Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Smoked turkey and sharp cheddar with cranberry spread on golden toasted bread. A savory-sweet sandwich ready in just 18 minutes.

# What You'll 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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, mixing until well blended.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. Place buttered sides down on work surface.
03 - Spread cranberry mixture evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Layer smoked turkey and cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry spread on each slice.
05 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered sides facing outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.
07 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Remove from pan and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for when hunger strikes fast.
  • The cranberry and Dijon spread adds a sweet-tangy layer that makes this way more than just another grilled cheese.
  • You can use up holiday leftovers without feeling like youre eating the same meal twice.
  • The contrast between crispy golden bread and gooey melted cheese hits every time.
02 -
  • Don't rush the heat, medium is key or you'll end up with burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle.
  • Softening the butter before spreading makes a huge difference in getting an even golden crust without tearing the bread.
  • Let the sandwich rest after grilling or the cheese will ooze out everywhere when you cut it.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt faster and the layers stick together.
  • If your skillet isn't big enough for both sandwiches, keep the first one warm in a low oven while you grill the second.
  • Use day-old bread if you have it, it toasts up even better and doesn't get soggy as fast.
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