Best Cheeses To Compliment Your Turkey Sandwich

There are many types of cheese that go well in a turkey sandwich, including Swiss, provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and American cheese. For a more gourmet option, try using provolone or Swiss cheese, as these are considered some of the best cheeses for Italian-style sandwiches. If you're looking for something spicy, try jalapeño havarti or pepper jack.

Characteristics of cheese for a turkey sandwich

Swiss, provolone, and cheddar are good cheese options

For a hot sandwich, both Swiss and cheddar melt beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Provolone is another cheese that melts well and is a popular choice for grilled cheese and turkey sandwiches.

If you're making a cold sandwich, all three cheeses work equally well. Swiss cheese, with its mild, nutty flavour, is a favourite among sandwich lovers and goes well with most meat sandwiches. Provolone, with its subtle tang, is a classic choice for Italian-style sandwiches, while cheddar, with its sharpness, adds a nice kick to the sandwich.

When using Swiss, provolone, or cheddar cheese in a turkey sandwich, it's essential to slice the cheese thinly and evenly. This ensures the cheese blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious bite.

Try Monterey/Pepper Jack or Mozzarella for a melty sandwich

If you're looking for a melty sandwich, you can't go wrong with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella cheese. All three are excellent choices for a turkey sandwich and have their unique characteristics.

Monterey Jack is a semi-firm, creamy, and mildly flavoured cheese made from cow's milk. It originated in present-day California in the 1700s and has since become a versatile staple in many dishes. When paired with turkey, it adds a subtle tanginess without overwhelming the other ingredients. Its melting properties make it ideal for grilled sandwiches, creating a delightful texture and flavour combination.

For those who enjoy a little kick, Pepper Jack cheese is a spicier version of Monterey Jack, infused with sweet peppers, herbs, chillies, garlic, and jalapeños. The heat level varies depending on the specific blend of peppers used, so you can choose from mild to spicy options. The addition of peppers not only enhances the flavour but also creates a visually appealing sandwich with colourful flecks of peppers throughout.

Mozzarella, on the other hand, is a semi-soft, non-aged cheese with Italian origins. It is prepared using the pasta filata, or 'stretched-curd', method and can be made from cow's milk or buffalo milk. Fresh mozzarella is known for its high moisture content and is best enjoyed the day after it is made. Its soft, stretchy texture and mild flavour make it a versatile cheese that complements a variety of ingredients. When melted, mozzarella becomes deliciously gooey and can elevate your turkey sandwich to a whole new level of decadence.

When assembling your sandwich, don't forget the other essential ingredients, such as sliced bread, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat, and add your favourite condiments or seasonings to create a truly mouthwatering meal.

Whether you choose Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or mozzarella, your turkey sandwich is sure to be a tasty treat. So, fire up that panini press or get your skillet ready, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food—a warm, melty turkey sandwich tailored to your taste buds!

Smoked turkey pairs well with melted sharp cheddar

For a simple sandwich, start with two slices of hearty white bread. Spread French's® Classic Yellow Mustard, French's® Chardonnay Dijon Mustard, or another mustard of your choice on one side of each slice of bread. Layer one slice of bread with three slices of smoked deli turkey and two slices of sharp cheddar cheese. Top with two slices of crisply cooked thick-sliced maple bacon, and a handful of spring mix greens. You can also add thinly sliced red onion rings and juicy tomatoes. Finish with the remaining slice of bread, cut the sandwich diagonally, and serve.

If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try frying your sandwich in a pan with butter. This will give you a hot, melty cheese and turkey sandwich with a golden-brown crust. Another option is to use a panini press to achieve the same melted goodness.

So, the next time you're craving a smoked turkey sandwich, don't forget the sharp cheddar and a side of crispy bacon!

For a hot sandwich, use brie, or Swiss/cheddar for cold

There are many types of cheese that can be used in a turkey sandwich, depending on whether it is hot or cold. For a hot sandwich, brie is a good option. If you prefer your sandwich cold, Swiss cheese or cheddar are good choices.

Brie is a soft, mild cheese that melts well, making it ideal for hot sandwiches. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavour that pairs well with turkey. When melted, brie becomes even creamier and can add a delicious, oozy texture to your sandwich.

Swiss cheese is a versatile choice for a cold turkey sandwich. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour and a firm texture that slices easily. Swiss cheese also melts well, so it can be used in a toasted sandwich if you prefer your sandwich warm. Its mild flavour won't overpower the other ingredients in your sandwich.

Cheddar is another popular choice for a cold turkey sandwich. Cheddar has a more pronounced flavour than Swiss cheese, ranging from mild to sharp. It also has a firmer texture that can add a nice crunch to your sandwich. Cheddar pairs well with turkey and can be sliced or grated, depending on your preference.

In addition to these options, there are several other cheeses that can be used in a turkey sandwich. These include provolone, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack. Ultimately, the best cheese for your turkey sandwich comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different cheeses and find the one that you enjoy the most!

For a gourmet sandwich, try provolone with basil pesto aioli

If you're looking to elevate your turkey sandwich to gourmet status, look no further than provolone cheese and basil pesto aioli. This combination of ingredients creates a flavourful and satisfying sandwich that's sure to impress. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients

To make a gourmet turkey sandwich with provolone and basil pesto aioli, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Provolone cheese – a semi-hard, creamy and slightly smoky cheese that pairs perfectly with turkey.
• Basil pesto aioli – a simple mixture of mayonnaise and basil pesto that adds a burst of flavour to the sandwich.
• Turkey – use sliced, roasted turkey meat from the deli or leftovers from a roast dinner.
• Bread – choose a crusty bread such as ciabatta, sourdough, focaccia or a crusty sub roll.
• Optional extras – consider adding arugula, avocado, sliced tomato, red onion, bacon or a fried egg to take your sandwich to the next level.

Method

Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to assemble your sandwich:

• Spread the basil pesto aioli on one side of your chosen bread.
• Add slices of provolone cheese, making sure to cover the entire slice of bread.
• Place your turkey slices on top of the cheese.
• If using any optional extras, add them now.
• Close your sandwich with a second slice of bread.
• To serve warm, place your sandwich in a panini press, grill or stovetop pan. Cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese has started to melt.
• Alternatively, serve your sandwich cold.

Tips

• If you're making your own basil pesto, blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.
• For an extra special touch, drizzle the outside of your bread with olive oil and sprinkle with cracked pepper before grilling or toasting.
• Always spread your mayonnaise or basil pesto aioli on both slices of bread for even distribution of flavour.
• If you're using sliced sandwich bread, apply your spread to both slices.
• Season your sandwich with salt and pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions