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Leftover roasted or deli turkey combines with a short list of ingredients in this crunchy, creamy, satisfying sandwich that’s delightful with soup, salad, or a handful of chips. 

 

Whether you have leftover roasted turkey from the upcoming holiday or purchase your favorite deli variety, this Avocado Turkey Panini makes a satisfying casual dinner.  These wholesome panini are perfect with a cup of soup, a green salad, or a handful of your favorite chips. While a panini press creates a delightful crunch and golden brown exterior, you can certainly use a skillet or grill pan if you don’t have a panini maker.

But wait!! Sargento Cheese has graciously offered a special giveaway to the readers of The Fountain Avenue Kitchen! Beginning today, you have a chance to win your very own Breville Panini Press & Grill from Williams-Sonoma.  And that is not all!  Sargento is also giving away $50 dollars in free coupons which may be used on any Sargento products.

Entering is easy! All you have to do is leave a comment below between now and Friday, November 29 at 5:00 PM EST. (That happens to be my birthday, so it will be fun to give a special gift on that day!) A winner will be selected at random and announced by 9 AM November 30. The winner must then reply to me within 48 hours with a complete mailing address and phone number so that you can receive your prize. The winner must be a United States resident, but I hope all of my international friends will try the recipe…I think you will enjoy!

And the winner is…. Sharon Ghee! Congratulations and please email me your mailing address and phone number within the next 48 hours so that you may receive your prize. Thank you to everyone who entered and stay tuned for another great giveaway very soon!

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Avocado Turkey Panini

If you don't have a panini press, simply grill as you would your favorite grilled cheese. To mimic the pressed, crusty panini, weight down the sandwiches with a cast iron or other heavy skillet. For another layer of flavor, you could add a thin spread of Dijon mustard or pesto under the cheese.

Yields 2 sandwiches.

Ingredients

  • 4 slices country style or other hearty bread (ciabatta rolls work well, too; see notes)
  • 1/4 pound leftover shredded turkey or chipped deli turkey
  • 1/2 ripe avocado
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1/8 teaspoon each kosher salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4-6 slices Sargento Ultra Thin or regular Provolone cheese (may substitute variety of choice)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 roasted red pepper, sliced into thin strips (may use freshly roasted or marinated from jar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat a panini press. (You may use a skillet or grill pan if you don't have a panini press.)
  2. In a small bowl, mash the avocado, mayonnaise, salt and pepper together until thoroughly mixed.
  3. Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil, and place with the olive oil side down.
  4. Top two of the bread slices with three pieces of the thin sliced cheese or two pieces of the regular, breaking as needed to evenly cover the bread.
  5. Place half of the sliced turkey, half of the spinach leaves, and half of the sliced pepper on top of each piece of cheese covered bread.
  6. Spread half of the avocado mixture on the two remaining slices of bread (on the side without the olive oil), and place on top of the turkey covered pieces.
  7. Carefully, place the sandwiches on the panini press, and cook until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese has melted, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  8. Cut in half and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • The last time I made these, I used a rosemary peasant bread from the bakery that was sliced about 1/2--inch thick. A basic loaf of country bread or pumpernickel work well, too. For a gluten-free option, Udi's bread holds up quite well.

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Breville Panini Press & Grill 

With a 25% larger cooking surface than our previous model, this family-friendly machine accommodates up to four sandwiches at once. The versatile appliance is perfect for quick weeknight meals and casual entertaining, doing double duty as an indoor grill and sandwich press.

  • Top plate adjusts for a variety of sandwich thicknesses for less leaking fillings.
  • Nonstick cast-aluminum plates ensure uniform browning.
  • Variable heat controls include a special “high-sear” setting for a toasty finish.
  • Variable angle grilling surface allows for fat to drip away from food or, if kept flat, ensures extra-juicy steaks and chops.
  • Can be used to grill meats and vegetables for fillings, then toast the sandwiches to crisp golden perfection.
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You may also win coupons for $50 worth of Sargento products of your choice!

Simply leave a comment below…maybe mention your favorite variety of cheese!…and GOOD LUCK!

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Recipe Rating




527 responses to “Avocado Turkey Panini”

  1. Carol Landrum Avatar
    Carol Landrum

    I would love to have this. Provolone is my favorite cheese.

  2. Cheese…..

  3. Kathy Wise Avatar
    Kathy Wise

    Not sure what it means that my comment is awaiting moderation??

    1. The first time someone comments, I have to click on it to make it appear. Next time that won’t happen: )

  4. Kathy Wise Avatar
    Kathy Wise

    My mouth is watering as I read all the comments. Having a panini press would be great fun. We are real cheese lovers in our family and would be hard-pressed to narrow it down to one favorite kind.

  5. This sounds awesome! I would LOVE a Panini maker!

  6. Yummy! That panini looks amazing! I can’t wait to make one!

  7. My family loves paninis and we love cheese, too. All kinds but can’t beat a basic cheddar!

  8. I would love to have this! I have a large family and sometimes we are eating on the run and at different times. This would be an awesome addition to my kitchen to make healthy meals. I love any kind of cheese but sharp cheddar
    and pepper jack are two of our family favorites.

  9. Pam Norris Avatar
    Pam Norris

    I luv Panini’s. Winning things would be fun!

  10. Swiss Cheese with turkey leftovers sounds like the perfect Panini.

  11. Lena Chansing Hohenadel Avatar
    Lena Chansing Hohenadel

    Love panini, especially with cheddar cheese.

  12. Looks delicious!! I’ve always wanted to own a panini press, but bills and stuff for the kiddos always come first. If I win, I’m making this panini first!!!

  13. Kathy Baxter Avatar
    Kathy Baxter

    We love using our Panini grill. It is so versatile and turns a normal sandwich into something special. Ours is a basic grill but it works well. I can’t wait to try your turkey avocado Panini. It sounds sooo good. I like to make Cubans on my Panini grill. I also like to make a omelette and put it on a low carb whole wheat wrap with cheese. I then put it on the Panini for a minute or two. Delicious. You asked about favorite cheeses….Manchego, Drunken Goat Cheese, Jarlsberg Swiss, Dubliner cheeses and of course a well aged cheddar. There are few cheeses I don’t like.

  14. Love Panini sandwiches!

  15. Can you believe I DO NOT own a panini press???

  16. Barbara Umbenhauer Avatar
    Barbara Umbenhauer

    Would love to have a panini press! I always order the veggie panini when I see one on a menu – with my own, they would be on the menu at home! Plus Sargento cheese – the crowning touch to any excellent panini!

  17. You had me at Avocado! 🙂

  18. Suzze Tiernan Avatar
    Suzze Tiernan

    Havarti is my favorite cheese and I LOVE paninis!!

  19. My favorite has always been provolone. Happy Birthday!

  20. I think i’ll try it with brie