Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Savory grilled sandwich with smoked turkey, sharp cheddar cheese, and cranberry spread on toasted bread. Ready in 18 minutes.

# 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

# Preparation steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard, mixing until well blended.
02 - Lay out all bread slices. 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 - Distribute smoked turkey and cheddar cheese evenly over the cranberry spread on each prepared slice.
05 - Top each with remaining bread slices, ensuring buttered sides face outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until moderately hot.
07 - Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove from heat, allow to rest for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes leftover flavors and makes them feel like the main event again.
  • The cranberry spread cuts through the richness of the cheese in a way that feels just right.
  • You get a crispy, golden crust without any fuss or special equipment.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes infinitely better.
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, but if you forget to soften it, you can melt it and brush it on instead.
  • Pressing the sandwich gently with a spatula helps the layers meld together and speeds up the melting process.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread the most beautiful golden crust.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking so the cheese firms up just enough to hold everything together when you bite in.
  • If you are making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you finish the rest.
Return