Craving a warm, cheesy sandwich that’s both satisfying and quick to make? Look no further than the classic turkey melt sandwich! Whether you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal or deli slices in your fridge, this easy recipe delivers a gooey, golden-brown treat in minutes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect turkey melt sandwich at home, plus tips for customizing it to your tastes.
Contents
What Is a Turkey Melt Sandwich?
A turkey melt sandwich is a delicious hot sandwich featuring sliced turkey, melted cheese, and your favorite bread, all grilled or toasted until perfectly golden. It’s like a grilled cheese taken up a notch—savory, melty, and loaded with flavor. Turkey melts are endlessly customizable and make an excellent lunch, dinner, or hearty snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bread: Sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or your favorite sandwich bread.
- Turkey: Sliced deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey.
- Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.
- Butter or Mayo: For spreading on the outside of the bread for a crispy, golden finish.
- Optional Add-Ins: Tomato slices, bacon, sautéed onions, spinach, avocado, mustard, or cranberry sauce.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Turkey Melt Sandwich
- Prep Your Ingredients: Lay out your bread slices. Butter one side of each slice (or use mayo for extra flavor). Arrange your turkey and cheese. If using add-ins like tomato or bacon, prep those now.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place one slice of bread butter-side down on a skillet or griddle. Layer on turkey slices and cheese. Add any extra toppings you like. Top with the second bread slice, butter-side up.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat your skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwich until the bottom is golden brown (about 3-4 minutes), then carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before slicing. Enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Turkey Melt
- Choose a Melty Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss are classics, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or gouda.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Try a swipe of Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of black pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce inside your sandwich.
- Crispy Bread: Butter (or mayo) on the outside of the bread makes for that irresistible golden crunch.
- Don’t Overstuff: Too much filling can make flipping tricky and keep the cheese from melting evenly.
- Low & Slow: Cook over medium to medium-low heat to let the cheese melt before the bread gets too dark.
Turkey Melt Variations
- Bacon Turkey Melt: Add cooked bacon strips for extra flavor and crunch.
- Turkey Cranberry Melt: Spread a thin layer of cranberry sauce inside for a sweet-tart twist—perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers!
- Spicy Turkey Melt: Use pepper jack cheese and add sliced jalapeños for some heat.
- Veggie Turkey Melt: Pile on spinach leaves, tomatoes, or sautéed onions for extra nutrition and taste.
- Pesto Turkey Melt: Spread pesto on the inside of the bread before assembling for an herby kick.
Serving Suggestions
A turkey melt pairs beautifully with classic sides like potato chips, French fries, or a crisp green salad. For something lighter, serve with tomato soup or a bowl of fresh fruit. This sandwich is also great for lunchboxes—just wrap in foil to keep it warm!
How to Store & Reheat
- Storing Leftovers: Wrap any leftover turkey melts in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the bread.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
The nutritional content will vary depending on your ingredients and portion size. On average, one turkey melt sandwich contains:
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 20-30g
- Total Fat: 15-25g
- Sodium: Varies by cheese and deli meat used
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use leftover turkey from Thanksgiving?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted turkey works perfectly in this sandwich. Just slice it thinly so it heats through easily.
What’s the best cheese for a turkey melt?
Swiss and cheddar are favorites because they melt well and complement turkey’s mild flavor. Provolone and mozzarella are also great options.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can prep the sandwiches in advance and store them (ungrilled) in the fridge for up to a day. Grill just before serving for best results.
I don’t have butter—can I use something else?
Yes! Mayonnaise is a popular alternative that adds flavor and helps crisp up the bread nicely.
How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?
Use sturdy bread and avoid overloading with moist ingredients. If adding tomatoes or pickles, pat them dry first.
Final Thoughts
The turkey melt sandwich is a timeless comfort food that’s easy to customize for your family’s tastes. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity, you can whip up a hot, cheesy meal any day of the week. Try out different breads, cheeses, and toppings until you find your favorite combo!