Transform Your Thanksgiving Leftovers: The Ultimate Turkey & Cranberry Panini with Creamy Goat Cheese Aioli

As the aroma of pumpkin spice and roasted turkey begins to fill the air, Thanksgiving approaches with its glorious promise of feasting and family. While the thought of gathering around a table laden with delicious food brings immense joy, for many, the pre-holiday rush can feel like a marathon. Shopping lists stretch longer than a football field, grocery stores become a battleground, and the sheer volume of dishes to prepare can send even the most seasoned home cook into a delightful panic. This year, my own Thanksgiving preparations are, admittedly, a work in progress. With only a few days remaining, my to-do list feels untouched: no shopping, no dessert plans (and I’m in charge of it!), and the sweet potato casserole and macaroni and cheese are still abstract concepts rather than tangible dishes. Yes, I’m shaking in my boots a little, but there’s one area where I feel entirely prepared, even enthusiastic: handling the inevitable mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers. And I’ve got your back with a recipe so incredible, it might just outshine the main feast: this exquisite Turkey & Cranberry Panini with Goat Cheese Aioli. It’s truly the ultimate sandwich experience!

The beauty of Thanksgiving extends far beyond the main meal; it lies in the tradition of excess, generosity, and the joyous aftermath of delicious leftovers. This year, our #SundaySupper theme perfectly aligns with this post-feast bounty, focusing on creative and delectable ways to transform those abundant remnants. Think about it: that fifteen-pound turkey, the five pounds of sweet potatoes, three pounds of creamy mashed potatoes, two containers of green bean casserole, and that half-eaten pumpkin pie – all testament to the grand scale of holiday cooking. We often find ourselves preparing enough food for an army, even if we’re only feeding a family of five, driven by a delightful blend of tradition, a fear of not having enough, and simply the irresistible allure of countless mouth-watering holiday recipes floating across the internet. It’s hard to pick just a few, isn’t it? So we often end up making them all! Or perhaps, that’s just me?

During the holidays, I confess, I always tend to overdo it. The result is a fridge packed to the brim for an entire week after the main event. Opening the refrigerator door becomes a tactical challenge, a delicate operation to avoid being buried under a landslide of Tupperware containers filled with delicious remnants. If you resonate with this delightful, albeit chaotic, post-holiday scenario, then I have fantastic news! The #SundaySupper crew, along with this incredible recipe, is here to save the day, offering a practical and utterly delicious solution to conquer that mountain of Thanksgiving leftovers taking over your kitchen.

Among the generous spread of Thanksgiving dishes, I consistently find myself with an abundance of leftover turkey and, of course, that vibrant cranberry sauce. These two staples are simply begging for a delicious encore! That’s why I decided to create this delightful Turkey & Cranberry Panini, elevated by a luscious Goat Cheese Aioli. The natural sweetness of the cranberry sauce provides a perfect counterpoint to the tangy, creamy goat cheese. Adding fresh tarragon introduces a subtle anise-like flavor, a sophisticated herbal note that beautifully ties all the elements together. I can genuinely tell you, it’s a flavor combination that’s truly a match made in culinary heaven, transforming humble leftovers into an extraordinary meal.

For a long time, I harbored the misconception that achieving a perfectly pressed panini required a dedicated panini maker – yet another kitchen gadget to acquire, store, and eventually forget about. But I’m here to tell you, it absolutely does not! You can easily rig up a DIY panini press using items you likely already have in your kitchen. The beauty of this method is its simplicity and its ability to deliver that characteristic crispy exterior and warm, melty interior without the need for specialized equipment. I personally prefer to avoid unnecessary appliances that clutter my countertops and cabinets, and this clever hack ensures you can enjoy a gourmet panini anytime, anywhere. All you need is a heavy cast iron skillet, a piece of aluminum foil, and another heavy pan or a foil-covered brick to act as your press. It’s resourceful, effective, and results in a perfectly golden-brown, satisfying sandwich every time.

The process is incredibly straightforward: simply heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once warm, place your assembled panini in the hot pan. Next, cover the panini with a piece of aluminum foil. Then, place a second heavy pan (or your aluminum foil-covered brick) directly on top of the panini and press down firmly and evenly. This gentle but consistent pressure is key to achieving that signature panini texture. And just like that, you have a homemade panini press! Here’s a peek at my ingenious setup:

This Turkey & Cranberry Panini with Goat Cheese Aioli is an absolute lifesaver for those days immediately following Thanksgiving. When you’re in a happy “turkey stupor” – wonderfully full but perhaps a little tired from all the holiday cheer – and craving a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, this recipe is your answer. It takes mere minutes to assemble, transforming simple leftovers into a gourmet experience. Simply layer your leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, spread on that incredible goat cheese aioli, press it between two slices of crusty bread, and warm it up until the bread is golden and crispy on each side. The warm, succulent turkey, the sweet burst of cranberry, and the tangy, herby aioli all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s comforting, easy, and undeniably delicious – the perfect antidote to post-holiday cooking fatigue.