Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

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

# How To Make It:

01 - Combine cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, stirring until evenly mixed.
02 - Arrange bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread softened butter thinly on one side of each slice, then place buttered sides down.
03 - Spread cranberry mixture evenly across the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Distribute smoked turkey and sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cranberry spread on both slices.
05 - Top each prepared slice with a remaining bread slice, ensuring the buttered side faces outward.
06 - Set a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow it to preheat for 1-2 minutes.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown color and cheese fully melts.
08 - Transfer sandwiches to a plate and allow 1 minute resting time. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It takes the leftovers you're tired of and turns them into something you actually crave.
  • The cranberry and mustard cut through the richness in a way that feels both comforting and a little fancy.
  • You can make it on a weeknight without thinking too hard, and it still tastes like you tried.
  • It uses ingredients you probably already have sitting in your fridge after the holidays.
02 -
  • If your skillet is too hot, the bread will toast before the cheese melts, leaving you with a crunchy shell and cold center.
  • Softening the butter first is not optional, cold butter tears the bread and doesn't spread evenly.
  • Don't overload the sandwich with turkey or it won't stick together and the cranberry gets lost.
03 -
  • Press gently with your spatula while grilling to help the cheese melt evenly without squishing out all the filling.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after grilling so the cheese firms up just enough to hold together when you slice it.
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