Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Print)

Savory smoked turkey and sharp cheddar melt with tangy cranberry spread on golden toasted bread.

# Ingredients:

→ Sandwich

01 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread, 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

# Instructions:

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 on your work surface.
03 - Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on two bread slices on their unbuttered sides.
04 - Arrange smoked turkey slices and cheddar cheese on top of the cranberry spread on both slices.
05 - Top each filled slice with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.
07 - Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread achieves golden brown color and the cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove from the pan and let rest for 1 minute before slicing diagonally. Serve while warm.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something you actually crave, not just tolerate.
  • The cranberry and mustard spread adds a sharp sweetness that keeps every bite interesting.
  • You can make it any Tuesday and feel like youre treating yourself to something special.
  • It cooks fast enough that you wont lose patience waiting for the cheese to melt.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will toast before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crunchy shell and cold center.
  • Softening the butter first makes all the difference, cold butter tears the bread and never spreads evenly.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and encourages even browning, but dont smash it flat.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the most consistent golden crust.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking, it makes slicing cleaner and keeps the cheese from sliding out.
  • If youre making more than two, keep the finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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