Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread melted on toasted bread for a savory-sweet sandwich.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, mixing until fully blended.
02 - Arrange bread slices on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice, then place buttered sides down.
03 - Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Arrange smoked turkey slices and sharp cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry spread.
05 - Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
06 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow to preheat for 1-2 minutes.
07 - Transfer sandwiches to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove from heat and rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms humble leftovers into something that tastes restaurant worthy without any fuss.
  • The cranberry mustard spread adds a surprising brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
  • You can have it on the table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or quick lunches.
  • It uses ingredients you probably already have, so no last minute grocery runs required.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter, cold butter tears the bread and leaves you with uneven browning.
  • Medium heat is your friend, too high and you'll burn the outside while the cheese stays cold and hard.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and encourages even melting.
03 -
  • Use day old bread if you have it, it toasts up crispier and holds the fillings better than fresh bread.
  • If your cranberry sauce is too thick, thin it with a tiny splash of water or apple cider vinegar before mixing with the mustard.
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with the spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt evenly and bind everything together.
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