Go Back

15-Minute Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich

Kathleen R. Coffey
A classic grilled turkey and cheese sandwich made with melted cheese, deli turkey, and lightly buttered bread cooked to golden perfection.
Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins, this sandwich is a quick, nourishing option for lunch or dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches

Equipment

  • 1 Non-Stick Skillet
  • 1 Butter Knife
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • (Optional) Cheese Slicer or Grater

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices white bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 ounces cheese provolone, gouda, or cheddar recommended
  • 6 slices deli turkey

Optional add-ins: 4 slices cooked bacon, ½ avocado sliced, lettuce, tomato, cranberry sauce, ½ sliced apple

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Cooking Station: Before you begin, set up your workspace by gathering all your ingredients and tools.
    Place your non-stick skillet on the stove and set the heat to low-medium.
    Using a lower temperature is crucial because it allows the cheese to melt slowly without burning the bread, resulting in a perfectly golden, crispy crust and a warm, gooey interior.
  • Soften and Butter the Bread: Take the slices of white bread and leave the butter out at room temperature to soften.
    Using a butter knife, spread a generous layer of softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
    The buttered side will be the exterior that contacts the skillet, ensuring the bread toasts beautifully to a rich golden brown with a slightly crispy texture.
  • Heat the Skillet and Start Grilling Bread: Place the buttered side of two bread slices down onto the preheated skillet.
    Allow them to toast gently. You will want to listen for a gentle sizzle and watch for the bread edges turning golden.
    This process typically takes 2 to 3 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
    This initial step forms the perfect base for your sandwich.
  • Add Cheese to Each Slice: Once the bread is toasted on one side, carefully flip the slices and immediately place a slice of your chosen cheese on each piece.
    Cheese varieties like provolone, gouda, mozzarella, or cheddar work wonderfully as they melt well and complement the turkey without overpowering it.
  • Layer the Turkey and Optional Ingredients: On one slice of the bread, layer the six slices of deli turkey evenly over the melted cheese.
    If you want to include bacon, add the cooked bacon slices to the other bread slice atop the cheese. This separation helps keep the sandwich stable before assembly.
    For additional flavor and texture, you can add optional toppings such as slices of fresh tomato, lettuce, avocado, cranberry sauce, or apple on top of the turkey.
  • Assemble the Sandwich: Gently bring the two slices of bread together, buttered sides facing outward, to form the sandwich.
    Press lightly to ensure the ingredients stick together and the cheese melds all components into a cohesive bite.
  • Grill the Sandwich Until Golden and Melty: Carefully flip the entire sandwich onto the skillet so the buttered side of the other slice now contacts the pan.
    Use a spatula to press the sandwich gently and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for melting the cheese thoroughly and crisping the second side of the bread.
    Watch closely and adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
  • Rest and Slice: Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
    Allow it to rest for about one minute. This short rest time lets the cheese set slightly, making the sandwich easier to slice and eat without spilling the fillings.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich diagonally or straight down the middle, depending on your preference.
    Serve immediately while warm. This sandwich pairs wonderfully with a crisp salad, pickles, or your favorite chips for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Use softened butter for easy spreading and even browning on the bread’s exterior.
  • Cook the sandwich on low to medium heat; high heat risks burning the bread before the cheese melts.
  • Thinly sliced turkey works best for layering without overwhelming the sandwich structure.
  • Choose cheeses that melt smoothly, such as provolone, gouda, or mozzarella, to get that perfect gooey texture.
  • Feel free to customize with optional ingredients like bacon, avocado, or cranberry sauce to add complexity and freshness.