Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Savory smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread melted on golden toasted bread. Quick, satisfying comfort food.

# 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

# Method:

01 - In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard until well mixed.
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 with remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered sides facing outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted completely.
08 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns leftover flavors into a hot, crispy meal that feels comforting without any heaviness.
  • The cranberry and mustard spread adds a sweet-tangy punch that cuts through the richness of melted cheese.
  • You can make it start to finish in under 20 minutes with ingredients you probably already have.
  • It tastes fancy enough to serve guests but easy enough to make on a weeknight in your pajamas.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter, cold butter tears the bread and leaves you with uneven browning and frustration.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, too high and you'll char the bread before the cheese even thinks about melting.
  • Press gently with the spatula while grilling to help the layers meld together without squashing all the filling out the sides.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the most consistent golden crust.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, it melts smoother and doesn't have the anti-caking agents that can make it grainy.
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