Delicious Turkey Panini Recipe with Avocado, Smoked Cheese, and Pomegranate Molasses

Not sure what to do with leftover turkey in the refrigerator? Get inspired with our turkey panini recipe to make a simple yet filling sandwich loaded with flavor that everyone at home will enjoy.

Turkey Panini Recipe

While turkey is often seen as a ‘lean but less flavorful meat,’ that doesn’t have to be the case. Paired with the right ingredients and cooked the right way, this rich, fibrous meat can still bring so much to the table in terms of flavor and texture.

Our turkey panini uses some beloved ingredients, such as smoked cheese and creamy avocado, to elevate this dish beyond a simple turkey sandwich or the cliche of pairing it with ‘Christmas classics’ such as cranberry sauce.

It’s creamy, crunchy, gooey, and tender, all in one, and is a great go-to for family lunches or a grab-and-go snack when your time is a little more limited.

Ingredients

To make two of our wholesome turkey paninis, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Panini Bread – 2 bread rolls (or 4 slices of your favorite bread)
• Turkey Breast – 6 thick slices of roast turkey breast
• Dutch Smoked Cheese – 4 slices (or 100 grams/3.5 oz)
• Avocado – 1/2 of an avocado
• Arugula – a handful
• Pomegranate Molasses – 2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Assemble your panini.

On each half the panini roll (or on each slice of your favorite bread), add the sliced smoked cheese. Top with the turkey breast on one side and the avocado and arugula on the other.

Finish it off with a good drizzle of pomegranate molasses (about 1 tbsp per panini). Pomegranate molasses are readily available in many grocery stores, but you can also find it online on Amazon. Alternatively, if you can’t find pomegranate molasses, this panini also pairs well with balsamic glaze.

Step 2 – Bring the two halves of each panini together, and if you have a panini press, give them around 3-5 minutes in the press before serving them hot.

If you don’t have a panini, then it’s time to get a little creative. Take a large pan, get the bottom hot over a hob on medium-high heat, and, with care, place all your paninis into the pan.

Then, you’ll want to press down with a heavy weight such as a cooking pot or chef’s press (if you’re lucky enough to own one).

You will have to use your judgment on how long to grill the panini, but a good rule of thumb is to keep your eyes on the cheese. Once that is melting, your paninis should be nearly ready to serve.

Drizzle a little more pomegranate molasses or balsamic glaze over that golden-crusted panini bread, and you are ready to serve these delicious paninis.

Take a bite, and savor the rich, lean taste of the turkey, the creamy, buttery, and refreshing avocado, the peppery notes of the arugula, and the deep, gooey smokiness of the Cheddar, all bound together with a wonderfully crunchy panini bread base.

Turkey isn’t renowned for its deep, layered flavor, but as this panini recipe goes to show, just a few extra ingredients can add a real ‘wow’ factor to the taste of a turkey sandwich.

This panini is such a great way to enjoy some lean, tender turkey you may have in the refrigerator at home. Make it for lunch, enjoy it as a snack, or serve it with some sauces or side salad for a wholesome dinner that is sure to put a smile on everyone’s face.

Turkey Panini Recipe Card

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You Might Also Like to Try

• Grilled Chicken Panini Recipe with Lemon-Basil Aioli
• Classic Ham and Cheese Panini Recipe for a Sumptuous Lunch

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