After a few sweet recipes, Ive got something on the healthier side for you today. This Turkey Sandwich recipe is loaded with healthy vegetables like homegrown cucumbers and tomatoes which makes it taste absolutely incredible. I hope it helps you get thinking about starting home gardening this year if you havent been doing one already.
This is a very simple recipe and its perfect as a quick meal at home or on the go. This is one of those sandwiches that never gets old at my house! Even when there may be several other options, this one seems to be the most craved, especially when homegrown produce is available. Im sure it will become one of your favorites as well!
You may be an expert sandwich maker, but knowing how to get a certain taste that only comes from a specific combo of homegrown veggies can be a very powerful flavor secret in an otherwise simple recipe. So lets get started and make the best turkey sandwich youll ever have!
Turkey sandwiches are a classic lunchtime favorite. With their perfect combination of savory meat, crunchy veggies, and soft bread, they make for a satisfying meal that can be customized in endless ways.
If you want to learn how to take your turkey sandwich game to the next level, then follow this simple step-by-step guide. We’ll cover everything from picking the right ingredients to assembling and customizing your creation. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the perfect turkey sandwich every time!
Step 1: Choose Your Bread
The foundation of a great turkey sandwich is the bread. Sliced bread, rolls, bagels, croissants – the options are endless! Consider the following when selecting your base:
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Flavor – Pick a bread that complements the turkey flavor rather than overpowers it Whole wheat or sourdough are good choices,
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Texture – Do you want a soft bread like sandwich slices? Or something with more crunch like a bagel or croissant?
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Shape – Rolls, sub rolls, and bagels allow you to pile on more fillings Traditional sliced bread keeps it simpler
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Size – Mini rolls for finger sandwiches or full sized subs? Adjust your portions to the occasion.
In general, choose a high quality bread that’s fresh. day old bread won’t have the same taste or texture.
Step 2: Select Your Turkey
Turkey is of course the star ingredient. You have a few different options when it comes to selecting your meat:
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Deli turkey – Pre-sliced lunchmeat from the deli counter is a quick and easy choice. Opt for a high quality, low sodium variety.
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Roasted turkey – Leftover homemade or store-bought roasted turkey is delicious. Make sure it hasn’t dried out.
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Smoked turkey – For a flavor boost, use smoked turkey deli meat or roast your own.
Choose turkey that is thinly sliced for the best texture and sandwiches that are easier to bite into. Alternatively, chop or shred the meat into smaller pieces.
Step 3: Pick Your Cheese
Adding cheese takes your turkey sandwich to the next level. Recommended melty options include:
- Cheddar
- Swiss
- Provolone
- Pepper jack
- Havarti
- Muenster
The cheese should complement the turkey rather than overpower it. Aged cheddar or provolone are safe choices.
Tip: Place the cheese closest to the bread so it melts nicely.
Step 4: Get Creative With Fillings
Now comes the fun part – picking delicious fillings and toppings! Here are some tasty options to mix and match:
- Lettuce – Romaine, green leaf, iceberg
- Tomato
- Onion – red, white, or green
- Avocado
- Cucumber
- Pickles – dill, bread and butter
- Peppers – roasted red peppers, jalapenos
- Sprouts – alfalfa, radish, broccoli
- Herbs – basil, cilantro
- Condiments – mustard, mayo, oil & vinegar
Mix up flavors and textures with your fillings. Don’t overstuff the sandwich or the fillings will fall out.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Spreads
To take your flavors up a notch, season your sandwich fillings. Options include:
- Salt and pepper
- Oregano, basil or thyme
- Onion or garlic powder
- Red pepper flakes
Pair this with spreads to help the flavors meld together:
- Mayo or aioli
- Mustard – dijon, honey, or stoneground
- Hummus
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar
- Herb butter
Step 6: Toast Your Bread (Optional)
For an extra touch, toast or grill the insides of your bread slices before assembling. This adds crunch and enhances the flavor.
To toast: Place slices in the toaster, oven or panini press until lightly browned.
For an open-faced sandwich, toast the outside and top with turkey and fixings.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Now it’s time for assembly! Follow these tips for sandwich success:
- Spread a thin layer of condiments or seasoning on each slice. Don’t overdo it.
- Layer turkey and then cheese first. This prevents slipping.
- Pile on veggies and other toppings next.
- If needed, secure the top half with toothpicks.
- Slice on a diagonal and enjoy!
Customize Your Turkey Sandwich
Once you’ve nailed down the basics, the options for customizing your creation are endless! Here are just a few ideas to inspire you:
Make it a club – Add bacon and use three slices of bread.
Go hot – Mix in sliced jalapenos, banana peppers, or sriracha mayo.
Get cheesy – Use multiple cheeses like provolone and cheddar or spread pesto mayo.
Add crunch – Toast almonds or pecans to sprinkle on top.
Go Italian – Use olive oil, roasted peppers, fresh basil and mozzarella.
Give it a twist– Spread cranberry sauce or fig jam inside for a sweet delight.
Let your preferences and what’s on hand guide you. There’s no wrong turkey sandwich – just enjoy the flavor combo you crave!
Turkey Sandwich Inspiration
Need a bit more inspiration for your perfect turkey sandwich? Here are some classic combo ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Traditional – Turkey, Swiss, lettuce, tomato, mayo on wheat bread
Italian – Turkey, provolone, roasted red peppers, spinach, pesto on a sub roll
Southwest – Turkey, pepper jack, avocado, onion, chipotle mayo on ciabatta
Healthy club – Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, mustard on whole grain
Greek – Turkey, feta, cucumber, onion, spinach, hummus on naan or pita
Ultimate BLT – Turkey, bacon, cheddar, lettuce, tomato, mayo on sourdough
Turkey Sandwich FAQs
Still have some questions about crafting the perfect turkey sandwich? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How long do turkey sandwich ingredients last?
- Refrigerate sliced veggies 3-5 days
- Use fresh sliced turkey within 4 days
- Store assembled sandwiches no more than 3 days
Can you freeze turkey sandwiches?
Yes, freeze fully assembled sandwiches up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before eating.
What’s the best way to reheat a turkey sandwich?
Microwave 20-30 seconds until warm. You can also wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven.
Should you toast both sides of bread on a turkey sandwich?
For structural integrity, only toast one side – the inside of the sandwich. The untoasted side helps jelly and fixings stay in place.
What kind of lettuce is best on a turkey sandwich?
Romaine lettuce leaves add a nice crunch without overpowering. Iceberg and spinach are also great options.
Enjoy Your Fresh Turkey Sandwich
With the right ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can make an incredible turkey sandwich at home to enjoy any time. Follow these simple steps and tips to sandwich success.
Experiment with different flavor combinations until you find your perfect match. Whether you keep it classic or give it a twist, a homemade turkey sandwich always makes for a tasty, satisfying meal.
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Sandwich Ever
Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh produce and ingredients if its available. This way your sandwich will be as fresh and flavorful as possible.
Assemble it properly: Be sure to follow the assembly steps above. If you place cucumbers or tomatoes on the bread slices, it could make them soggy.
Be creative: Dont be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients! You can try adding in some avocado, pickles, or jalapeños for a spicy kick! Check out the next section for some other recipe variation ideas you can try.
Can I Use Leftover Roasted Turkey Instead of Deli Meat?
Yes, you can absolutely use leftover roasted turkey instead of deli meat. If you do have leftover roast turkey from Thanksgiving, its an excellent way to repurpose it into something special! This sandwich is a great way to use up the leftovers, and the flavors blend perfectly together!