chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt

If you’re looking for a delightful way to use up leftover Christmas chicken ham, you’ve come to the right place! This chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt is one of those recipes that warms your heart and fills your belly. It brings together the perfect balance of sweet cranberry sauce, savory chicken ham, and melty sharp cheddar cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend lunch with family, this sandwich hits the spot every time.

What makes this melt extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just simple, wholesome goodness that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: You can have this sandwich ready in just 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver on busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the flavors in this melt, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Transform your festive leftovers into something new and delicious without any waste.
• Customizable: Feel free to tweak ingredients based on what you have at home for even more variety!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun! Each item plays a role in creating that perfect bite of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need for your chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt:

For the Sandwich

• 2 large slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 5 slices chicken ham
• 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
• 1/3 cup hearty baby greens

Variations

One of the great things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on your personal taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun ideas to consider:

• Swap the protein: If you don’t have chicken ham, turkey or veggie deli slices work wonderfully too!
• Change up the cheese: Try using pepper jack for a bit of heat or gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Add some veggies: Slice up tomatoes or add avocado for an extra layer of freshness.
• Make it spicy: A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick things up a notch if you love some heat!

How to Make chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt

Step 1: Heat Your Pan

Start by heating your griddle or panini press over medium heat. This allows for even cooking and ensures that your cheese gets nice and melty without burning the bread.

Step 2: Butter the Bread

Spread butter generously on one side of each slice of bread. The butter creates a beautiful golden crust when toasted, adding flavor and texture that makes each bite irresistible.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese

On the unbuttered side of one slice, lay down two slices of sharp cheddar cheese. This forms the base of your melt and helps hold everything together.

Step 4: Assemble Your Sandwich

Top the cheese with five slices of chicken ham followed by a generous dollop of cranberry sauce. Add hearty baby greens on top for a fresh crunch, then finish with two more slices of cheese before capping it off with the other slice of bread, butter side up.

Step 5: Grill It Up

Carefully add your assembled sandwich to the heated griddle. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until both sides are golden brown and crispy while ensuring that all that cheesy goodness inside has melted beautifully.

I like to cook my sandwiches at a lower heat for a longer time because it ensures my whole sandwich will be warmed through without burning.

And just like that, you have yourself a scrumptious chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt

Creating the perfect chicken ham cheddar cranberry melt is all about attention to detail, and these tips will guide you along the way!

• Use fresh bread – Freshly baked bread enhances the overall flavor and texture of your sandwich, making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Layer wisely – Arranging your ingredients in a thoughtful order ensures that each bite is balanced with sweet, salty, and cheesy goodness. Start with cheese at the bottom to create a melty barrier.
• Control your heat – Cooking at a lower temperature allows the cheese to melt thoroughly while preventing the bread from burning. Patience pays off when achieving that perfect golden crust!
• Experiment with greens – While hearty baby greens work well, feel free to add other greens like spinach or arugula for an extra nutrient boost and varied flavor profiles.
• Don’t skip the cranberry sauce – This ingredient not only adds sweetness but also moisture. A generous spread ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.

How to Serve chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt

Serving your chicken ham cheddar cranberry melt can be just as fun as making it! Presenting this delicious sandwich beautifully elevates your meal experience.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs – Sprinkling some chopped parsley or cilantro on top adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up your dish.
• Cranberry drizzle – A light drizzle of extra cranberry sauce around the plate gives a lovely visual touch and enhances that sweet flavor you love.

Side Dishes

• Sweet potato fries – These are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a satisfying contrast to your melt. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins!
• Mixed green salad – A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of your sandwich while adding crunch and nutrients.
• Vegetable soup – A warm bowl of vegetable soup makes for a comforting side that pairs perfectly with sandwiches. The warmth balances out the melty goodness of your chicken ham cheddar cranberry melt.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw provides a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the melt, making it an ideal accompaniment.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy an incredible meal that’s sure to please! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This chicken ham cheddar cranberry melt is not only delicious but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it in advance, store it properly, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the sandwich to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped sandwich in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Prepare the sandwich as directed but do not cook it.
• Wrap the uncooked sandwich tightly in plastic wrap.
• Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerated sandwiches, preheat your griddle or panini press over medium heat.
• Cook the sandwich for about 5-7 minutes on each side until heated through and cheese is melted.
• For frozen sandwiches, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as above, or cook from frozen on low heat for a longer time.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:

Can I use other types of cheese for the chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Swiss or gouda. Just ensure they melt well!

What can I serve with my chicken ham Cheddar Cranberry Melt?

This melt pairs wonderfully with a side salad or vegetable sticks. You could also enjoy it with some chips for extra crunch!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This sandwich is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers easily.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, they can last up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this chicken ham cheddar cranberry melt! It’s such a comforting combination of flavors that truly brings out the best of leftover ingredients. Whether it’s for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, this sandwich is sure to please. Enjoy every bite and feel free to share your creations with me—I’d love to hear how yours turned out!