During the holidays I struggle with oven space, there are appetizers, main dishes, and desserts to get out- different times, different temperatures, and never enough shelves. I cook a lot on a day to day basis anyway, but the holidays even more so. I don’t have room for a second full size oven but I found something even better. The Cusinart Chef’s Convection Oven gives me the ability to cook everything from fancy appetizers (including these Cranberry & Turkey Grilled Cheese Bites) to frozen pizza right on my countertop- but it is still big enough to hold a 13” pizza, 9 slices of bread, or a 9”x13” baking pan. Thanks to our friends at Cuisinart for sending us this fabulous kitchen appliance and for sponsoring today’s appetizer recipe post!
I could not wait to try out this beautiful appliance so I put it to the test with a favorite holiday appetizer recipe – Creamy Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Bites. It is full of all the favorite flavors of the season in a convenient little bite size that everyone will love! It’s also a great way to use leftovers from your big Thanksgiving meal, without taking up the oven space.
Cranberry Turkey Grilled Cheese Bites
Ingredients:
½ to ¾ cup cooked turkey
4 slices provolone, thick cut
2 oz. cream cheese
1/3 cup cranberry sauce, chunky
1 tsp. dried rosemary
8 pieces french bread
½ tsp. black pepper
softened butter for spreading
Directions:
Preheat your toaster oven to 400°
Shred turkey into very small pieces.
Cream together turkey, rosemary, cream cheese, cranberries, and pepper.
Spread softened butter on one side of each piece of bread.
Toast butter side up for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown.
Remove from oven then place a slice of provolone on 4 pieces of bread (buttered side).
Spread cream cheese mixture on bread and press them together.
Toast for 4-5 minutes, flip, toast an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden.
Keep a close eye on your toast to be sure it does not get too crisp.
Remove from oven, cool slightly.
Cut into small squares, pop a toothpick in the center and plate up your yummy appetizer.
This recipe is comfort food at it’s best in a tasty appetizer form and this Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven from Cuisinart is a game changer. Day to day cooking and holiday prep will never be the same.
What are your favorite holiday appetizers?
- ½ to ¾ cup cooked turkey
- 4 slices provolone, thick cut
- 2 oz. cream cheese
- 1/3 cup cranberry sauce, chunky
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- 8 pieces french bread
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- softened butter for spreading
- Preheat your toaster oven to 400°
- Shred turkey into very small pieces.
- Cream together turkey, rosemary, cream cheese, cranberries, and pepper.
- Spread softened butter on one side of each piece of bread.
- Toast butter side up for 1-2 minutes until it begins to brown.
- Remove from oven then place a slice of provolone on 4 pieces of bread (buttered side).
- Spread cream cheese mixture on opposite piece of bread and press them together.
- Toast for 4-5 minutes, flip, toast an additional 2-3 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Keep a close eye on your toast to be sure it does not get too crisp.
- Remove from oven, cool slightly.
- Cut into small squares, pop a toothpick in the center and plate up your yummy appetizer.
Krystal says
I’ve never had anything like this before! What a delicious way to have a snack that is perfect for the season!
Amy Desrosiers says
Oh my goodness do these look spectacular! I would love to make them for dinner!
Crystal says
I love the flavors of the holidays all year round! Got to try these yummy bits of heaven!
Ourfamilyworld says
Oh my, that sounds fantastic. Cranberry sauce and cream cheese sounds like a great combination.
Clo says
Oh this looks super yummy! What a fun and easy way to make use of those thanksgiving left overs. I always wonder what I’m going to do with all that left over turkey.
Vera Sweeney says
I have never thought of doing turkey sandwiches like this!! Sounds amazing perfect for left overs!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
I love cranberries and turkey at Thanksgiving. I think your recipe is one of the most original ones I’ve seen yet to use up all the leftovers.
Tammi Roy says
I wish i could try these right now they look so good. I will have to save this recipe so i can make it soon.
Elizabeth Lampman says
These grilled cheese bites would be great for lunch. My kids will love them. I will have to try making them this weekend.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This looks so delicious and easy to make. I will have to try this recipe for lunch tomorrow.
Jennifer says
Great way to reuse leftovers rather than just a regular turkey sandwich. I think my husband would love to find these in his lunch box. But maybe a full version, not bites. lol
Liz Mays says
Oh these sound so good. I’d love to make some as apps. That flavor combo would be delicious.
Jeanine says
I’ve never added cranberry to anything when it comes to meals. My husband has it with any turkey meals on the side but this? Looks super tasty.
Jennifer says
That looks so yummy! Thanks for sharing this great take on turkey sandwiches.
Stacie says
This sounds simply delicious. I’ve had sandwiches with turkey and cranberry before but never grilled cheese. I will have to give this a try.
Danielle says
Cranberries are popular this time of year, but I just don’t seem to have a taste for them. I could definitely try this recipe, though. It looks like something I would enjoy.
Aimee Smith says
We have this toaster oven and we LOVE it! These look really yummy!
Jeanette says
I am not a huge cranberry fan, but my mom loves them so this would be right up her alley. It does look delicious even if I don’t do cranberries.
Victoria Sconion says
This is awesome! I have tons of leftovers from thanksgiving dinner and would be perfect gor hubbys lunch for work. Thanks!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
Those sound so good. My kids will love these.
Tre Harrington says
This is an awesome recipe, thank you!! Super simple to make!
Jaime says
I love this recipe. I have throwing leftovers away and it sounds yummy!
Jill says
Yum, these look so yummy and perfect for leftovers too!!
Katie says
I am stopping everything I am doing and making these right now. Oh my yum! Brilliant idea!
Stephanie says
I love my convection oven and I must try these. They look so delicious and a great way to use my left over turkey.
Jennifer says
That looks so good! I love seeing creative leftover recipes around Thanksgiving and Christmas. I mean, seriously, how many turkey sandwiches can I eat?
Daisy says
I tried this recipe earlier today and my family loved it. Score on using up leftovers and everyone raving about it!
Lori Felix says
I use to love my convection toaster oven but unfortunately it broke a little while ago and I’ve yet to replace it. I’ll have to add Cuisinart’s Chef’s Convection Toaster Oven to my Christmas list.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
I’ve been wishing for a convection oven for some time now. Your recipe sounds tasty, and I love that it’s easy to make.
Ellen Christian (@ellenblogs) says
I bet that’s really handy. Your grilled cheese looks really good!