Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Savory grilled sandwich with smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread on toasted bread. Quick, easy, and satisfying.

# Components:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, sourdough or whole wheat
02 - 4 oz smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
03 - 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded

→ Cranberry Spread

04 - 3 tablespoons cranberry sauce, whole berry or jellied
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

→ For Grilling

06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring until well blended.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice, then place the buttered sides down on a work surface.
03 - Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on two bread slices on their unbuttered sides.
04 - Arrange smoked turkey slices and cheddar cheese over the cranberry spread on each bread slice.
05 - Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning them with buttered sides facing outward.
06 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow it to preheat for 1 minute.
07 - Transfer sandwiches to the hot skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese melts completely.
08 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than twenty minutes but tastes like you put real thought into it.
  • The cranberry spread cuts through the richness in a way that makes every bite balanced and interesting.
  • You can make it with what you already have, no special ingredients or fancy equipment needed.
  • It reheats better than most grilled cheese if you happen to have leftovers, which is rare.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter or you'll tear the bread trying to spread it, and cold butter doesn't crisp the same way.
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable, high heat will char the outside and leave the inside cold and sad.
  • Press gently with the spatula but don't smash it flat or you'll squeeze out all the good stuff.
03 -
  • If your bread is on the thinner side, use less filling or it'll slide out when you flip it.
  • Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded for better melt and cleaner flavor without the anti-caking agents.
  • Let the sandwich rest for that full minute before slicing or the cheese will run everywhere and you'll lose half of it to the cutting board.
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