The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Turkey Deli Meat

Turkey and cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and for good reason! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating flavour combinations with turkey sandwiches. When it comes to cheese, some popular options to pair with turkey deli meat include provolone, Swiss, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Havarti.

Provolone, Swiss, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Havarti

Provolone, Swiss, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, and Havarti are all excellent choices of cheese to go with turkey deli meat. These cheeses can be used in a variety of combinations to create delicious sandwiches. For instance, you could pair turkey with Swiss cheese, crisp lettuce, and fresh tomatoes for a classic deli-style sandwich. Alternatively, try making a turkey club by adding bacon and toasting your bread, or get creative with toppings like avocado, pesto, or cranberry sauce.

Provolone is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of meats, including turkey, ham, and salami. It has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that adds a creamy texture to sandwiches. Swiss cheese, on the other hand, is known for its distinctive flavor and melting properties, making it a popular choice for grilled sandwiches or paninis.

Cheddar, with its sharp and tangy flavor, is another popular choice for sandwiches. It pairs well with a variety of meats and can add a nice crunch to your sandwich when used in larger quantities. For a milder flavor, Colby Jack, a combination of Colby and Monterey Jack cheeses, is a great option. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the taste of turkey without overwhelming it.

Finally, Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor. It melts easily, making it perfect for grilled sandwiches or paninis. Its subtle flavor allows the taste of the turkey to shine through, making it a great choice for those who want to enhance their sandwich without overpowering it.

Turkey-cranberry with cream cheese and cranberry sauce

A fun, festive lunch idea, this sandwich is a delicious and easy way to use up leftover turkey and cranberry sauce after Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's also a great excuse to buy or cook some turkey and cranberry sauce outside of the holiday season!

Ingredients

• Bread: Sourdough, brioche, or leftover rolls are great options. You can also use gluten-free bread, or swap the bread for oat or rice cakes.
• Turkey: Light or dark meat, sliced or shredded. You can use leftover turkey or cook it fresh.
• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought.
• Cream Cheese: Use more or less, depending on your preference.
• Arugula or Butter Lettuce: For added freshness and crunch.
• Optional Add-ons: Cucumber slices, radishes, toasted almond slivers, or other vegetables of your choice. You can also add a smear of mayo, or a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Instructions

• If cooking fresh turkey, drizzle a little olive oil in a skillet and cook the turkey for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
• Once the turkey is cooked, let it cool, and then shred it with two forks or a stand mixer.
• Spread a layer of cream cheese on one slice of bread.
• Spread a layer of cranberry sauce on another slice of bread.
• Add the shredded turkey and arugula (or lettuce) to the sandwich.
• Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• Add any optional add-ons, such as cucumber slices or radishes.
• Assemble the sandwich and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• You can toast the bread for extra flavour and crunch. Try spreading a little mayo or butter on the bread and toasting it in the oven or a pan.
• If you're using leftover turkey, you can warm it up before assembling the sandwich for a more cohesive flavour.
• If you like your sandwich on the wetter side, you can mix some mayo with the turkey.
• For a different texture, try using sprouts and sunflower seeds instead of arugula or lettuce.
• If you're a fan of strong flavours, add some candied jalapeños or pickled onions to your sandwich.

Turkey club with bacon

The classic turkey club sandwich is a delicious and easy-to-make lunch option. It is traditionally made with six ingredients: turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and bread. Here's a detailed guide to making this mouth-watering sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Turkey deli meat (sliced thin)
• Bacon (crispy)
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Mayonnaise
• Bread (toasted)
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

• Start by cooking the bacon. You can bake it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping it over after 10 minutes.
• Toast your bread slices.
• Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise over each slice of toasted bread.
• Place lettuce and tomato on top of one slice of bread.
• Add a slice of toasted bread on top, with the mayonnaise side facing down.
• Arrange the slices of bacon and turkey, along with a little more lettuce.
• Top with the final slice of toasted bread, mayonnaise side down.
• Secure the sandwich with a toothpick to hold the layers together.
• Cut the sandwich into triangles or halves, and serve.

