Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese (Printer Friendly)

Savory smoked turkey, sharp cheddar, and cranberry spread melted between golden toasted bread slices.

# 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

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns Thanksgiving leftovers into something you actually crave year-round.
  • The cranberry spread adds a sweet-tangy surprise that makes every bite interesting.
  • You get crispy, buttery bread and gooey melted cheese in under 20 minutes.
  • It's hearty enough to feel like a real meal but light enough that you won't feel weighed down.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter, cold butter will tear your bread and won't spread evenly.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, too high and the outside burns before the cheese melts.
  • Press gently with the spatula while grilling to help the layers stick together and the cheese melt faster.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the best golden crust.
  • If your cranberry sauce is too thick, stir in a tiny splash of water to make it spreadable.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid for the last minute of cooking to help the cheese melt faster without burning the bread.
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