It’s Almost Time for Turkey Sandwiches!

The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting crisper, and pumpkin-flavored everything is popping up on menus – that can only mean one thing it’s almost time for turkey sandwiches! As a true turkey sandwich connoisseur this is absolutely my favorite time of year.

A Staple Sandwich for Every Season

While turkey sandwiches are practically synonymous with Thanksgiving, they shouldn’t be relegated to just one time of year. Turkey sandwiches are a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying sandwich option no matter what the season The versatility of the turkey sandwich is what makes it such a staple – you can customize it however you want!

In the spring and summer, go for fresh flavors by topping slices of roasted turkey breast with crispy lettuce, juicy tomato, peppery arugula, and tangy mayonnaise or aioli spread between two slices of toasted whole wheat bread or wrapped up in a spinach tortilla. Add some avocado slices or bacon for extra richness.

When autumn rolls around, take your turkey sandwiches to the next level by using leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving. Combine the tender turkey slices with cranberry sauce or chutney, peppery greens, Havarti or Gruyère cheese (that have some nice fall flavors), and a schmear of cranberry aioli on sliced wheat bread.

And don’t forget the ultimate winter turkey sandwich – the hot turkey sandwich! Made with thick slices of turkey, savory gravy, melted provolone or cheddar cheese between thick slices of Texas toast – this sandwich just screams cozy.

Perfect Any Time of Day

Turkey sandwiches aren’t just lunchtime fare – they can be eaten morning, noon, or night! For breakfast, try a turkey sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on an English muffin. The turkey sausage provides a savory, lean protein to balance the egg and cheese.

For dinner, go decadent with an open-faced turkey sandwich made with leftover Thanksgiving fixings. Pile slices of turkey over malted wheat bread with mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, chestnut stuffing, and cranberry sauce for an easy hot open-faced turkey dinner sandwich.

Or keep it simple with a classic turkey club sandwich in the evening. Lightly toast thick sourdough bread, spread with mayo, add layers of turkey, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and finish it off with a little avocado. Dinner never tasted so good!

Endless Ways to Customize

The best part about turkey sandwiches is that you can customize them however you want with different breads, turkey preparations, cheeses, toppings, and spreads. Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Oven-roasted turkey breast + Havarti + Roasted red peppers + Spinach + Pesto mayo on ciabatta
Smoked turkey + Pepper jack + Avocado + Tomato + Chipotle mayo on pretzel bread
Leftover Thanksgiving turkey + Provolone + Cranberry sauce + Arugula on wheat bread
Roasted turkey + Muenster + Sauerkraut + Russian dressing on rye bread
Sliced turkey + Cheddar + Sliced apple + Lettuce + Honey mustard on whole grain
Ground turkey patty + Swiss + Caramelized onions + Mushrooms + Spicy ketchup on a brioche bun

The options are endless! And don’t forget non-traditional “breads” like tortillas, croissants, and waffles which allow for even more interesting flavor combinations.

Quick, Easy, & Nutritious

Another reason why turkey sandwiches are so popular is that they come together quickly and easily using leftovers or deli meats. They require minimal prep and components, allowing you to customize them based on whatever you have on hand.

Turkey is also one of the leaner sandwich proteins, offering lots of protein with less saturated fat than meats like roast beef or salami. When combined with fiber-rich whole grain breads and ample veggies, a turkey sandwich can be quite nutritious.

Add some healthy fats like avocado or hummus and swap out mayo-based spreads for flavorful alternatives like pesto or chimichurri to make your turkey sandwich even more well-balanced.

Time for Turkey Sandwiches!

As you can see, turkey sandwiches really are the perfect sandwich for all seasons and occasions. They’re versatile, customizable, quick to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving a classic hot turkey sandwich dripping with gravy or a non-traditional turkey torta with avocado and peppers, there’s no wrong time to enjoy a turkey sandwich.

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to bust out my favorite fall turkey sandwich recipes. It’s almost time for cozy sweaters, boots, pumpkin picking, and most importantly – turkey sandwiches galore! What will your first turkey sandwich of the season be?

almost time for turkey sandwiches

Time for Turkey Sandwiches – The Sopranos

FAQ

Can you make turkey sandwiches the night before?

Ideally, you should aim to make your sandwiches as close to the day of your party as possible for the best flavor and freshness. I recommend making your sandwiches no more than 48hrs in advance for the best flavor come party time.

Can a turkey sandwich sit out for 4 hours?

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends the “2-Hour Rule” for any perishables left out at room temperature. If the food is left out in temperatures of 90°F or higher, then only one hour. After this time, the food becomes unsafe to eat, and you risk food poisoning.

How do you keep turkey sandwiches from getting soggy?

Use. Parchment paper checks all the boxes: It’s slightly porous and absorbs some moisture that other materials don’t. Be sure to employ the double-wrap technique: Wrap your sandwich in one layer, cut the sandwich in half through the parchment paper, and then wrap it again for extra security.

How many days is a turkey sandwich good for?

Whether you buy prepackaged lunch meat or ask for it freshly sliced from the deli counter, tuck it into the coldest part of your refrigerator as soon as you get home. It’s best to keep your fridge at 40° F to keep foods fresh as long as possible. Once open, lunchmeat should be eaten within five days.