Crispy Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese Recipe

Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are a delicious, simple way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a spicy, cheesy meal the whole family will love.

Leftover turkey gets a bold flavor boost when tossed with buffalo sauce and melted pepper jack between buttered slices of toasted bread. These sandwiches are quick to assemble, perfect for a game day snack, an easy weeknight dinner, or a satisfying way to use up holiday turkey. The crunchy vegetables add texture while the cheese and buffalo sauce deliver creaminess and heat.

This recipe is flexible: use roasted or smoked turkey, adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce to taste, and add extras like avocado or crispy bacon to elevate the sandwich. Below you’ll find step-by-step instructions, ingredient details, and tips for serving and storing the sandwiches so you get the best results every time.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Combine about two cups of shredded cooked turkey with buffalo sauce, shredded carrots and diced celery in a bowl; toss to coat evenly.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Flip half the slices and place a slice of pepper jack cheese on the unbuttered side, top with the buffalo turkey mixture, then another slice of pepper jack and finish with the remaining slice of bread (butter side facing out).
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.

Use leftover turkey from a roasted or smoked turkey breast, or any cooked turkey you have on hand. Shredding the meat makes it easy to mix with the buffalo sauce and ensures every bite has flavor.

What cheese tastes best with turkey?

Pepper jack is an excellent choice for these buffalo turkey grilled cheese sandwiches because its mild heat and creamy meltability complement the buffalo sauce. Other cheeses that pair well with turkey include brie for a rich, buttery flavor or gouda for a smoky, savory note. If you prefer milder options, a sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack will also work.

What can I put in a turkey sandwich?

Beyond the shredded carrots and diced celery used in this recipe, consider adding any of the following to personalize your sandwich:

• Crispy bacon for extra crunch and smoky flavor
• Avocado slices or mashed avocado for creaminess
• Fresh tomato slices or pickled jalapeños for brightness and acidity
• Greens like arugula or spinach for a peppery lift
• A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat

Buffalo Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich — Full recipe

Ingredients (makes 6 sandwiches)

• 2 cups cooked, shredded turkey
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 12 slices pepper jack cheese
• 12 slices bread
• 6 tablespoons butter (for spreading)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded turkey, buffalo sauce, shredded carrots and diced celery. Stir until the ingredients are well coated.
2. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each bread slice. Flip half of the slices and place one slice of pepper jack cheese on the unbuttered side.
3. Divide the buffalo turkey mixture evenly among the cheese-topped slices (about 1/2 cup per sandwich). Add another slice of cheese on top of the turkey, then place a second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing out.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
5. Remove from heat, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes, tips & storage

To make these ahead, assemble the sandwiches without cooking, wrap individually, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Grill directly from chilled, adding an extra minute or two per side until fully heated and the cheese melts. For freezer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month; thaw before grilling.

Serve with crisp celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a simple side salad to balance the richness. A cooling blue cheese or ranch dip on the side complements the buffalo flavor.

Nutrition (per sandwich)

Calories: 545 kcal • Carbohydrates: 29 g • Protein: 32 g • Fat: 31 g • Saturated Fat: 18 g • Cholesterol: 80 mg • Sodium: 1318 mg • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 4 g

Author: Whitney Bond