Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable View)

Savory smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread melted on golden toasted bread in just 18 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, such as 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

# How To Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes less than 20 minutes but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The cranberry and mustard cut through the richness in a way that keeps you coming back for another bite.
  • You can make it with whatever bread and cheese you have on hand and it still works.
  • It is filling enough to be dinner but simple enough for a weekday.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will burn before the cheese melts, so keep it at medium and be patient.
  • Softened butter spreads without tearing the bread, cold butter rips it apart and makes uneven browning.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and speeds up the melt, but do not smash it flat.
03 -
  • Let the butter come to room temperature before you start so it spreads easily and evenly.
  • If your cheese is not melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives you the most even golden crust.
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