Turkey Breast: Best Cheese Pairing Options

Turkey and cheese is a classic combination, and for good reason. The savoury, salty flavour of cheese is the perfect complement to the mild taste of turkey breast. There are many different types of cheese that pair well with turkey breast, and the best option for you will depend on the specific flavours you're looking for. Some popular choices include provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Colby jack, Monterey jack, and cheddar. If you're making a hot turkey and cheese sandwich, you'll want to choose a cheese that melts easily. For a sweet and savoury option, try a maple honey turkey grilled cheese sandwich with slices of aged Vermont cheddar. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you could try a blue cheese-stuffed turkey breast or a sundried tomato and greens stuffed turkey breast with Parmesan cheese.

Cheese-stuffed turkey breast recipes

A cheese-stuffed turkey breast is a delicious alternative to a whole roast turkey, perfect for smaller Thanksgiving gatherings or any other occasion. This guide will take you through two mouth-watering recipes for cheese-stuffed turkey breasts, as well as some ideas for serving suggestions and customisations.

Recipe 1: Cream Cheese, Spinach, Herb, and Bacon-stuffed Turkey Breast

This recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress your guests. It serves 4 people and takes around 40 minutes in total to make and bake.

Ingredients:

• 2.75-3 pounds of turkey breast or turkey breast tenderloins
• 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
• ⅓ cup of chopped fresh spinach
• ⅓ cup of chopped bacon pieces
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of cracked black pepper
• 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of finely chopped thyme
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon of cracked black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon of salt

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a small sheet pan or roasting dish.
• Place the turkey in a Ziplock bag or between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound out to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, spinach, garlic, bacon, salt, pepper, parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
• Spread the mixture over the turkey, leaving about a 1/2-inch border around the edge.
• Gently but firmly, roll the turkey from one long side to the other. Secure it with toothpicks or baker's twine.
• Stir the spices together and rub them all over the rolled turkey.
• Place the stuffed turkey in the oven and bake for 15-25 minutes. Note: the cooking time will depend on the size of your turkey breast. The internal temperature should reach about 160°F before moving on to the next step.
• Switch the oven to 'Broil' and cook for another 5 minutes or so until the outside is nicely browned. The internal temperature should be about 160°F, as it will continue to rise to 165°F while resting.
• Transfer the stuffed turkey to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Stir together melted butter and fresh herbs and brush over the top. Slice and serve immediately.

Recipe 2: Italian Bread, Dried Cranberry, and Sausage-stuffed Turkey Breast

This recipe serves 4-6 people and takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes in total to prepare and cook.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of boneless turkey breast half with skin on
• 2 cups of cubed Italian bread (e.g. batard, baguette, or ciabatta)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 medium shallot, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 ribs of celery, diced
• 6 ounces of mild Italian sausage
• ⅓ cup of dried cranberries
• ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
• ⅓ cup of chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons of pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 6 tablespoons of softened butter

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Slice the bread, remove the crusts, and cut the slices into cubes. Place the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
• Slice or chop the shallot and celery. Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add the shallot and celery with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Saute until the shallot is translucent.
• Add the sausage to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains.
• Add the cranberries, thyme, and broth to the pan and cook for a further 1-2 minutes.
• Add the toasted bread and pine nuts to the pan and stir until all the bread is moistened.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the stuffing to cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
• Using a sharp knife, carefully separate the skin from the turkey breast and set the skin aside. Place the breast with the original skin side down on a clean work surface. Butterfly the thicker areas to get an even thickness throughout. Pound the breast with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is about 1/2-inch thick. Sprinkle the inside with salt and pepper.
• Spread the cooled stuffing over the pounded turkey breast, leaving a 1-inch border.
• Carefully roll up the breast from one long side, enclosing the stuffing. Place the reserved skin over the seam.
• Wrap the entire breast in a double layer of cheesecloth and tie each end with kitchen twine. Tuck the ends under and tie additional twine in 3-4 places down the length of the roll.
• Rub softened butter over the entire rolled turkey breast, covering all surfaces.
• Place the wrapped stuffed turkey breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 155°F.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for about 10 minutes. The internal temperature should increase to 165°F.
• When ready to serve, remove and discard the cheesecloth and twine. Slice into approximately 1-inch pieces.

Serving Suggestions and Customisations

Both of these recipes are delicious served with traditional Thanksgiving sides such as cranberry sauce, green beans, sweet potato casserole, or broccoli casserole. For a less traditional meal, try serving with roasted asparagus, tomatoes Provençal, oven-roasted leeks, or apple cranberry salad.

If you want to customise the recipes, you could try using different cheeses such as white cheddar, gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. You could also experiment with different herbs and seasonings, or add in some diced pancetta or Italian sausage for extra flavour.

Turkey grilled cheese sandwiches

A classic turkey sandwich is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Making it a hot turkey and cheese sandwich takes it to another level! Here is a recipe for a delicious and easy-to-make turkey grilled cheese sandwich.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (white, whole wheat, sourdough, or French bread)
• 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 6 slices of turkey breast (leftover, deli meat, or roasted)
• 2 slices of cheese (provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Colby jack, Monterey jack, or cheddar)
• Optional extras: cranberry sauce, sliced apple, sliced avocado, sliced tomato, lettuce, sprouts, mustard, mayonnaise, horseradish, or bacon

Method

• Heat a skillet over low-medium heat.
• Butter the outsides of the bread and place the buttered side down in the skillet.
• Place a slice of cheese on top of each piece of bread.
• Add sliced turkey to one side. If desired, add bacon to the other side.
• Let it cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Add any extra sandwich toppings (tomatoes, pickles, avocado, lettuce, etc.).
• Put the slices of bread together, buttered side out, to make the sandwich.
• Remove from the skillet and let it cool for about 1 minute before cutting and serving.

Tips

• For a healthier option, use whole wheat bread.
• Use thinly sliced meat for easier biting and to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
• If you are adding toppings that you would not normally serve warm (such as lettuce or sprouts), add them after the sandwich has been cooked.
• For a different twist, try spreading mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter. This will give the sandwich a great crunch.

Turkey and cheese sandwich ingredients

A turkey and cheese sandwich is a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. You can use leftover turkey breast, deli meat, or roasted turkey. If you're using sliced meat, it's best to choose a thin cut to prevent the sandwich from falling apart when you bite into it.

For the cheese, you'll want to choose something that complements the turkey without overpowering it. Provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Colby jack, Monterey jack, and cheddar are all excellent choices, especially if you plan on grilling your sandwich. These cheeses melt easily and will create a delicious, gooey texture.

When it comes to bread, you can use white bread, whole wheat bread, or French bread. If you're looking for a healthier option, whole wheat bread is a good choice. Be sure to cut the bread into slices no thicker than half an inch to ensure even cooking.

Butter or mayonnaise can be spread on the bread to add a rich, creamy texture. If you're grilling the sandwich, be sure to butter the outside of the bread to create a golden crust.

Now, let's talk about some optional ingredients to take your sandwich to the next level:

• Cranberry sauce
• Apple slices
• Bacon
• Avocado
• Tomato
• Lettuce
• Sprouts
• Mustard
• Ranch dressing
• Turkey Club Sandwich: Toast the bread and spread with mayo. Add turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and Monterey jack cheese.
• Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich: Toast bread, spread with butter and mayo, and add your favourite toppings.
• Turkey BLT Sandwich: Toast the bread, butter the insides, and add sliced tomato, lettuce, bacon, turkey, and mayo.
• Turkey Cuban Sandwich: Add dill pickles, mustard, ham, and cheese. You can grill this sandwich or simply toast the bread.
• Turkey Cranberry Sandwich: Spread the bread with cranberry sauce and add gouda cheese before grilling.
• Turkey Apple Sandwich: Add sliced apples and cranberry sauce to this sandwich for a sweet and savoury combination.

Turkey breast and cheese pairings

Turkey breast and cheese is a classic combination, whether it's a simple sandwich or a more elaborate dish. Here are some ideas for delicious cheese pairings with turkey breast:

Provolone, Gouda, Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and Cheddar

These cheeses are excellent choices for turkey sandwiches as they complement the turkey without overpowering it. They also melt beautifully, making them perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches. For a simple yet mouth-watering option, try a grilled turkey and provolone sandwich with sliced tomatoes and lettuce.

Vermont White Cheddar

Vermont White Cheddar is a great choice to pair with turkey breast. Try it in a grilled cheese sandwich with maple honey turkey for a quick, hearty, and comforting meal. The sweetness of the maple honey turkey combined with the sharp, creamy flavour of the Vermont White Cheddar is a match made in heaven.

Blue Cheese

For a more distinctive flavour profile, consider stuffing your turkey breast with blue cheese. This combination works exceptionally well in a recipe that includes chicken broth, amber, boneless turkey breast, salt, and other ingredients to create a savoury dish that will leave your taste buds tantalised.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a versatile choice that can be used in a variety of dishes. For a unique and tasty treat, try making a Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwich, which combines grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated nutmeg, and turkey breast with other ingredients to create a satisfying and flavourful meal.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is another excellent option for those who enjoy a creamy, meltable cheese. This cheese pairs well with turkey breast in a variety of dishes, including sandwiches, wraps, and even pizzas. For a refreshing twist, add some avocado slices to your turkey and Monterey Jack sandwich.

Turkey and cheese melt recipes

Texas Toast Turkey Melts

This recipe is perfect for when you're short on time but still want something tasty and satisfying. It's a grown-up twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich or a practical way to use up leftover turkey.

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise
• Sourdough bread
• Chopped green chillies
• Sliced deli turkey
• Shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
• Butter

Steps:

• Spread mayonnaise on two slices of sourdough bread.
• Spread the green chillies on the bread.
• Layer the turkey and cheese over them.
• Top with the remaining bread slices and spread butter on the outsides of the sandwiches.
• Grill the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Grilled Turkey and Cheese Sandwich

This is a classic, quick, and easy option for lunch or dinner. Using leftover turkey, deli meat, or roasted turkey, you can make it any time of year.

Ingredients:

• Bread (white, whole wheat, or French)
• Cheese (provolone, gouda, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or cheddar)
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Turkey (leftover turkey breast, deli meat, or roasted turkey)
• Optional extras: cranberry sauce, apple, bacon, avocado, tomato, lettuce, sprouts, or mustard

Steps:

• Heat a skillet over low-medium heat.
• Butter the outsides of the bread and place buttered-side down in the skillet.
• Place a slice of cheese on each piece of bread.
• Add sliced turkey to one side and bacon to the other.
• Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
• Add any extra ingredients (tomato, avocado, lettuce, etc.).
• Put the slices of bread together, buttered-side out, to make the sandwich.
• Remove from the skillet and let cool for about a minute before serving.

Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon

A perfect sandwich for cooler weather, this melt is toasty, melty, and mouth-watering. It pairs well with a cup of hot, creamy soup.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough or thick, crusty bread
• Honey mustard
• White cheddar cheese
• Deli turkey
• Tomato slices
• Baby spinach
• Bacon
• Butter

Steps:

• Spread honey mustard on four slices of sourdough bread.
• Place a slice of cheese on each slice of bread, covering the honey mustard.
• Add two slices of turkey to each sandwich.
• Layer tomato slices and spinach on top of the turkey.
• Place the bacon on the remaining slices of cheese-topped bread.
• Close the sandwiches, placing the bacon-topped bread on top of the turkey.
• Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread.
• Place the sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat.
• Toast the bottom slice of bread for 3-4 minutes, then flip and toast the other side for 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
• Serve warm with your desired sides.

Turkey Melt Sandwich

This melt is piled high with tender turkey slices and crisp bacon, with melted cheese bringing it all together. The red wine-infused mayonnaise adds a tangy twist.

Ingredients:

• Deli turkey meat (smoked or regular)
• Bacon (regular cut)
• Cheese (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Mozzarella)
• Tomato (vine-ripened or beefsteak)
• Sourdough bread
• Red wine vinegar (or white wine/balsamic vinegar)
• Butter
• Mayonnaise
• Black pepper

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
• Warm the turkey meat by placing it in the microwave for 30 seconds or warming it in a skillet.
• Butter the outside of the bread slices.
• Stack cheese, turkey, bacon, tomato slices, and a second slice of cheese on the inside.
• Mix mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and black pepper, and spread on the top slice of bread.
• Place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, flipping as needed.
• Slice the sandwich in half and serve.

Frequently asked questions