Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable version)

A savory grilled sandwich with smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread on toasted bread.

# What You Need:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, sourdough or whole wheat
02 - 4 ounces smoked turkey breast, thinly sliced
03 - 4 ounces 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

# Directions:

01 - Combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, mixing until evenly blended.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. Position buttered sides down on work surface.
03 - Spread the cranberry mixture evenly across the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Arrange sliced smoked turkey and cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry-spread bread slices.
05 - Top each prepared slice with a remaining bread slice, positioning with buttered side facing outward.
06 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow to preheat for 1 minute.
07 - Position sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula until bread achieves golden brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Transfer sandwiches from pan and allow 1 minute resting time before slicing diagonally and serving while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms simple pantry ingredients into something that feels gourmet without any fuss.
  • The cranberry and Dijon combo adds a tangy sweetness that makes every bite interesting.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes infinitely better.
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet, which is rare for a grilled cheese.
02 -
  • Use medium heat, not high, or you'll end up with burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle.
  • Softened butter is key, cold butter tears the bread and doesn't spread evenly.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking so the cheese doesn't all slide out when you cut it.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt faster and bind everything together.
  • Use day-old bread if you have it, it crisps up even better and holds its shape under the moisture of the cranberry spread.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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