Cheese And Meat: Honey Turkey's Perfect Match

Turkey and cheese sandwiches are a classic, and there are many different types of cheese that can be paired with turkey. The best cheese for turkey sandwiches is usually a mild cheese, like gouda, edam, colby, havarti, swiss, or even muenster. If you want a stronger cheese taste, you can use an aged, pungent cheese like parmesan, pecorino romano, asiago, or blue cheese. For honey turkey, specifically, Boar's Head recommends their Honey Maple Turkey with slices of aged Vermont Cheddar.

Honey Turkey Grilled Cheese

Ingredients

• Honey turkey
• Cheese (cheddar, gouda, provolone, mozzarella, Colby jack, Monterey jack, or American)
• Bread (white, whole wheat, French, or an everything bagel)
• Butter
• Optional extras: cranberry sauce, apple, bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, sprouts, mustard, mayonnaise, pesto, hummus, cream cheese, tzatziki sauce

Instructions

• Spread butter evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
• Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in a medium sauté pan.
• Layer half the cheese on top of the bread.
• Layer sliced honey turkey on top of the cheese.
• Layer the remaining cheese on top of the turkey.
• Top with the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
• Place the pan over medium heat and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
• Flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Slice the sandwich in half and serve.

Tips

• If using an everything bagel instead of bread, slice the bagel and leave the top aside to toast separately. This makes it easier to add toppings before serving.
• If adding avocado, mash it with mayonnaise to make avocado mayonnaise, which stays inside the sandwich better.
• If making a cranberry sauce sandwich, spread the sauce directly on the turkey.
• If adding lettuce, consider using arugula, radicchio, or endive instead of plain lettuce for more flavour.
• If you want to grill the sandwich like a panini, do not overload it, as a sandwich that is too tall will fall apart in the press.

Turkey Sandwich Options

There are endless possibilities when it comes to crafting the perfect turkey sandwich. Whether you're using leftovers from a roast or frying up some deli meat, the combinations are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Cheese

The type of cheese you use will depend on the flavour of your turkey. If your turkey is smoky, opt for a mild cheese like gouda, Edam, Colby, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Swiss, or Muenster. These cheeses will complement the turkey without overwhelming it. If you're using a plain roast turkey, you can go for a stronger, more pungent cheese like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Asiago. Blue cheese is also a great option, perhaps paired with a milder cheese so the flavour isn't too intense.

Bread

For a simple sandwich, a bagel or standard loaf bread will do the trick. But if you're feeling fancy, try a thicker, denser bread like Italian or French bread. These varieties hold up well to toasting and grilling, and won't fall apart when you bite into your sandwich.

Extras

Now for the fun part—loading your sandwich with tasty extras! Cranberry sauce is a classic addition, providing a sweet and tangy flavour. You can also add some crunch with fresh veggies like tomato, cucumber, or lettuce. If you're feeling indulgent, throw in some bacon, and don't forget a generous slathering of mayonnaise, pesto, hummus, or tzatziki sauce.

To Grill or Not to Grill

That is the question. If you're grilling your sandwich, remember to use a lower heat so that the cheese melts nicely and the bread turns golden brown without burning. If you're keeping things cold, simply assemble and enjoy!

Some Inspiration

• The Classic: Turkey, cranberry sauce, gouda, lettuce, and mayonnaise on toasted Italian bread.
• The BLT: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise on toasted white bread.
• The Avocado Delight: Turkey, sliced avocado, bacon, and ranch dressing on a bagel.
• The Club: Turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Monterey Jack cheese on toasted bread with mayo.
• The Open-Faced: Butter and mayo on toasted bread, topped with turkey and your choice of extras.
• The Cuban: Turkey, ham, dill pickles, mustard, and gouda on grilled bread.
• The Apple Crisp: Turkey, sliced apple, cranberry sauce, and gouda on grilled bread.

There you have it—a world of turkey sandwich possibilities awaits!

Mild Cheese for Smoky Turkey

If your turkey is smoky, opt for a mild cheese to ensure the turkey flavour remains the star of the show. Here are some mild cheeses that work well:

• Gouda: A classic choice for turkey sandwiches, Gouda melts wonderfully and has a sweet and mild flavour.
• Edam: Another mild and meltable option, Edam is a great choice for grilled turkey sandwiches.
• Colby: Colby is a mild, meltable cheese that pairs well with smoky turkey.
• Monterey Jack: This mild cheese melts beautifully and is a great option for grilled turkey sandwiches.
• Havarti: With a creamy texture and mild flavour, Havarti is an excellent choice for both cold and grilled turkey sandwiches.
• Swiss: A mild and meltable option, Swiss cheese is a good choice for those who want the flavour of the turkey to shine through.
• Muenster: Muenster is a mild cheese that works well in cold or grilled turkey sandwiches, and it melts beautifully.

In addition to these options, you could also consider:

• Cheddar: While slightly sharper than the other options, a mild or medium cheddar can work well with smoky turkey.
• Smoked Gouda: If you want to enhance the smokiness of your turkey, smoked Gouda will add a subtle smoky flavour.
• Pepper Jack: For a little extra kick, pepper Jack cheese can be used on its own or in combination with another mild cheese.

Aged Cheese for Plain Roast Turkey

If your turkey is plain and simple, there's room for a stronger, more pungent cheese. Turkey meat sits between beef and chicken in terms of flavour, so it will stand up to a stronger cheese without being overwhelmed.

Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, Provolone, and Asiago will all provide a sharper flavour that will stand out in a sandwich. If you don't want to use only aged cheese, you can combine it with a few slices of a milder cheese like Edam or Havarti.

Blue cheese is another option that will go well with plain turkey. However, it's best not to mix this with Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, as the flavour will be too intense.

If you're feeling adventurous, try a washed-rind cheese—possibly the most pungent option after durian fruit. Go for a Gruyere, Beaufort, Fontina, or Limburger if you think you can handle it!

These aged cheeses work great in a grilled sandwich, but they may be a little runnier than milder cheeses.

Mayo Substitutes for Turkey Sandwich

If you're looking for a substitute for mayonnaise in your honey turkey sandwich, there are several options to consider. Here are some alternatives that will complement the flavours of the honey turkey while providing a similar creamy texture:

Greek Yogurt

If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt seasoned with salt and pepper can be a great substitute. This option is especially good if you're avoiding eggs, and it will give your sandwich a fresh flavour. However, it may not be the best choice for very savoury sandwiches.

Avocado

Avocado is another fresh, healthy substitute for mayonnaise. It adds a similar creaminess and fat content to the sandwich while contributing pure, healthy fats. Avocado works particularly well with BLTs or burgers, but it's important to note that it's not suitable for cooked applications. To use avocado in a sandwich, simply mash it or blend it with a little water or oil to create a creamy spread.

Sour Cream

While mayonnaise is rich and eggy, sour cream is lighter and tangier. It has a similar texture to mayonnaise, making it a suitable substitute in cold salads, deviled eggs, or baked dishes. Sour cream will add a tangy twist to your honey turkey sandwich.

Tahini and Lemon Juice

Tahini is a sesame seed paste commonly used in hummus. Mixing equal parts tahini and lemon juice creates a substitute with a similar consistency to mayonnaise. This combination will give your sandwich a subtly nutty flavour. However, it will be thinner than mayonnaise, so it may not work as a spread on the bread. Instead, use it as a dressing for the sandwich filling.

Silken Tofu

For a vegan option, silken tofu can be blended until smooth to create a mayonnaise substitute. This option is versatile and can be used in most dishes that call for mayonnaise, except for baked goods. It's a great way to add a creamy texture to your sandwich while accommodating vegan dietary restrictions.

Homemade Mayonnaise

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own mayonnaise at home. It's simply a matter of whisking egg yolks with vinegar or lemon juice and gradually adding oil until it emulsifies. The homemade version won't last as long as store-bought mayonnaise, but the flavour is unmatched.

So, the next time you're craving a honey turkey sandwich but don't have mayonnaise on hand, give one of these substitutes a try. Each option offers a unique twist on the classic sandwich, allowing you to customise it to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Frequently asked questions