Variations and Tips:

• You can use different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, to add a creamy texture and extra flavour.
• Feel free to use whole grain, sourdough, or any other type of bread that you prefer.
• Get creative with additional toppings like avocado, pickles, or mustard.
• For a lighter option, use less meat and mayonnaise, or omit the middle slice of bread.
• Serve with sides like potato chips, a pickle spear, or a salad.

The turkey club with bacon is a versatile and satisfying sandwich that can be tailored to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and creating your perfect club sandwich!

Turkey avocado with sliced avocado and bacon

A twist on the classic BLT, the turkey avocado with sliced avocado and bacon sandwich is a delicious and hearty meal. This sandwich is a great option if you're looking for something quick and easy to make, as it can be prepared in just 15-20 minutes. Here's a detailed guide to making this mouth-watering sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Bread: Sourdough, toasted
• Cheese: Provolone or Pepperjack
• Meat: Deli turkey, Bacon (pre-cooked or microwaved)
• Vegetables: Avocado (sliced), Tomato (ripe, sliced), Lettuce, Red onion (thinly sliced)
• Condiments: Mayonnaise, Mustard, Sour cream

Instructions:

• Toast the bread lightly: It's important to toast the bread just enough to add crispness without browning it, as this will help prevent sogginess.
• Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
• Assemble the sandwich: Spread the sauce on both slices of bread. On one slice, layer cheese, bacon, and turkey. On the other slice, add lettuce, avocado, tomato, red onion, salt, and pepper.
• Combine and serve: Put the sandwich halves together and cut in half. Serve immediately and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy avocado, savory turkey, and crispy bacon!

Customization:

Feel free to customize this sandwich to your taste preferences. Here are some variations to consider:

• Bread: Try using whole grain bread, ciabatta, flatbread, or a bagel instead of sourdough.
• Cheese: Provolone adds a mild and creamy flavour, but you can also use Pepperjack for a spicy kick, or Irish Cheddar for a unique flavour profile.
• Meat: Use leftover roasted turkey or rotisserie chicken instead of deli turkey for a different texture and flavour.
• Vegetables: For added crunch, include spinach or sprouts. Sun-dried tomatoes can also be used instead of fresh tomatoes to reduce sogginess and add an extra burst of flavour.
• Condiments: Experiment with different sauces like Creamy Basil Sauce or a combination of mayonnaise and mashed avocado.

Side Dishes:

To make it a complete meal, serve this delicious sandwich with a side of your choice:

• Fries: Sweet potato fries or regular potato fries are always a great option.
• Salad: A side salad, such as Italian salad or marinated cucumbers, can complement the sandwich nicely.
• Fruit: Slice up some fresh fruit and add a drizzle of honey and a splash of creamer for an unexpected but tasty combination.
• Soup: A bowl of tomato soup pairs perfectly with this sandwich.
• Chips: Add a handful of crushed chips to your sandwich for an extra crunch.

Now you have all the information you need to create a delicious turkey avocado with sliced avocado and bacon sandwich. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and flavours to make it your own!

Turkey pesto with pesto and mayonnaise

Ingredients

• 8 slices of whole wheat or seed bread
• 4 slices of mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup of fresh basil leaves
• 1/3 cup of mayonnaise
• 1 pound of turkey breast, sliced
• 1 whole roasted red pepper
• Fresh spinach leaves or lettuce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Ingredients

• Parsley
• Honey mustard
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Shallots
• Goat cheese

Method

• Make the pesto mayo by combining the basil and mayonnaise (and parsley if using) in a small food processor (or finely chop and mix) until almost smooth.
• Toast the bread and melt the mozzarella cheese on top.
• Spread the pesto mayo on the other side of the bread.
• Top with turkey, roasted red peppers, spinach or lettuce, and freshly cracked pepper.
• Serve hot or cold.

Tips

• The pesto mayo can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
• The sandwich can be served toasted or made on a griddle for a crispy texture.
• Pair with crispy potato chips, a Mediterranean pasta salad, or a simple fruit salad.
• For a dairy-free option, leave out the mozzarella cheese.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread.

Cheese Pairings

The following cheeses are commonly used in turkey sandwiches:

• Provolone
• Swiss
• Cheddar
• Monterey Jack
• Colby Jack
• Havarti
• Mozzarella

Frequently asked questions