Smoked Turkey Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

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

# 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

# Steps:

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

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • It tastes like Thanksgiving without the stress or the cleanup.
  • The cranberry mustard spread cuts through the richness in a way that just works.
  • You can make it in less time than it takes to decide what to watch on TV.
  • It uses ingredients you probably already have after any holiday.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter or you'll tear the bread trying to spread it.
  • Medium heat is your friend, high heat will char the outside before the inside gets gooey.
  • Let the sandwich rest after grilling or the cheese will slide right out when you cut it.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives you an even crust.
  • Press the sandwich gently with the spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt faster.
  • If you're making more than two, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you grill the rest.
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