Cranberry Grilled Cheese

By Dan Pelosi

Updated Nov. 26, 2024

Cranberry Grilled Cheese
Armando Rafael for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews.
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(945)
Comments
Read comments

Somehow, there is always leftover cranberry sauce after all of the other Thanksgiving leftovers have disappeared. The classic grilled cheese sandwich comes to the rescue, welcoming any cranberry sauce you have on hand into its warm, melty embrace. A meat-free alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving leftover sandwich, this cranberry sauce grilled cheese thrives with mild or sharp Cheddar, though any cheese is welcomed here. Adding in a layer of Dijon mustard and of course, a few slices of turkey, are also great ideas. 

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Share this recipe

  • Print this recipe

Advertisement

Ingredients

Yield:1 sandwich 
  • Mayonnaise
  • 2(½-inch-thick) slices sourdough or sandwich bread
  • Softened salted butter 
  • 2ounces coarsely grated Cheddar (about ½ cup) 
  • 2tablespoons leftover cranberry sauce
Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium.

  2. Step 2

    Thinly spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. Thinly spread butter on the other side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle cheese evenly on the buttered side of each slice.

  3. Step 3

    Place the bread slices in the skillet, mayonnaise-side down. Cover the pan and cook until the cheese is about halfway melted, about 2 minutes.

  4. Step 4

    Spread the cranberry sauce on top of the cheese on one slice of the bread. If using jellied or solid cranberry sauce, mash it to loosen before spreading. Then flip the other slice onto the cranberry sauce, cheese side down. Press the top of the sandwich with a spatula and cook until the cheese has melted, 1 to 2 minutes, flipping a few times to melt the cheese thoroughly.

  5. Step 5

    Remove the sandwich from the pan, let cool for a minute or two, then serve.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Ratings

5 out of 5
945 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Comments

AE

When I first became a vegetarian, I missed turkey and cranberry sandwiches so much, so I started eating cranberry and cheddar sandwiches. It’s a winning combination—like the classic Wensleydale cheese with cranberries. A really sharp white cheddar works great.

Grandma

This would be great with pepper jack cheese. The heat would balance the sweetness.

Carswell

Cranberry sauce goes very well with a baked brie - or you could also make your grilled cheese with brie.

SERichmann

I didn't have any cheddar so used manchego instead. Don't over fry the sandwiches like I did. Still loved the combination of ingredients!

Dave T.

Was so eager to try this expecting a revelation. Turns out it tastes like grilled cheese and cranberry sauce. Not bad, just underwhelming....

Gaby

It makes a great sandwich and with sharp cheddar was a great flavor contrast. The grated cheese was messy, and though I understand it melts better, I will slice it next time

Private comments are only visible to you.

Recipe Tags

or to save this recipe.