Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Silky smoked salmon, creamy cheese, fresh dill layered between golden crisp bread slices.

# What You'll 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese with chopped dill; incorporate capers or red onion if desired.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
03 - Spread cream cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Top the cream cheese with smoked salmon, then sprinkle shredded cheese and black pepper evenly.
05 - Place remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing out.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and grill sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Let sandwiches rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It tastes like you spent way more time and effort than you actually did.
  • The dill and cream cheese combination is so good you'll find yourself wanting it on everything.
  • It's one of those meals that works for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner without apology.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend here—too high and the bread blackens while the cheese inside stays cold, a lesson I learned the hard way.
  • Softening the butter and cream cheese first saves you from wrestling with cold ingredients and making your sandwich lumpy and unevenly spread.
03 -
  • Pat your smoked salmon dry with a paper towel before layering to avoid excess moisture that can make the bread soggy.
  • Preheat your skillet for a full minute before adding the sandwich so the butter sizzles immediately and creates that crucial golden crust.
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