Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Savory smoked turkey and sharp cheddar paired with cranberry spread on golden toasted bread. Quick and satisfying.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard, stirring until well blended.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice. Position buttered sides down on work surface.
03 - Spread cranberry mixture evenly on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Top the cranberry-spread bread slices with smoked turkey and sharp cheddar cheese in equal portions.
05 - Place remaining bread slices on top with buttered side facing outward to create two complete sandwiches.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1 minute until evenly warmed.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese is fully melted.
08 - Transfer sandwiches to serving plates, allow 1 minute resting time, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It turns simple pantry leftovers into something that feels intentional and satisfying.
  • The cranberry spread adds just enough sweetness to balance the sharpness of the cheddar without overwhelming the smoky turkey.
  • It comes together in under twenty minutes, which means you can make it on a weeknight without any stress.
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 cleanly and evenly, cold butter tears the bread and creates uneven browning.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and encourages even contact with the pan.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan for even heat distribution and better browning.
  • If the cheese isn't melting fast enough, cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to trap the heat.
  • A smear of cream cheese mixed into the cranberry spread adds richness and helps it stick to the bread.
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