Are you wondering what to do with those holiday leftovers? Or maybe you’re just getting into the festive season. Well, this recipe covers both fronts. Plus, it’s super easy!
It basically takes the classic grilled cheese up a notch. And if you love a turkey dinner with cranberry sauce, you’re going to love this one. On top of the incredibly festive taste of this sandwich, it also has plenty of mental health benefits, helping boost your mood this holiday season. So, let’s take a closer look.
I recommend making your own cranberry sauce.
But if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen, then store-bought also works! Basically, this recipe involves stacking your ingredients together and throwing the sandwich on a panini press—could it be any easier?
This festive turkey and brie panini combines several ingredients that work together to support emotional well-being and mental health.
While the key to a solid diet is eating everything in moderation, I think we can all agree that this recipe fits the bill for this time of the year.
Sourdough bread has become a huge trend. But there’s a really good reason for this—well, actually, a few good reasons!
First up, the complex carbohydrates in sourdough provide a steady release of energy, helping to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day. This steady energy supply also helps maintain a good mood, as blood sugar fluctuations can lead to irritability and mood swings.
Additionally, the fermentation process creates compounds that support gut health, which has become increasingly recognized for mental well-being through the gut-brain axis. The beneficial bacteria that thrive on sourdough’s fermented compounds facilitate this complex communication network between our digestive system and brain.
Essentially, the natural fermentation process creates prebiotics and probiotics—both of which help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Research has shown that a balanced gut microbiome can influence everything from neurotransmitter production to stress response and emotional regulation.
In fact, scientists often refer to the gut as our “second brain,” as it produces many of the same neurotransmitters found in the brain—including about 90% of our body’s serotonin. The lactic acid bacteria present in sourdough also help break down gluten proteins, potentially making the bread easier to digest and reducing inflammation that could negatively impact both gut and mental health.
Related Article: Can Fermented Food Improve Your Mood & Mental Health? Try This Kimchi Recipe to Find Out!
Turkey breast is rich in tryptophan—an amino acid that plays a vital role in mood regulation. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, often called the “happiness hormone,” which helps regulate mood, sleep, and emotional well-being.
While turkey alone doesn’t cause drowsiness (contrary to popular belief), its combination with complex carbohydrates from the sourdough helps facilitate tryptophan's journey to the brain. And this is what can make you sleepy after that turkey feast!
However, there is also the argument that overeating, eating tons of carbs, and alcohol (if consumed) also largely contribute to this post-dinner sleepiness around the holidays. But let’s get back to turkey!
Turkey’s nutritional profile makes it an excellent mood supporter, providing essential B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which are crucial for brain health and mood regulation. The meat is also rich in zinc, a mineral linked to reduced anxiety and improved mental function. Its high-quality protein content helps stabilize blood sugar and provides sustained energy throughout the day.
Brie cheese brings more than just creamy indulgence to this sandwich.
Its rich composition includes tyrosine, an amino acid that helps produce dopamine—the “reward” neurotransmitter.
The calcium content also plays an important role in nerve transmission and mood regulation, while its combination of protein and healthy fats helps slow digestion, providing sustained energy release.
The fat content in brie further helps with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and helps create a feeling of satiety, preventing mood-disrupting hunger cycles!
Cranberries are packed with mood-supporting compounds that make them a powerful addition to this sandwich.
Their high antioxidant content helps reduce inflammation, which has been increasingly linked to mood disorders.
The natural vitamin C content also supports the production of neurotransmitters, while their combination of natural sugars and fiber provides a balanced energy release.
The polyphenols found in cranberries support brain health and cognitive function, making them more than just a tart and sweet addition to the sandwich! While it’s small amounts in this creation, every little bit counts.
Related Article: 5 Annoying & Frequent Food Cravings: What is Your Body Trying to Tell You?
What makes this panini particularly effective for mood support is how the ingredients work together.
Combining complex carbohydrates from sourdough with turkey’s tryptophan optimizes serotonin production, while the protein and fats from turkey and brie help slow digestion, providing steady energy release.
The probiotics from sourdough combined with other nutrients support gut health, which directly impacts mood through the gut-brain axis.
Furthermore, the balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors creates a satisfying eating experience that can trigger the release of feel-good hormones. What’s not to love?
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