If you’re craving a warm, melty, and satisfying sandwich, the Turkey Melt is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy turkey slices smothered in gooey cheese, all piled high on crispy, buttery bread. It’s the kind of sandwich that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or indulging in a comforting dinner, this turkey melt hits all the right notes. Add a little tangy mustard, fresh lettuce, and tomato, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece that’s ridiculously easy to make and hard to resist. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making this all along!
Why You’ll Love Turkey Melt
Here’s why the Turkey Melt is about to become your go-to sandwich:
Super Simple
With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have this mouthwatering turkey melt on your plate in under 20 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
Comforting and Hearty
The melty cheese, tender turkey, and crispy bread create the ultimate comfort food experience. It’s the kind of sandwich that fills you up and warms you from the inside out—perfect for those cozy, feel-good moments.
Customizable
Want to throw in some extra veggies? Go ahead! Love a kick of spice? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. You can tweak this turkey melt to fit your mood and preferences, making it your own signature creation.
Kid-Friendly
Kids love this sandwich! It’s easy to eat, full of flavor, and a great way to sneak in some protein. You can make it even more fun by cutting it into halves or quarters.

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Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for your Turkey Melt:
- Sliced turkey breast (deli meat works great!)
- Swiss cheese or cheddar cheese (feel free to pick your favorite cheese!)
- Fresh sandwich bread (sourdough, whole wheat, or white—whatever you love)
- Butter (for that perfect golden crispiness)
- Mustard (or mayo, depending on your preference)
- Lettuce (optional, for a fresh crunch)
- Tomato slices (optional, for a juicy, tangy bite)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickles or other condiments (optional, for extra flavor)
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s get you from hungry to happy in just a few steps:
Step 1: Prepare Your Sandwich
Take two slices of your favorite bread and spread a thin layer of mustard (or mayo) on one side of each slice. Layer on a generous portion of turkey slices, followed by your cheese of choice. If you’re adding lettuce and tomato, place them on top of the turkey.
Step 2: Butter the Bread
Butter the outside of each slice of bread—this is what’s going to give it that irresistible golden-brown crispiness.
Step 3: Grill the Sandwich
Place the sandwich in a hot skillet over medium heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing it down gently with a spatula to ensure an even, crispy texture. Keep an eye on it so the bread doesn’t burn but gets nice and toasted while the cheese melts.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the bread is golden and the cheese has melted to perfection, take the sandwich off the skillet. Slice it in half and serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauce, chips, or even a simple side salad.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Calories per serving: 510
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1,030mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 32g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
How to Serve Turkey Melt
Pair this delicious Turkey Melt with any of the following for a complete meal:
Side Dishes
- Crispy Fries: Classic and always a crowd-pleaser. You can even make them at home in the oven or air fryer.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing, tangy side that complements the richness of the sandwich.
- Pickles: Add some crunch and tartness to balance the flavors of the melt.
- Tomato Soup: Perfect for dipping, a warm bowl of tomato soup takes this sandwich to the next level.
Drinks
Pair your Turkey Melt with a cold drink like iced tea, a soda, or even a light beer for a laid-back meal.
Additional Tips
Cheese Variety
You can experiment with different cheeses to switch things up. Try sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or provolone for a more delicate, milder melt.
Add Extra Veggies
If you want to sneak in some veggies, try adding some spinach, sautéed onions, or avocado slices for extra flavor and nutrition.
Make it Spicy
For a little heat, add a few slices of jalapeños, drizzle on some hot sauce, or use spicy mustard instead of regular mustard.
Use Leftover Turkey
This is an excellent way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving or a roast. Just slice it up and follow the same steps for a quick and satisfying meal.
Keep it Crisp
To ensure that your sandwich doesn’t get soggy, make sure to toast the bread just long enough to achieve the crispy golden edges without overcooking the inside.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! You can use mozzarella, provolone, or even pepper jack if you want a little kick. Choose whatever cheese you love most.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: The sandwich is best made fresh, but you can prepare the turkey and cheese in advance to make assembly faster when you’re ready to cook.
Q3: Can I use a non-stick skillet?
A3: Absolutely! A non-stick skillet is great for grilling the sandwich because it reduces the amount of butter needed and prevents sticking.
Q4: Can I freeze turkey melts?
A4: You can freeze the sandwiches before grilling them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When you’re ready to eat, grill them straight from frozen.
Q5: Can I use whole wheat bread?
A5: Yes, whole wheat bread is a great alternative to white or sourdough. It adds a bit of extra fiber and makes the sandwich a little more wholesome.
Q6: How do I avoid the sandwich getting soggy?
A6: Make sure to dry off any wet ingredients, like tomatoes or lettuce, before adding them to the sandwich. You can also toast the bread longer for extra crispness.
Q7: Can I add some spices to the turkey?
A7: Sure! Feel free to season the turkey with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for extra flavor.
Q8: Can I make this sandwich without butter?
A8: You can use olive oil or cooking spray as an alternative to butter. It will still give you that crispy texture without the dairy.
Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store any leftover turkey melt in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in a skillet to restore the crispiness.
Q10: What are some fun variations of this recipe?
A10: You can try adding cranberry sauce for a Thanksgiving twist or drizzle some honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor!
Conclusion
The Turkey Melt is the perfect comfort food—crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it on a lazy afternoon or sharing it with friends and family, this sandwich will hit the spot every time. It’s simple, customizable, and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. So grab your bread, your cheese, and your turkey, and let’s get grilling!
Print
Turkey Melt
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich (double the ingredients for 2 sandwiches) 1x
Description
Turkey Melt is a comforting sandwich that combines tender turkey, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite condiments, all between two slices of buttery, toasted bread. It’s the perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it a favorite for any meal of the day. This turkey melt is great for using up leftover turkey or simply enjoying a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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2 slices of sourdough bread (or any bread of your choice)
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4–6 oz sliced cooked turkey breast (leftover turkey works great!)
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2 slices of cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or provolone are great options)
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1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
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Lettuce and tomato slices (optional, for added freshness)
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Pickles (optional, for a tangy crunch)
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread:
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread, if using. If you prefer a more traditional turkey melt, you can skip the mayo and stick with butter. -
Assemble the Sandwich:
On the unbuttered side of one slice of bread, layer the turkey slices. Place the cheese on top of the turkey. If you’re using lettuce and tomato, add them on top of the cheese. -
Grill the Sandwich:
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place the sandwich, buttered-side down, into the pan. Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. -
Serve:
Once the sandwich is grilled to perfection, remove it from the pan and slice it in half. Serve with pickles or a side of chips or salad for a complete meal.
Notes
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Make it Your Own: Feel free to add extras like bacon, avocado, or caramelized onions for more flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
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Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 70mg