These turkey cheddar grilled cheeses are little heart-shaped, golden and crispy sandwiches filled with melty cheddar and savory turkey. Bread gets buttered (or mayo’d), cut into fun shapes with cookie cutters, stuffed with turkey and cheese and griddled until melty. This turkey grilled cheese is the cutest lunch for Valentine’s Day or any day.

Want a grown-up version? Try my Turkey Club Melt Sandwich.

Why You’ll Love These Turkey Grilled Cheeses

Only 4 ingredients.
Fun shapes kids love.
Golden, crispy and melty.
Ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients for Turkey Cheddar Grilled Cheeses

The Sandwiches

Your favorite bread, deli turkey, cheddar cheese slices or shredded cheddar, and butter or mayo for the outside.

Swap note: Use gluten-free bread for gluten free. Swap turkey for ham or skip it for classic grilled cheese.

How to Make Turkey Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Butter the bread

Butter or mayo the outside of each slice of bread.

Step 2: Cut the shapes

Use a cookie cutter to cut the bread into shapes, and a slightly smaller cutter for the cheese and turkey.

Step 3: Assemble

Layer cheddar and turkey between the bread slices and pinch the edges to seal.

Step 4: Cook

Cook in a skillet over medium-low heat until golden and crispy, flipping once, until the cheese melts.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Use a nonstick skillet so nothing sticks.
Cut cheese smaller so it does not ooze out the sides.
Medium-low heat melts the cheese before the bread burns.
Season the butter with garlic powder or herbs.

Make It Your Own

Ham and Swiss: Use ham and Swiss.
Holiday shapes: Use any cookie cutter for different holidays.
Tomato soup: Serve with tomato soup for dipping.
Mozzarella: Use mozzarella for a stretchier melt.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Cut the shapes up to 1 day ahead and store wrapped. Cook right before serving.

What to Serve With Turkey Grilled Cheese

Serve with Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, fresh fruit or veggie sticks.

Storing and Reheating

Grilled cheese is best eaten right away.

Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to re-crisp.

What People Ask About Turkey Grilled Cheese

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes. Any melty cheese like mozzarella or American works.

What do I do with the bread scraps?

Make croutons or breadcrumbs.

Mayo or butter on grilled cheese?

Both work; mayo gets extra crispy.

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 370°F for 4 to 5 minutes per side.