey and other ingredients instead!
If it works for you, then add a smear of mayo too (perhaps use a little less cream cheese so it doesnt feel too greasy).
