Smoked Salmon Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden bread layered with creamy cheese, smoked salmon, and fresh dill for a delicious treat.

# 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

# Directions:

01 - Combine softened cream cheese with finely chopped dill. Incorporate capers or red onion if desired.
02 - Arrange bread slices and spread softened butter evenly over one side of each.
03 - Spread the cream cheese and herb mixture onto the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
04 - Distribute smoked salmon evenly over the cream cheese layer, then sprinkle shredded cheese and freshly ground black pepper atop.
05 - Cap with remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face outward.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Grill each sandwich for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing lightly, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
07 - Allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute. Slice and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes restaurant-quality but comes together faster than deciding what to order for delivery.
  • The silky smoked salmon and creamy cheese melt into the warm bread in a way that feels indulgent without being heavy.
  • You can make it as simple or fancy as you want—add capers and red onion, or keep it pure and minimal.
02 -
  • Don't skip softening the butter and cream cheese—cold ingredients will tear your bread and won't spread evenly, leaving dry patches.
  • Medium heat is your friend here; high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts inside, so resist the urge to rush it.
  • Pat the smoked salmon dry with a paper towel before layering it—excess moisture can make the sandwich soggy and sad.
03 -
  • Make your cream cheese mixture ahead of time—it keeps in the fridge for a few days and means assembly is even faster when hunger strikes.
  • Use a spatula with confidence when flipping; a gentle but decisive motion keeps the bread intact and prevents that anxious moment where you think everything's going to fall apart.
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