Cheese And Meat: Honey Turkey's Perfect Match

Turkey sandwiches are a staple for many, and there are endless ways to make them. One of the most important ingredients in a turkey sandwich is cheese, which adds flavour and texture. The best cheese for a turkey sandwich depends on the type of turkey being used. If the turkey is plain, a stronger, pungent cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago can be used. If the turkey is smoked or has a strong flavour, a milder cheese like Gouda, Edam, Colby, or Swiss is a better option. For a grilled turkey sandwich, it's important to use a cheese that melts easily, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.

Honey turkey and cheese sandwiches

Cheese Selection

When crafting the ultimate honey turkey and cheese sandwich, the cheese you select plays a pivotal role. For those who prefer their turkey smoky and flavourful, a mild cheese is the ideal choice to ensure the turkey remains the star of the show. Gouda, Edam, Colby, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Swiss, American, or Muenster are all excellent mild cheeses that melt beautifully. These cheeses can be used individually or in combination to create a delightful blend.

On the other hand, if your honey turkey is plain or roasted, a stronger, more pungent cheese can take your sandwich to the next level. Opt for aged cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a blue cheese. These cheeses will make a bold statement in your sandwich, providing a sharper flavour that's sure to tantalise your taste buds.

Additional Ingredients

While the honey turkey and cheese are the stars of the show, additional ingredients can elevate your sandwich even further. Consider adding some crunch with fresh vegetables like ripe, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, or even cucumber slices. Avocado, either in slices or mashed with mayonnaise, adds a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats.

For a tangy twist, cranberry sauce is a classic choice, especially if you're using leftover holiday turkey. You can also experiment with different mustards, from sweet to spicy, to add a kick to your sandwich. Don't forget to season your sandwich with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance all the flavours.

Bread Options

The type of bread you use can also make a difference in the overall enjoyment of your sandwich. For a classic option, go for a thicker crust bread like Italian or French bread, which can withstand the weight of your generous fillings. If you're looking for a smaller portion, an everything bagel is a tasty alternative, providing a burst of flavour in every bite.

Assembly and Cooking

When assembling your sandwich, spread a layer of butter or mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread to ensure a golden, crispy exterior when cooked. If you're grilling your sandwich, place it in a skillet over low-medium heat for the perfect melt without burning the exterior. If you're using an oven, a temperature of around 375 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for melting the cheese and toasting the bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your honey turkey and cheese sandwich with a side of crispy potato chips or a refreshing salad. For a comforting dip, pair it with a bowl of homemade tomato soup. Cut your sandwich into halves or triangles, secure it with a toothpick, and enjoy the perfect blend of sweet honey turkey and decadent cheese!

Mild cheeses to complement honey turkey

Honey turkey is a versatile meat that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, depending on your preference. If you're looking for a milder cheese to complement the sweetness of the honey turkey without overwhelming it, there are several options to consider:

Gouda

Gouda is a classic choice for turkey sandwiches. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a hint of tanginess, making it an excellent complement to the honeyed notes in the turkey. Gouda also melts beautifully, making it perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis.

Edam

Edam is another mild, semi-soft cheese that pairs well with honey turkey. It has a subtle nutty flavour and a creamy texture, adding a nice depth of flavour to your sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients. Like Gouda, Edam melts well, making it a versatile choice for hot or cold sandwiches.

Colby

Colby is a mild, semi-hard cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is often recommended for turkey sandwiches as it adds a nice touch of flavour without being too sharp or pungent. Colby melts well, making it a good option for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Havarti

Havarti is a Danish cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It goes well with honey turkey, especially in grilled sandwiches, as it melts smoothly. Havarti has a subtle tanginess that adds interest without stealing the spotlight from the turkey.

Swiss

Swiss cheese, with its mild, nutty flavour and distinctive appearance, is another excellent choice for honey turkey sandwiches. It has a slightly sweet taste that complements the honey notes in the turkey. Swiss cheese also melts well, making it a versatile option for hot or cold sandwiches.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a mild, creamy cheese that is often recommended for turkey sandwiches. It has a subtle tanginess and a smooth, meltable texture, making it a versatile choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or cold cuts.

Muenster

Muenster is a mild, soft cheese with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is often suggested as a pairing for honey turkey, as its mellow flavour won't overpower the meat. Muenster melts well, making it suitable for a variety of sandwich preparations.

Cheddar

While cheddar can have a sharper flavour when aged, mild or medium cheddar can be a good option for those who want a slightly sharper note to complement their honey turkey. It brings a sweet, sharp tang to the sandwich and melts well, making it a versatile choice.

When pairing cheese with honey turkey, it's important to consider the preparation method and the other ingredients in your sandwich. For grilled cheese sandwiches, melting capabilities are crucial, while for cold sandwiches, you may want to focus on flavour and texture combinations.

