Turkey Melt with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe

Introduction

This Turkey Melt with Cheddar is a delicious twist on a classic sandwich, combining savory turkey, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and melted cheddar on crusty sourdough bread. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner that satisfies every time.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough (or thick, crusty bread of choice)
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard
• 2 slices white cheddar cheese
• 4 slices deli turkey
• Thin tomato slices (from 1 medium red tomato)
• ½ cup fresh baby spinach
• 4 strips cooked bacon
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the 4 slices of sourdough bread on a flat surface. Spread ½ tablespoon of honey mustard evenly on the top side of each slice.
2. Step 2: Cut 2 slices of white cheddar cheese in half to make 4 smaller slices. Place one slice of cheese on each piece of bread, covering the honey mustard.
3. Step 3: Divide 4 slices of deli turkey into two slices per sandwich. Lay the turkey over two of the cheese-topped bread slices.
4. Step 4: Split the ½ cup of baby spinach equally, adding ¼ cup to each sandwich on top of the turkey. Layer thin tomato slices over the spinach.
5. Step 5: Place 2 strips of cooked bacon on the remaining two cheese-topped bread slices.
6. Step 6: Close the sandwiches by placing the bacon-topped bread slices, bacon side down, on top of the turkey layers. Each sandwich will have layers as follows: bread, honey mustard, cheese, turkey, tomato, spinach, bacon, cheese, honey mustard, bread.
7. Step 7: Spread ½ tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread (both sides of each sandwich, 4 sides total).
8. Step 8: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until golden brown.
9. Step 9: Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese has melted.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

• Use multigrain or rye bread instead of sourdough for a different flavor profile.
• Swap white cheddar for sharp or smoked cheddar for extra depth.
• Add a slice of avocado or a spread of cranberry sauce for a fresh twist.
• For a vegetarian option, replace turkey and bacon with grilled mushrooms or tempeh bacon.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to keep the bread crispy and the cheese melted.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey breast instead of deli turkey?

Yes, cooked turkey breast slices work well if you prefer freshly cooked meat or want to avoid deli meats.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

Spreading butter on the outside and toasting the sandwich in a hot pan helps create a crispy crust that keeps the bread from becoming soggy. Also, keep moist ingredients like tomato thinly sliced and use fresh bread.

Turkey Melt with Cheddar and Bacon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

This Turkey Melt with Cheddar is a warm and satisfying sandwich featuring layers of deli turkey, crispy bacon, fresh baby spinach, and ripe tomato slices, all melted together with white cheddar cheese inside buttery toasted sourdough bread. Spread with honey mustard for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this recipe makes an easy yet delectable meal perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner.

• Author: Windy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
• Category: Sandwich
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread and Spread

• 4 slices sourdough (or thick, crusty bread of choice)
• 2 tablespoons honey mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Cheese and Meat

• 2 slices white cheddar cheese
• 4 slices deli turkey
• 4 strips cooked bacon

Vegetables

• thin tomato slices (from 1 medium red tomato)
• ½ cup fresh baby spinach

Instructions

1. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the 4 slices of sourdough bread on a flat surface. Divide the 2 tablespoons of honey mustard into four portions of ½ tablespoon and spread each evenly on the top side of each slice of bread. Cut the 2 slices of cheddar cheese in half, making 4 half-slices and place one on each mustard-spread slice.
2. Add Turkey: Divide the 4 slices of deli turkey into pairs, placing 2 slices atop 2 of the cheese-covered bread slices.
3. Add Vegetables: Divide the ½ cup of fresh baby spinach equally into ¼ cup portions per sandwich. Layer the preferred number of thin tomato slices and the ¼ cup spinach on top of the turkey on each sandwich half.
4. Add Bacon and Cheese: Divide the 4 strips of cooked bacon into 2 strips per sandwich. Place these bacon strips on the remaining 2 cheese-topped bread slices.
5. Close the Sandwiches: Place the bacon-covered bread slices face-down on top of the turkey and veggie layered slices to form sandwiches. Each sandwich should have layers in order: sourdough, honey mustard, half-slice cheese, turkey, tomato, spinach, bacon, half-slice cheese, honey mustard, sourdough.
6. Butter the Bread Outside: Divide 2 tablespoons of softened butter into four ½ tablespoon portions. Spread butter evenly on the outside of each bread slice, covering all four sides of the two sandwiches.
7. Toast the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When warm, carefully place the sandwiches flat in the skillet. Toast the bottom slices for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip the sandwiches carefully and toast the other side for 3 to 4 minutes until cheese melts and sandwiches are warmed through.
8. Serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet and transfer to plates. Serve warm with your choice of sides.

Notes

• Use thick slices of sourdough or a sturdy bread to prevent sogginess.
• Adjust the amount of honey mustard to taste for more or less tanginess.
• Ensure bacon is cooked crispy for added texture.
• You can substitute white cheddar with your preferred cheese like American or Swiss.
• This sandwich is best enjoyed immediately while warm and cheese is melted.
• For a vegetarian version, omit turkey and bacon and add grilled vegetables instead.

Keywords: Turkey Melt, Cheddar Sandwich, Grilled Turkey Sandwich, Bacon Turkey Melt, Warm Sandwich Recipe, Skillet Sandwich