Turkey Melt with Cheddar

This turkey melt sandwich transforms simple ingredients into the perfect comfort food for chilly afternoons. The combination of melty cheese, savory turkey, and crispy bacon creates a sandwich that feels like a warm hug with every bite.

I first created this sandwich during a particularly cold autumn weekend when my family needed something hearty but quick. Now it's requested whenever the temperature drops below 60 degrees and has become our go to lunch alongside a bowl of tomato soup.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread: Ideally fresh from a local bakery with a crusty exterior and chewy interior
• Honey mustard: Adds a perfect sweet tangy kick that elevates all the savory flavors
• White cheddar cheese: Use a quality block and slice it yourself for superior melt and flavor
• Deli turkey: Fresh sliced from the deli counter rather than prepackaged for better taste and texture
• Tomato slices: Adds juiciness and freshness to balance the rich components
• Baby spinach: Provides a nutritional boost and slight peppery contrast to the creamy cheese
• Cooked bacon: Brings essential saltiness and irresistible crunch to every bite
• Butter: Softened to room temperature for easy spreading and golden toasting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Assemble the Base:

Lay out your sourdough slices on a flat surface and spread honey mustard evenly across each slice. This thin layer of sweet tanginess creates the foundation for all flavors to come. Be sure to spread it edge to edge for flavor in every bite.

Layer the Proteins and Vegetables:

Start with cheese on each bread slice then add turkey to half the slices. The turkey should be folded rather than laid flat to create pockets for the melted cheese to flow into. Next add tomato slices and a generous handful of baby spinach. The spinach will wilt slightly when heated creating a tender layer.

Add the Bacon and Close:

Place your perfectly cooked bacon strips on the remaining bread slices with cheese. When closing the sandwich ensure all components are tucked in neatly to prevent spillage during cooking. Press down gently to help the sandwich hold together.

Toast to Perfection:

Butter the exterior of both sides of the assembled sandwich using room temperature butter for even coverage. Heat your skillet to medium heat not too hot or the bread will burn before the cheese melts. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

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The honey mustard is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance completely by accident when I ran out of regular mustard one day. The slight sweetness it brings creates this incredible contrast with the salty bacon that makes everyone ask for the recipe after one bite.

Best Bread Options

The bread you choose makes a tremendous difference in the final sandwich. While the recipe calls for sourdough, there are several other excellent options. A hearty whole grain provides nutty flavor and extra fiber. For a more indulgent experience, try brioche for buttery richness that toasts beautifully. Even a good quality white sandwich bread works well if you prefer a softer texture. Whatever bread you choose, make sure it has enough structure to hold up to the fillings and butter during cooking.

Make Ahead Tips

These turkey melts can be partially prepared in advance for busy weeknights or quick lunches. Assemble the sandwiches completely except for the butter on the outside, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply butter the exterior and proceed with toasting. You can also cook bacon in large batches on weekends and store it in the refrigerator to make sandwich assembly quicker during the week. The precooked bacon crisps up nicely during the final toasting.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty sandwich pairs beautifully with several side dishes to create a complete meal. A classic tomato soup creates the quintessential comfort food pairing that feels nostalgic and satisfying. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the sandwich. In warmer months, a cold pasta salad with vegetables makes an excellent accompaniment. For casual entertaining, cut the sandwiches into quarters and serve as hearty appetizers alongside pickle spears and chips.

Healthier Variations

This satisfying sandwich can be adapted to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. For a lighter version, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and reduced fat cheese. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding sliced avocado, cucumber, or roasted red peppers. For a lower carb option, use a sprouted grain bread or a lettuce wrap instead of sourdough. The honey mustard can be replaced with a homemade version using Greek yogurt as the base for fewer calories and added protein.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of bread works best for this turkey melt?

Sourdough or any thick, crusty bread is ideal for this sandwich as it holds up well during toasting.

→ Can I use prepackaged cheese slices?

While possible, freshly sliced cheddar or a block of cheese offers better taste and texture for this recipe.

→ How can I make this sandwich dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and butter to make the turkey melt suitable for a dairy-free diet.

→ What sides go well with a turkey melt?

A warm bowl of soup, a fresh green salad, or even crunchy potato chips are great accompaniments to this sandwich.

→ How do I prevent the bread from becoming soggy?

To avoid sogginess, use fresh, firm bread and ensure the skillet isn’t too hot to allow even toasting.