You know that feeling when lunchtime rolls around and a cold salad just won’t cut it? You want something warm. You want something cheesy. You want a meal that feels like a hug. That is exactly where this Turkey Sandwich comes into play. It is not just meat between two slices of bread. It is a warm and toasty experience that turns a boring weekday lunch into something special.
We are taking the classic concept of a Turkey Sandwich and elevating it. We use thick grilled sourdough and plenty of melted cheese. The secret weapon here is the turkey bacon. It adds that necessary savory crunch without the heaviness of pork bacon. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket. First of all, it is incredibly fast. We know you are busy. You might be juggling work calls or managing a busy household. You do not have time for complicated Hot Turkey Sandwich Recipes that require a degree in culinary arts. This recipe is straightforward. You get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Another reason is the texture. The sourdough bread gets grilled until it is perfectly golden brown. When you bite into it, you get that satisfying crunch followed by the soft and pillowy interior of the bread. Then you hit the creamy layer of melted American Swiss cheese. It is a texture lover’s dream come true.
This is also a great way to use up leftovers. If you have some roasted turkey breast from a previous dinner, this Turkey Sandwich gives it a second life. It transforms cold leftovers into a hot and fresh meal. Plus, by swapping traditional bacon for hickory smoked turkey bacon, you get a lighter option that still packs a massive punch of smoky flavor.
Finally, it is just pure comfort. There is something nostalgic about a hot melt. It reminds us of diner food or something our parents might have made on a rainy Saturday. It is simple, honest food that tastes amazing. You do not need fancy equipment or hard to find ingredients. You just need a pan and an appetite.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Turkey And Cheese Sandwich lies in the quality of the ingredients. Since there are only a few components, each one plays a huge role in the final flavor profile.
- Locally baked delicious grilled sourdough bread: The tang of sourdough cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- Sliced oven roasted turkey breast: Use high quality deli slices or leftover roasted turkey for the best texture.
- Freshly sliced tomato: This adds a burst of freshness and moisture to balance the melt.
- Mayonnaise: This acts as a creamy binder and adds a little tang.
- American Swiss cheese: We love this for its superior melting ability and mild flavor.
- Thick hickory smoked turkey bacon: This provides the smoky and salty element that makes the sandwich sing.
You might notice we chose turkey bacon here. It is a fantastic alternative that crisps up beautifully. The hickory smoke flavor really shines through and pairs wonderfully with the roasted turkey breast. It keeps the theme consistent while delivering that crave worthy crunch.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this Turkey Melt Sandwich is as easy as it gets. However, following the specific order of operations ensures that everything is hot and the cheese is fully melted. Here is how to do it.
Step 1: Prepare The Bread
Start by getting your griddle or frying pan hot. You want a medium heat. Take your slices of locally baked sourdough bread and grill them until they are golden brown. This step is crucial. Grilling the bread first ensures that the inside of your sandwich has a nice texture and isn’t soggy. It creates a sturdy base for all those delicious fillings.
Step 2: Layer The Base Ingredients
Once your bread is grilled to your liking, take one slice and lay it flat. This will be your bottom piece. Layer on the sliced oven roasted turkey breast. Be generous here. Fold the slices if you need to so they fit nicely. Next, add the freshly sliced tomato on top of the turkey. Finally, spread a nice layer of mayonnaise over the tomato or the turkey. This adds creaminess to every bite.
Step 3: Add The Cheese And Bacon
Now comes the best part. Place a slice of American Swiss cheese on top of the stack. The cheese acts as the glue that holds everything together once it melts. Top the cheese with the thick hickory smoked turkey bacon. Placing the bacon near the cheese helps it stay in place as the cheese softens.
Step 4: Close The Sandwich
Take the second slice of grilled sourdough and place it on top to close the sandwich. Press down gently with your hand or a spatula. You want to compress the ingredients slightly so they bond together during the heating process. At this point, you already have a beautiful looking Turkey Sandwich, but we are not done yet.
Step 5: Heat The Melt
Place the entire assembled sandwich back onto the griddle or into your pan. Heat the melt until the American Swiss cheese is thoroughly melted. You want the heat to penetrate all the way through so the turkey and tomatoes are warmed up. This creates a decadent melting experience. The bread should be extra crispy and the inside should be gooey and warm. Serve immediately.
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, this Turkey Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh right out of the pan. The crunch of the sourdough is at its peak when it is hot. However, if you only manage to eat half, you can save it for later. Wrap the leftover portion tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for about one day.
When you are ready to eat it again, do not use the microwave. The microwave will make the bread soggy and tough. Instead, reheat it in a skillet over low heat or pop it into a toaster oven or air fryer. This will help crisp the bread back up and remelt the cheese. Just keep an eye on it so the bread does not burn before the inside gets warm.
Tips
We want your Turkey Sandwich to be perfect every time. Here are a few tips to help you get that restaurant quality result at home.
First, make sure your turkey bacon is cooked before you assemble the sandwich. The heating step at the end is just to melt the cheese, not to cook the raw bacon. You can precook a batch of turkey bacon and keep it in the fridge for easy assembly during the week.
If you find that your bread is browning too fast before the cheese melts, lower the heat. Low and slow is often the secret to a great melt. You can also cover the pan with a lid for a minute or two. The steam will help melt the cheese faster without burning the bottom of the bread.
For the bread, slice it thick but not too thick. If the sourdough is too thick, it becomes hard to bite through. If it is too thin, it might get soggy from the tomato and mayo. A medium slice is just right.
Lastly, ensure your cheese is at room temperature if possible. Cold cheese takes longer to melt. If you pull the cheese out of the fridge five minutes before cooking, it will melt much more evenly.
Conclusion
There you have it. A simple yet incredibly satisfying Turkey Sandwich that hits all the right notes. It is crispy, creamy, savory, and warm. It proves that you do not need a long list of ingredients to make something delicious. The combination of sourdough, turkey, and that smoky turkey bacon is a winner every time.
Next time you are staring at the fridge wondering what to make for lunch, remember this recipe. It is faster than ordering takeout and tastes so much better. Grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy the ultimate Turkey Melt Sandwich right in your own kitchen.
FAQ
We know you might have some questions about swapping ingredients or techniques. Here are some answers to help you out.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?
Absolutely. While we love American Swiss for its melting factor, you can use whatever you have on hand. Cheddar, Provolone, or even Pepper Jack for a spicy kick would all work great on this Turkey Sandwich.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, it is not because of the sourdough bread. However, you can easily make it gluten free by using your favorite gluten free bread. Just be sure to handle it carefully as gluten free bread can sometimes be more fragile.
Can I Make This Without A Pan?
If you have a panini press, that works perfectly for this recipe. You can also assemble the sandwich and bake it in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.
What If I Do Not Like Mayo?
No problem at all. You can swap the mayonnaise for mustard, pesto, or even a garlic aioli. You can also leave it out entirely if you prefer a drier sandwich, though the sauce adds a nice richness.
Warm and Toasty Turkey Melt Sandwich
This warm and toasty Turkey Melt Sandwich turns a boring weekday lunch into something special. With thick grilled sourdough, plenty of melted cheese, and savory turkey bacon, it’s a fast, no-fuss meal that’s pure comfort.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat a griddle or frying pan to medium heat. Grill the slices of sourdough bread until golden brown on one side.
- Take one slice of grilled bread and layer it with the oven roasted turkey breast and sliced tomato. Spread mayonnaise over the tomato.
- Place the American Swiss cheese on top of the stack, followed by the cooked hickory smoked turkey bacon.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice of grilled sourdough, pressing down gently with a spatula.
- Place the assembled sandwich back on the griddle or pan. Heat until the cheese is thoroughly melted and the inside is warm. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure your turkey bacon is cooked before you assemble the sandwich. The final heating step is for melting, not cooking raw bacon.
If your bread browns too fast, lower the heat. You can also cover the pan with a lid for a minute to help the cheese melt faster.
For the best melt, let your cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before using. It will melt more evenly.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
