The Best Cheeses for Turkey Sandwiches: An Ultimate Guide

Turkey sandwiches are a classic lunchtime favorite. But what makes a turkey sandwich go from good to great? The cheese, of course!

Choosing the right cheese can take your turkey sandwich to the next level The cheese should complement the flavor of the turkey, add creaminess and texture, and bind the other ingredients together.

So let’s dive into the best options for cheese on turkey sandwiches. Whether you like yours cold or hot off the grill, this guide will help you pick the perfect cheese to satisfy your sandwich cravings.

Popular Cheeses for Turkey Sandwiches

When selecting cheese for turkey sandwiches you’ll want to look for cheeses that are flavorful yet mild enough not to overpower the turkey. They should melt well when grilled but also taste great chilled.

Here are some of the most popular and best tasting cheeses for turkey sandwiches:

Swiss

With its mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is a tried and true option for turkey sandwiches. It melts beautifully in grilled sandwiches but also has great flavor when cold. The firm yet sliceable texture makes it easy to layer on sandwiches.

Provolone

Provolone has a smooth, mild taste with a hint of smokiness. It’s an Italian cheese that comes in smoky and non-smoky varieties. Both types pair wonderfully with turkey, especially when you want a cheese that melts well for hot sandwiches.

Cheddar

For a more pronounced cheese flavor, cheddar is a great choice. It comes in a range of ages and flavors, from mild to sharp. Aged cheddar gives a bold, complex flavor that stands up to the turkey. Mild cheddar melts beautifully in grilled sandwiches. White cheddar is also a tasty twist.

Havarti

Creamy Havarti has a mild, buttery flavor. It melts extremely well, making it a perfect choice for grilled turkey sandwiches. The soft texture also works great in cold sandwiches.

Gouda

Gouda makes an excellent sandwich cheese thanks to its creamy texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor notes. Young gouda melts the best. Smoked gouda can also add delicious flavor to turkey sandwiches.

Monterey Jack

With its creamy texture and mild, buttery taste, Monterey Jack really shines in grilled turkey sandwiches. It melts wonderfully to give that ideal ooey-gooey grilled cheese experience.

Brie

For a soft, creamy cheese, classic brie is a great choice. It has a mild, slightly earthy flavor that complements turkey. The lush, spreadable texture when warmed is perfect for turkey paninis.

Pepper Jack

Pepper jack cheese adds a touch of heat and smokiness. The creamy, melty texture pairs nicely with turkey in both cold and hot sandwiches.

Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella has a mild milky flavor and soft, sliceable texture. Part-skim low moisture mozzarella melts beautifully on grilled turkey sandwiches.

Tips for Selecting Cheese for Turkey Sandwiches

Here are some tips to guide you in picking the best cheese for your turkey sandwich:

• For cold sandwiches, choose cheese with good slicing ability like Swiss, cheddar, provolone, Havarti, or gouda. Avoid cheeses that are too soft.

• For hot grilled sandwiches, go for cheeses that melt well like Havarti, pepper jack, Monterey jack, mozzarella, and young gouda or gruyere.

• Pick flavor intensity based on turkey type. Mild cheeses pair best with roasted or smoked turkey. Sharp cheddar or aged gouda are better with deli sliced turkey.

• Use just one cheese or experiment with blends like cheddar and Monterey jack.

• Try mixing textures like sliced Swiss with creamy Havarti.

• Go for thinner cheese slices to prevent overwhelming the other flavors.

• Allow cheese to come to room temperature before slicing for better consistency.

Flavor Combinations for Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches

The cheese you choose will impact the overall flavor profile of your sandwich. Here are some tasty turkey and cheese sandwich combinations:

Turkey and Havarti

Havarti’s creamy, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey breast. Add avocado, bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a delicious club sandwich.

Turkey and Pepper Jack

Pepper jack gives a flavorful kick to sliced turkey. Pair it with jalapeños, onions, lettuce, and a spicy mayo or chipotle sauce.

Turkey and Provolone

Nutty, smoky provolone complements smoked turkey breast. Add marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, arugula, and pesto mayonnaise.

Turkey and Swiss

The mild sweetness of Swiss works with just about any type of turkey. Create a classic combo with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mustard or mayo.

Turkey and Cheddar

Sharp cheddar makes a great flavor pairing with smoked turkey. Add apple slices, watercress, and whole grain mustard for a delicious combination.

Turkey and Brie

Earthy brie and roasted turkey with cranberry sauce on crusty bread makes an amazing grilled panini.

Turkey and Gouda

Gouda’s sweet, mild flavor tastes fantastic with thinly sliced turkey breast. Go classic with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle chips, and mustard.

Turkey and Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella and smoked turkey pair well in a Caprese style sandwich with tomato, basil, and balsamic reduction or olive tapenade.

Creative Ingredients to Add to Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches

Amp up your turkey and cheese sandwiches with tasty additions like these:

• Crisp vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, roasted red peppers, caramelized onions
• Fruits: Cranberry sauce, apple, pear, fig jam, avocado
• Cured meats: Bacon, prosciutto, salami
• Condiments: Pesto, hummus, olive tapenade, chutney, mustard, horseradish
• Herbs: Basil, dill, rosemary, oregano
• Spices: Chipotle, harissa, curry powder, cumin
• Extras: Roasted garlic, marinated artichokes/mushrooms, giardiniera, sunflower seeds

Toasting Ideas for Hot Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches

Nothing beats a hot, toasted turkey sandwich oozing with melted cheese. Here are some toasting methods:

• Panini press: The quickest way to crisp and flatten sandwiches while melting the cheese.

• Stovetop grill pan: Lets you grill both sides evenly while pressing down on the sandwich.

• Oven: Bake open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F for 10 minutes until cheese melts and bread is toasted.

• Skillet: Butter the skillet and toast sandwiches over medium heat, pressing down gently with a spatula.

• Sandwich press: Affordable electric presses swiftly grill both sides of your sandwich.

• Waffle iron: For fun waffle-patterned sandwiches, lightly grease the waffle iron and toast sandwich until cheese melts.

Whether you’re in the mood for an ice-cold turkey sub or hot crispy panini, picking the right cheese is the key to sandwich perfection. With so many options for flavorful, melty cheeses, you can keep your turkey sandwich feeling fresh and new. Use this guide to discover your favorite cheese and ingredient pairings.