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Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Why settle for a basic grilled cheese when you can elevate it with smoked turkey, crisp green apple, and flavorful garlic cheese? This Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese takes things to the next level, especially when made with buttery sourdough bread. It’s a delightful twist on the classic sandwich that’s sure to become a favorite.

Two halves of a Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a slate plate.

The combination of tart green apple with savory smoked turkey and rich, garlicky cheese makes this sandwich stand out. The fresh bite of the apple adds a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, melted cheese, all between crispy, golden sourdough slices. It’s the perfect upgrade to your usual grilled cheese.

I love this recipe because it’s quick and easy to make but packed with flavor. Whether it’s for a fast lunch or a fun dinner twist, this Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese always delivers!

A close-up of a sliced Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a plate.

Ingredients

  • Sourdough bread
  • Butter
  • Smoked turkey – Deli sliced or air fry a turkey breast and slice it for sandwiches.
  • Garlic Manchego cheese – Sliced; or use a good, sharp cheddar.
  • Mozzarella – Or Monterey Jack cheese; shredded.
  • Green apple – Sliced thinly.
  • Apple chutney – Or jelly.
Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese ingredients with labels.

How to Make Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

  1. Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. The butter will help create that crispy, golden crust we all love.
  2. Assemble the sandwiches by placing the buttered side of the bread down on a clean surface. Layer slices of smoked turkey, garlic manchego, shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack, and thinly sliced green apple on four slices of bread. Spread a small amount of apple chutney or jelly on the inside of the remaining slices.
  3. Close the sandwiches by placing the chutney-spread slices of bread on top of the turkey and cheese layers, with the buttered sides facing out.
  4. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You don’t want the heat too high, as the bread can burn before the cheese melts.
  5. Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. If your cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help trap in the heat.
  6. Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and enjoy!

Step-By-Step Process

Cheese Suggestions:

If garlic Manchego is hard to find, feel free to use:

  • Sharp cheddar
  • Applewood smoked cheddar
  • Aged gouda
  • Pepper Jack

Chef Jenn’s Tips:

  • Butter the bread instead of adding oil to the pan for the best crust.
  • If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, lower the heat and cover the skillet.
  • Add a cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
  • Slice the apple thinly using a mandoline to prevent overpowering the sandwich.

Recommended

Make It a Meal

This sandwich is hearty on its own, but it pairs well with a simple salad or a cup of tomato soup. For a lighter option, serve with a handful of crispy chips.

Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese are placed on a black rectangular plate.

Storage:

Wrap leftover sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep the bread crispy. If you’re meal-prepping, assemble the sandwiches but don’t grill them. Wrap and freeze for later use—just thaw in the fridge overnight and cook when ready.

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Two halves of a Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese on a slate plate.
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Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese

Enjoy a flavorful twist on the classic with smoked turkey, green apple, and garlic cheese on buttery sourdough. This Turkey & Apple Grilled Cheese is perfect for a quick, delicious meal!
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Fall grilled cheese, Gourmet sandwich, Grilled cheese sandwich, Turkey apple sandwich
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 908kcal
Author Chef Jenn

Ingredients

  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¾ pound sliced smoked turkey deli-style
  • ½ pound garlic Manchego cheese sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese; shredded
  • 1 green apple thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup apple chutney or jelly

Instructions

  • Spread butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. The butter will help create that crispy, golden crust we all love.
  • Assemble the sandwiches by placing the buttered side of the bread down on a clean surface. Layer slices of smoked turkey, garlic manchego, shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack, and thinly sliced green apple on four slices of bread. Spread a small amount of apple chutney or jelly on the inside of the remaining slices.
  • Close the sandwiches by placing the chutney-spread slices of bread on top of the turkey and cheese layers, with the buttered sides facing out.
  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. You don’t want the heat too high, as the bread can burn before the cheese melts.
  • Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. If your cheese isn’t melting fast enough, you can cover the skillet with a lid to help trap in the heat.
  • Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn’s Tips:

  • Butter the bread instead of adding oil to the pan for the best crust.
  • If the cheese isn’t melting fast enough, lower the heat and cover the skillet.
  • Add a cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra meltiness.
  • Slice the apple thinly using a mandoline to prevent overpowering the sandwich.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 908kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 144mg | Sodium: 2065mg | Potassium: 544mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 786IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 766mg | Iron: 6mg

A Note on Nutritional Information

Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.

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