Smoked Turkey Melt
Layers of savory smoked turkey, crispy bacon, and gooey melted Swiss cheese are grilled between slices of buttery sourdough. This ultimate comfort food sandwich is ready in minutes and perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Bacon and Sauce
- b.Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- c.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set this tangy sauce aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Assemble the Sandwiches
- b.Lay out the 8 slices of sourdough bread on a clean work surface.
- c.Evenly spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will be the outside of the sandwich.
- d.Flip all the slices over. On the unbuttered sides, spread a generous layer of the prepared Dijon-mayonnaise sauce.
- e.On 4 of the sauce-covered slices, layer the ingredients: start with 2 slices of Swiss cheese, followed by a quarter of the smoked turkey (about 4 oz), 2 slices of crispy bacon (broken in half to fit), and a few rings of thinly sliced red onion.
- f.Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing up.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Melts
- b.Heat the same skillet used for the bacon over medium-low heat. You can wipe it out or leave a little bacon grease for extra flavor.
- c.Carefully place 1 or 2 assembled sandwiches into the hot skillet, depending on its size. Avoid overcrowding.
- d.Grill for 3-5 minutes per side. The bread should be a deep golden brown and crispy, and the cheese should be completely melted and gooey.
- e.Press down gently on the sandwich with a spatula as it cooks to help meld the ingredients and ensure even browning.
- f.Remove the finished melt from the skillet and repeat the process with the remaining sandwiches.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Serve and Enjoy
- b.Let the sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing them in half diagonally.
- c.Serve immediately while they are hot for the best experience.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra crispy exterior, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter before grilling.
- 2Low and slow is key. Cooking over medium-low heat ensures the cheese melts perfectly by the time the bread is golden brown, preventing burnt bread with cold fillings.
- 3Use a heavy pan like a cast-iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and a superior crust.
- 4Pressing the sandwich with a spatula or another heavy pan helps create a compact, evenly cooked melt.
- 5Let the bacon cool slightly before assembling the sandwich to maintain its crispiness against the warm ingredients.
Adapt it for your goals.
Cheese Swap
Substitute Swiss cheese with Provolone, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or Muenster for a different flavor profile.
Bread VarietyBread Variety
Try using thick-cut rye, multigrain, or ciabatta bread instead of sourdough for a different texture and taste.
Add FreshnessAdd Freshness
Incorporate a few slices of ripe tomato or a layer of fresh spinach or arugula for a touch of freshness and color.
Creamy AdditionCreamy Addition
Add a few slices of creamy avocado for extra richness and healthy fats.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Mix a dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the mayonnaise spread for a little heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, and bacon provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Rich in Calcium
Swiss cheese is a great source of calcium, a vital mineral for maintaining strong bones and teeth, as well as supporting nerve and muscle function.
Provides B Vitamins
Turkey and bacon are good sources of B vitamins, particularly niacin (B3) and B12. These vitamins are crucial for energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
This is a hearty, indulgent sandwich. Each serving contains approximately 950-1000 calories, primarily from the cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, and butter.