Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Savory smoked turkey and sharp cheddar melted with cranberry spread on golden toasted bread. A delicious 18-minute sandwich.

# What You'll 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, mixing until well incorporated.
02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread a thin layer of butter on one side of each slice. Place buttered sides down on work surface.
03 - Spread cranberry mixture evenly on two bread slices on their unbuttered sides.
04 - Distribute smoked turkey slices and cheddar cheese over the cranberry spread on both bread slices.
05 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered sides facing outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until evenly warmed.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with spatula, until bread achieves golden brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Remove sandwiches from pan and allow to rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something you actually crave instead of tolerate.
  • The cranberry and mustard add just enough brightness to balance the richness of melted cheese.
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes like you put in real effort.
  • You can make it with pantry staples and whatever bread you have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't rush the heat, medium is your friend or the bread will char while the cheese stays cold.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich stick together and encourages even browning.
  • Let the sandwich rest before cutting or the filling will slide out and make a mess on your plate.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread a beautiful crust.
  • Shred your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded, it melts smoother and tastes fresher.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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