Best Cheeses To Compliment Turkey Lunch Meat

Turkey and cheese sandwiches are a classic lunchtime favourite. While there are many types of cheese to choose from, the best ones to pair with turkey lunch meat are Swiss, provolone, and cheddar.

Swiss cheese is one of the most popular choices for turkey sandwiches. Its mild, nutty, slightly sweet flavour complements turkey beautifully without overpowering it. Provolone is another excellent option, with its smooth, mild taste and firm texture. It has a subtle smoky and nutty flavour that enhances the turkey rather than competing with it. For a bolder option, sharp cheddar cheese packs a punch that can stand up to the stronger taste of smoked or roasted turkey.

Swiss cheese

A popular way to enjoy turkey and Swiss cheese is in a sandwich. The Ultimate Turkey Sandwich, for example, uses baby Swiss cheese, along with deli turkey, black pepper, salami, tomatoes, cojack cheese, lettuce, and bread. The bread is smeared with mustard and mayonnaise, and the sandwich is served with baby carrots, grapes, chips, and a pickle.

Another option is the Tangy Turkey and Swiss Sandwich, which includes sliced roast turkey, Swiss cheese, red onion, thyme, mayonnaise, mustard, and country-style French bread. The bread is buttered and cooked in a skillet until golden brown, with the cheese melting as the sandwich cooks.

For a quicker option, the Grilled Turkey & Swiss Sandwich takes just 15 minutes to make. It includes oven-roasted deli turkey, Swiss cheese, mustard, mayonnaise, tarragon, and sourdough bread. The sandwich is cooked in a skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Provolone

A simple way to pair provolone with turkey is in a grilled cheese sandwich. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, tomato, onion, basil, and mango chutney. If you want to get more creative, try making a turkey and provolone panini with pesto and mayonnaise.

Monterey Jack

For a simple yet delicious sandwich, pair Monterey Jack with turkey and a few slices of avocado and pickled jalapeños. For an extra salty kick, top it with some grilled bacon.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try pairing the cheese with sliced turkey, crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and barbecue sauce on thick slices of grilled sourdough.

When it comes to choosing the right cheese for your turkey sandwich, consider the strength of the flavour. You don't want a cheese that will overpower the delicate flavour of the turkey. Texture is another important factor. If you're making a grilled sandwich, look for a cheese that melts well, like Monterey Jack.

Cheddar

When making a grilled turkey sandwich, cheddar is an excellent choice as it melts evenly without becoming runny. For a hearty flavour combination, pair cheddar with bacon, barbecue sauce, and crispy fried onions. For a healthier option, try cheddar with apple slices, honey mustard, and spinach on whole grain bread. Just be sure to select high-quality, properly aged cheddar for the best flavour.

Mozzarella

• Turkey and Mozzarella Focaccia Sandwich: This sandwich is made with a fragrant rosemary focaccia, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato pesto, deli turkey, and fresh tomatoes and arugula.
• Turkey and Mozzarella Sandwich: This sandwich uses a baguette, butter lettuce, deli turkey breast slices, pitted cherries, basil, and mozzarella.
• Turkey Mozzarella and Pesto Panini: This panini can be made with ciabatta, focaccia, or another type of bread, and includes pesto, turkey, mozzarella, and other toppings of your choice.

Frequently asked questions