Some sandwiches are good, and then some sandwiches are next-level amazingโthe kind that make you stop mid-bite just to appreciate how ridiculously good they are. The Turkey Melt is exactly that.
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Imagine layers of tender turkey, gooey melted cheese, and crispy toasted bread, all brought together with just the right amount of buttery crunch. Itโs the perfect balance of textures and flavorsโsavory, melty, and completely satisfying. Whether youโre looking for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or the ultimate late-night snack, this one is always a winner.
Trust me, once you make this, youโll never look at a plain turkey sandwich the same way again!
Why Youโll Love Turkey Melt
Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Comforting & Satisfying: Melty cheese, crispy bread, and savory turkeyโitโs everything you want in a grilled sandwich.
Versatile: Use your favorite bread, cheese, or add-ins to make it your own.
Great for Leftovers: Got leftover turkey from a holiday meal? This is the best way to turn it into something delicious.
Perfectly Crispy: That golden, buttery crunch on the outside is a total game-changer.
Ingredients in Turkey Melt
The magic of this sandwich comes from simple, high-quality ingredients:
Turkey Slices: The star of the showโuse deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey.
Cheese: Melty, gooey cheese is key! Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or even a mix works perfectly.
Bread: Sourdough, rye, or classic white bread all work beautifully. Choose a sturdy bread for the best crunch.
Butter: For that golden, crispy crust. Mayo is a great alternative for extra flavor!
Mustard or Mayo (Optional): Adds a little tang or creaminess to complement the turkey and cheese.
Extras (Optional): Crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or sliced tomatoes can take this to the next level.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Prep Your Bread
Spread butter (or mayo) on one side of each bread slice. This ensures a crispy, golden-brown crust when grilled.
Assemble the Sandwich
Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet. Layer with cheese, turkey, and any extras. Top with another slice of cheese and the second bread slice, butter-side up.
Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for 3โ4 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip carefully and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Slice & Serve
Let it cool for a minute before slicingโthis helps the cheese set. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, crispy bite!
How to Serve Turkey Melt
- With Soup: A bowl of tomato soup makes this the ultimate comfort meal.
- With a Side Salad: Light and fresh greens balance the richness of the sandwich.
- With Chips or Fries: Because who doesnโt love a good crunch on the side?
- With Pickles: That tangy contrast is chefโs kiss!
- As a Breakfast Sandwich: Add a fried egg for a morning twist.
Additional Tips
Use Good Cheese: The meltier, the better! Gruyรจre, Havarti, or Monterey Jack are great choices.
Low Heat is Key: Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts fully before the bread gets too crispy.
Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce, jalapeรฑos, or pepper jack cheese.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat in a pan or air fryer to crisp it back up.
Make it a Panini: If you have a panini press, use it for an even crispier texture!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use leftover Thanksgiving turkey?
A1: Absolutely! This is a fantastic way to use up leftover roasted turkey.
Q2: Whatโs the best bread for a Turkey Melt?
A2: Sourdough and rye give great crunch and flavor, but any sturdy bread works!
Q3: Can I make this in the oven?
A3: Yes! Assemble the sandwich and bake at 375ยฐF for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q4: Whatโs the best cheese for this?
A4: Swiss is classic, but cheddar, provolone, or Havarti are all amazing options.
Q5: Can I add bacon?
A5: Yes! Crispy bacon takes this sandwich to another level.
Q6: How do I keep my sandwich from getting soggy?
A6: Toasting the bread lightly before assembling helps prevent sogginess.
Q7: Can I use a panini press?
A7: Absolutely! A panini press makes the sandwich extra crispy and evenly melted.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and a butter alternative for a delicious dairy-free version.
Q9: Can I meal prep these?
A9: You can assemble them ahead of time and grill when ready for the freshest taste.
Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to keep the bread crispyโavoid the microwave if possible.
Final Thoughts
A Turkey Melt is more than just a sandwichโitโs comfort food at its finest. With buttery toasted bread, melty cheese, and savory turkey, every bite is pure satisfaction. Whether you make it for lunch, dinner, or a midnight snack, itโs guaranteed to hit the spot.
PrintTurkey Melt
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Turkey Melt is a warm, cheesy, and comforting sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with turkey, provolone, cheddar, and fresh toppings, itโs an easy way to use up leftover turkey or deli slices!
Ingredients
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1/2 lb sliced turkey deli meat
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4 slices sandwich bread (sourdough recommended)
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1 tbsp salted butter, softened
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4 slices provolone cheese
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4 slices medium cheddar cheese
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1 1/2 roma tomato, sliced
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2-3 pickle spears, sliced
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2 tsp mayonnaise
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
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Prep the Bread:
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Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
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On the unbuttered side, spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
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Assemble the Sandwich:
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Place one slice of bread butter-side down in a large skillet.
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Layer in this order:
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1 slice provolone
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1 slice cheddar
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Turkey slices
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Tomato and pickles
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Remaining cheese slices
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Top bread slice (butter-side up)
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Cook the Sandwich:
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Heat a skillet over medium heat.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
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Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the other side is toasted.
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Melt & Serve:
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Remove from heat and cover for 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt fully.
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Slice and serve warm.
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Notes
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Swap the cheese: Try Swiss or mozzarella for a different flavor.
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Add crunch: Use lettuce or crispy bacon.
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Make it spicy: Spread a thin layer of sriracha mayo instead of Dijon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 467
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg