What to Put in a Turkey Sandwich: 25 Delicious Ideas to Take Your Lunch From Bland to Grand

A turkey sandwich is a classic lunchtime staple. With its simple combination of sliced turkey cheese, lettuce, and mayo on bread, it’s easy to throw together but can also get boring fast. If you feel like your standard turkey sandwich needs an upgrade you’ve come to the right place!

In this article we’ll explore 25 delicious ingredients to mix up your turkey sandwich and take it from bland to grand. From sweet to savory spicy to crunchy, we’ve got you covered with ideas to make your turkey sandwich crave-worthy again. Let’s get started!

Classic Turkey Sandwich Ingredients

First let’s go over some of the classic turkey sandwich ingredients

• Sliced turkey – Oven roasted deli-style turkey is best. Get it shaved thin for more flavor in every bite.

• Bread – Whole wheat, white, croissants, rolls, bagels, flatbread. Pick your favorite.

• Cheese – Cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, provolone, etc. Cheese adds creaminess.

• Lettuce – Crisp lettuce provides crunch. Romaine, iceberg, leaf lettuce all work.

• Tomato – Sliced tomato gives you that fresh juicy bite.

• Condiments – Mayo, mustard, cranberry sauce, ranch, etc. Spread on lightly.

• Salt and pepper – Season to taste.

These traditional ingredients make a tasty sandwich but don’t have to be all you include. Now let’s look at ways to jazz it up!

Mix It Up: 25 Turkey Sandwich Topping Ideas

1. Avocado – Creamy, fresh avocado slices or mashed avocado make a delicious addition.

2. Bacon – Crispy, salty bacon pairs perfectly with turkey.

3. Pesto – Basil pesto sauce spreads on the bread kicks up the flavor.

4. Hummus – For a lighter sandwich, hummus makes a healthy, protein-packed sub for mayo.

5. Guacamole – Adding homemade or store-bought guac is an easy way to add creaminess.

6. Salsa – For a spicy twist, try topping with your favorite salsa.

7. Sauerkraut – Tangy, fermented sauerkraut provides probiotics and crunch.

8. Spinach – Fresh baby spinach gives you nutrients without overpowering.

9. Sprouts – Alfalfa or bean sprouts add texture and a nutty, earthy flavor.

10. Cucumber – Thinly sliced cukes taste cool and crisp.

11. Bell peppers – Red, yellow or orange roasted peppers lend a subtle sweetness.

12. Pickles – Dill pickles, bread & butter pickles, etc. lend that signature tart, briny flavor.

13. Onion – Sliced red onion gives a bite that’s nicely pungent without being overpowering.

14. Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms offer a meaty, umami richness.

15. Egg – A sliced hard-boiled egg or fried egg turns your sandwich into a protein powerhouse.

16. Olive or sun-dried tomato tapenade – Tapenades made of olives or sun-dried tomatoes offer bold, intense flavor.

17. Cranberry sauce – Tart, sweet cranberry sauce is a seasonal treat.

18. Coleslaw – Creamy coleslaw offers color, crunch and tang.

19. Pepperoncini – Pickled pepperoncini peppers bring mild heat and crunch.

20. Pepper jack cheese – For a kick, use spicy pepper jack instead of mild cheddar or Swiss.

21. Hot sauce – Add a few shakes or drizzles of your favorite hot sauce.

22. Jalapeño – If you like heat, sliced or diced jalapeños can spice up your sandwich.

23. Apple – Sliced apple with turkey is an underrated but delicious combination. The sweetness balances the savory.

24. Brie – Creamy brie cheese melted on turkey is a match made in heaven.

25. Pears – Similar to apple, ripe sliced pears pair wonderfully with turkey.

Tips for Building the Perfect Turkey Sandwich

Now that you’ve got a huge list of ingredients to work with, let’s go over some tips for constructing the perfect turkey sandwich:

• Use flavorful bread – Choose an artisan loaf or bakery roll over plain sandwich bread for more taste in every bite.

• Layer thoughtfully – Place wetter ingredients like tomato closer to the center so your bread doesn’t get soggy.

• Spread condiments evenly – A thin layer of mayo, mustard, etc. on each slice maximizes flavor in every bite instead of random globs.

• Season generously – Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, herbs, spices, etc. Seasonings really elevate the flavors.

• Mix textures – Combine soft, crunchy, creamy, juicy ingredients for mouthwatering contrasts.

• Add cheese and/or meat – Cheese adds richness while extra meats like salami or ham make it more hearty.

• Don’t overstuff – You want a balanced sandwich you can actually bite into, not a messy mountain.

• Chill before eating – Letting the constructed sandwich chill for 10-30 minutes allows flavors to meld.

• Cut in half – Halved sandwiches are just easier to eat neatly than whole.

• Get creative with combinations! – Use your favorite ingredients from the list to find unexpectedly delicious pairings.

With the ideas in this article, you have all the tools to take your standard turkey sandwich from blah to bodacious. Try out new toppings and combinations until you create your go-to, craveable turkey sandwich masterpiece. A little creativity and these simple tips are all you need to transform this classic into a lunchtime favorite again. So get out your bread, turkey, and toppings and start mixing up the most mouthwatering turkey sandwich you’ve ever tasted!