Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, turkey might just be one of the most loved leftovers. The main reason for that is that it is so versatile. And, what better recipe to enjoy it in, than a turkey and cheese sandwich.
Turkey is a versatile and lean protein that can be enjoyed in everything from sandwiches to salads to hearty casseroles. But plain turkey alone can be a little dry and bland That’s where cheese comes in! The right cheese pairing can take your turkey flavor to the next level. But with all the cheese options out there, which ones are the best matches for turkey?
Here is a guide to the top cheese choices for pairing with turkey, whether it’s cold cuts, roasted whole turkey, or ground turkey. With these cheese recommendations, you can take your turkey dishes and sandwiches from dull to delicious.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a go-to cheese choice for pairing with turkey thanks to its nutty salty flavor. Sharp cheddar in particular packs a punch that complements the mildness of turkey.
Cheddar works wonders with turkey in
- Sandwiches
- Melts
- Casseroles like turkey tetrazzini
- Mac and cheese with ground turkey
- Turkey burgers
Opt for white cheddar if you prefer a milder flavor. Smoked cheddar also pairs nicely with smoked turkey.
Swiss
With its signature nutty, sweet, and slightly acidic taste, Swiss cheese is another excellent option for turkey dishes. Its firm yet creamy texture also balances nicely with sliced turkey.
Some tasty ways to use Swiss with turkey include:
- Turkey Reubens
- Paninis
- Cheese boards with sliced turkey
- Turkey and Swiss chard quiche
- Turkey club sandwiches
Try different varieties like Gruyere or baby Swiss to change up the flavor profile.
Provolone
Whether you prefer a aged sharp provolone or a milder version, this Italian cheese is a natural fit for turkey servings. Its smooth, creamy texture and mild, milky flavor complement turkey without overpowering it.
Some of provolone’s best uses are:
- Turkey paninis
- Turkey melts open face on toast
- Turkey and provolone stuffed shells
- Turkey salad topped with shaved provolone
- Grilled turkey and provolone sandwiches
Smoked provolone is also a tasty match for smoked turkey deli meats.
Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella adds a wonderful creaminess and subtle tang to turkey dishes. Part-skim mozzarella strikes the right balance of pliable and firm.
Mozzarella cheese pairs nicely with turkey in:
- Caprese salad with turkey
- Turkey Parmesan
-Turkey margherita pizza - Turkey calzones
- Mozzarella-stuffed turkey meatballs
For extra flavor, try smoked mozzarella or buffalo mozzarella.
Pepper Jack
If you like a little kick to complement the turkey, pepper jack cheese brings a lively heat along with a creamy, velvety texture. The jalapeño peppers add extra zing.
Great ways to enjoy pepper jack with turkey include:
- Turkey quesadillas
- Hot turkey sandwiches with pepper jack
- Jalapeño turkey burgers with pepper jack
- Turkey nachos
- Turkey tacos
Havarti
Havarti is a crowd-pleasing cheese thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and tangy, buttery flavor. It melts beautifully and complements turkey’s flavor without overwhelming it.
Try havarti with turkey in:
- Grilled turkey and havarti sandwiches
- Turkey meatballs with havarti centers
- Baked turkey and havarti dip
- Havarti-topped turkey burger
- Breaded turkey cutlets topped with havarti
Brie
For a more indulgent take on turkey dishes, rich and creamy brie is a fantastic choice. It has a signature earthy, nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with turkey.
Elegant ways to serve brie with turkey include:
- Turkey and brie paninis
- Baked brie and turkey appetizer
- Endive leaves topped with turkey and brie
- Turkey salad made with brie
- Crostinis layered with turkey, brie, and cranberry sauce
Blue Cheese
The bold, salty, funky flavors of blue cheese stand up well to turkey’s dense, savory flavors. The cheese adds a pleasant peppery bite.
Some tasty blue cheese and turkey combinations are:
- Turkey burgers with blue cheese crumbles
- Buffalo turkey wraps with blue cheese dressing
- Turkey club with blue cheese mayo
- Roasted turkey tenderloin topped with blue cheese butter
Feta
Crumble tangy, salty feta over your turkey dishes to add Mediterranean flair. Feta’s crumbly texture and acidic zing enhance turkey’s natural flavors.
Try feta cheese with turkey in:
- Greek turkey meatballs
- Turkey gyros with feta
- Turkey spinach salad with feta
- Turkey flatbread pizza with feta
- Feta turkey sliders
Cheddar, Swiss, and Provolone Are Top Picks
When it comes to deciding which cheese to pair with turkey, you can’t go wrong with the classic choices of cheddar, Swiss, and provolone. Their complementary flavors and textures work with virtually any turkey recipe.
Pepper jack and havarti also make excellent options for amping up the flavor of turkey dishes. And for a more elegant flair, brie and feta are interesting choices.
With all these cheese possibilities, you can keep your turkey meals exciting and full of flavor. Whether it’s a hot turkey sandwich or an entree salad, with the right cheese pairing you are sure create a mouthwatering dish.
So next time you prepare turkey, skip the boring American cheese and reach for one of these tasty cheeses instead. Your taste buds will thank you!
How about blue cheese with turkey?
Are you feeling a little bit more adventurous? Crumble in a mild blue like Gorgonzola Dolce or Cambozola. Those mild blue cheeses are great gateway cheeses for the uninitiated. While they are not as potent as Stilton and Roquefort, they will still add a little bit of spice to your turkey sandwich.
Not just for leftovers
Actually, such a sandwich does not only use up your leftover meat. You can also add in cranberry sauce and any salad that wasn’t used up for the main event. To make the perfect sandwich, you need the perfect ingredients. Before we take a deep dive into the cheese selection, let’s quickly cover the other components.
Cheese Pairings Advice – Lidia’s Kitchen Series
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