Aged cheeses for added flavour

If you're looking for a stronger cheese to pair with your honey turkey, there are several aged cheeses that can add a flavourful punch to your sandwich.

Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and Asiago are all strong, pungent cheeses that will stand out against the flavour of the turkey. These aged cheeses are sure to add a sharp, tangy kick to your sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try a washed-rind cheese, known for its strong flavour and aroma.

For a truly indulgent combination, consider pairing your honey turkey with a blue cheese. The salty, creamy flavour of a good blue cheese will beautifully complement the sweetness of the honey turkey. However, it's recommended to pair blue cheese with a milder cheese like Edam or Havarti, as combining it with a strong cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano may be too intense.

When it comes to creating the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with aged cheeses, keep in mind that these cheeses tend to be a little runnier than milder varieties. This can add a delightful creaminess to your sandwich, but be sure to carefully assemble your sandwich to avoid any mess.

Aged cheeses can also be a wonderful addition to a warm, grilled sandwich. The heat will soften the cheese, creating a gooey, decadent texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey turkey.

So, if you're looking to elevate your honey turkey sandwich, consider experimenting with aged cheeses like Parmesan, blue cheese, or even a washed-rind variety. Just remember to adjust the amount of cheese to your taste preferences, as a little can go a long way with these bold, flavourful options.

Best bread for honey turkey sandwiches

When it comes to the best bread for honey turkey sandwiches, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, sourdough bread is a popular choice for turkey sandwiches in general. Its distinctive tangy flavour and soft texture complement the sweetness of honey turkey. Sourdough is also known for its squishiness, which makes it ideal for sandwiches as it's easier to bite into and doesn't fall apart as easily. If you're looking for something with a similar squish but more grains, Dave's Killer Bread offers a multigrain loaf that could be a good option.

On the other hand, some people prefer a more textured bread that adds a bit of crunch to their sandwich. In that case, a crusty baguette or a dense, seedy loaf could be a better choice. These options provide a contrast in texture to the soft turkey and also offer more flavour variation.

For those who enjoy a bagel's dense chewiness, an everything bagel can be a great alternative to traditional sandwich bread. The bagel's size is also more suitable for a single-serving sandwich, and its smaller surface area helps keep the fillings contained.

Lastly, whole wheat or multigrain bread is a nutritious option that pairs well with the honey turkey. The nuttiness of the grains enhances the sweetness of the meat, creating a well-rounded flavour profile.

In conclusion, the best bread for a honey turkey sandwich depends on personal preference. Sourdough and other soft, squishy breads are ideal for those who want a more tender bite, while crusty baguettes or dense loaves offer a textural contrast. Everything bagels provide a unique flavour and convenient portion size, and whole wheat or multigrain bread adds extra nutrition and nutty flavours.

Other ingredients to add to honey turkey sandwiches

Honey turkey sandwiches are a versatile meal, and there are endless possibilities when it comes to ingredients. Here are some ideas for other ingredients to add to honey turkey sandwiches:

Cheese

Cheese is a classic sandwich ingredient, and there are many varieties that pair well with honey turkey. Some popular choices include sharp cheddar, provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Havarti.

Bread

The type of bread used can also vary depending on personal preference. Some options include whole wheat, white bread, ciabatta, flatbread, hoagie rolls, bagels, or large croissant rolls. Using an everything bagel instead of bread can add extra flavour to the sandwich.

Condiments

Condiments can add a tangy or creamy element to the sandwich. Mayonnaise, deli mustard, yellow mustard, ranch dressing, and avocado mayonnaise are all tasty options. For a healthier alternative, plain Greek yoghurt can be used in place of mayonnaise.

Toppings

Lettuce and tomato are a popular choice for sandwich toppings, adding a crisp and fresh element to the sandwich. Other toppings such as bacon, avocado, and egg can also be added for extra flavour and texture. Grapes are another unique topping that can complement the sweetness of the honey turkey.

Variations

For those who want to get creative, there are many variations of the honey turkey sandwich that can be made. Here are some ideas:

• Turkey Club: Toast the bread and add bacon. Cut the sandwich into fourths and stack each section, securing it with toothpicks.
• Turkey Avocado: Add sliced avocado or spread mashed avocado onto the bread slices. Bacon can also be added to make it a turkey-bacon avocado sandwich.
• Turkey Pesto: Combine fresh pesto with mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be added for extra flavour.
• Turkey Cranberry: Swap out the mayo for softened cream cheese and spread on a generous layer of cranberry sauce.
• Turkey Breakfast: Heat up the turkey slices and melt the cheese over them. Add a cooked or scrambled egg to the sandwich, along with tomato and avocado, but leave out the lettuce.

Frequently asked questions