Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden, crisp sandwich layered with smoked salmon, creamy cheese, and fresh dill for a savory delight.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy & Cheese

01 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

→ Fish

03 - 4 oz smoked salmon, thinly sliced

→ Bread

04 - 4 slices hearty sandwich bread (sourdough or rye recommended)

→ Fresh Herbs

05 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped

→ Spreads & Oils

06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Additions

07 - 2 tbsp finely sliced red onion
08 - 1 tsp capers, drained
09 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - In a small bowl, combine cream cheese with chopped dill, adding capers or red onion if desired and mix well.
02 - Arrange bread slices and spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the unbuttered side of two bread slices. Top with smoked salmon, then sprinkle shredded cheese and black pepper.
04 - Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grill sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently until bread is golden brown and cheese melts.
06 - Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes like restaurant-quality lunch but comes together faster than ordering delivery.
  • The dill-cream cheese base is so simple yet transforms everything about what a grilled cheese can be.
  • It's fancy enough for guests but honest enough for a quiet meal alone.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable—too high and your bread burns before the cheese inside even thinks about melting.
  • Softened butter spreads evenly and browns better than cold butter, which tears at the bread.
03 -
  • Toast your bread slices first if you prefer extra crunch, though it's not necessary—the skillet does most of the work.
  • Don't skip letting it rest after grilling; that minute lets the cheese set enough to slice without oozing everywhere.
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