Smoked Turkey's Perfect Cheese Pairing Partners

The best cheese to pair with smoked turkey depends on the type of sandwich you're making. For a simple, classic sandwich, mild cheeses like Swiss, Havarti, or Monterey Jack are popular choices. If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, smoked turkey also goes well with pepper jack cheese. For a stronger flavour, you could opt for pungent cheeses like blue cheese, Gruyere, or Beaufort. When it comes to turkey sandwiches, the type of bread and toppings you use can also make a difference in how the flavours come together.

Smoked turkey and mild cheese

Gouda

Gouda is a mild, creamy cheese that pairs beautifully with smoked turkey. Its smooth texture and subtle flavour complement the smokiness of the turkey without overwhelming it. Smoked gouda is also an option if you want to enhance the smoky flavour of your dish.

Edam

Edam cheese, with its pale yellow hue and subtle nutty flavour, is another excellent choice for smoked turkey sandwiches. Its mild taste won't overpower the other ingredients, creating a well-balanced bite.

Colby

If you're looking for a mild, semi-hard cheese to go with your smoked turkey, Colby is a great option. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that adds interest to your sandwich without stealing the show from the turkey.

Havarti

Havarti is a popular choice for turkey sandwiches, and for good reason. Its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavour make it a perfect match for smoked turkey. Havarti also melts wonderfully, adding to its appeal in both cold and grilled sandwiches.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is known for its mild, nutty flavour and distinctive appearance due to its small holes. It's a versatile choice that works well with smoked turkey, whether you prefer your sandwich cold or grilled.

Muenster

Muenster is a mild, creamy cheese with a hint of sweetness. Its smooth texture and subtle flavour make it an excellent choice for smoked turkey sandwiches, as it won't overpower the other ingredients.

When pairing cheese with smoked turkey, remember that you want the cheese to enhance the flavour of the turkey without being too overpowering. These mild cheeses are versatile and delicious, making them the perfect choice for your next smoked turkey sandwich.

Smoked turkey and pungent cheese

Smoked turkey is a versatile meat that pairs well with many different types of cheese. When it comes to pungent cheeses, there are several options that can enhance the flavour of smoked turkey. Here are some suggestions:

Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is a classic choice for adding a sharp, pungent flavour to dishes. Its salty, nutty taste can complement the smokiness of the turkey.

Pecorino Romano: This Italian cheese is similar to Parmesan but has a more intense, salty flavour. It can add a bold touch to your smoked turkey sandwich.

Asiago: Asiago cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavour that can stand up to the smokiness of the turkey. It has a slightly creamy texture that melts well, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches.

Blue Cheese: Any type of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Stilton, will contribute a strong, tangy flavour to your sandwich. Its pungency will be balanced by the smoked turkey.

When pairing pungent cheeses with smoked turkey, consider the intensity of the cheese and adjust the amount used to your taste preference. These cheeses will add a bold flavour to your sandwich, so a little can go a long way.

In addition to pungent cheeses, smoked turkey also pairs well with milder cheeses such as Gouda, Havarti, and Swiss. These milder cheeses allow the flavour of the smoked turkey to shine through while adding a creamy texture and a subtle salty note.

When creating the perfect smoked turkey and cheese sandwich, don't forget to experiment with different types of bread, condiments, and fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, and red onion to create a well-rounded and delicious meal.

Smoked turkey sandwiches

There are many different types of cheese that can be paired with smoked turkey in a sandwich. The best type of cheese will depend on your personal preference, the other ingredients in the sandwich, and whether the sandwich is served hot or cold.

Cheese Suggestions

A simple smoked turkey sandwich can be made with just turkey, cheese, and bread. For a hot sandwich, try melting some Swiss cheese, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack over the turkey. For a cold sandwich, Swiss cheese, provolone, American cheese, mozzarella cheese, or cheddar cheese are all good options. If you're feeling adventurous, try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or havarti.

Other Ingredients

In addition to cheese, there are many other ingredients that can be added to a smoked turkey sandwich. Popular choices include lettuce, tomato, avocado, bacon, and mustard. If you're making a hot sandwich, you can grill or toast the bread. For a cold sandwich, you might spread mayonnaise or pesto mayonnaise on the bread.

Bread Options

The type of bread you use for your smoked turkey sandwich will depend on your personal preference and the other ingredients in the sandwich. Popular options include whole wheat bread, white bread, ciabatta, flatbread, hoagie rolls, bagels, and large croissant rolls. If you're making a hot sandwich, a crusty sub roll or baguette will give your sandwich a nice texture.

Smoked turkey and mayonnaise

For a simple yet delectable smoked turkey and mayonnaise dish, try the following:

Smoked Turkey Mayo Sandwich

This sandwich is perfect for a crowd and can be made a day in advance.

Ingredients:

• Large round bread loaf or boule (about 8 inches in diameter)
• Thinly sliced smoked cooked turkey
• Sliced cheddar cheese
• Butter lettuce leaves (about 1 small head)
• Mustard

Instructions:

• Cut the bread in half horizontally and hollow out most of the soft interior from each half.
• Spread the cut sides of the bread with mustard.
• Layer the turkey and cheddar cheese inside the bread bottom.
• Top with butter lettuce.
• Place the top on the sandwich, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least an hour or up to a day.
• Cut the sandwich at home and rewrap for easy serving.

Mayo-Coated Smoked Turkey

For a juicy, tender whole turkey, try Chef Tim Hollingsworth's secret weapon: mayonnaise.

Ingredients:

• 14- to 15-lb whole turkey
• Mayonnaise
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon, cut into wedges
• Head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
• Thyme
• Whiskey
• Vinegar

Instructions:

• Remove the giblets and neckbone from the turkey.
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
• Slather the mayonnaise mixture all over the turkey, including inside the cavity.
• Stuff the cavity with thyme, lemon, and garlic. Truss the turkey for a better presentation, if desired.
• Refrigerate the turkey, uncovered, for at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours.
• Preheat the grill to 225°F.
• Combine whiskey and vinegar in a spray bottle or bowl.
• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
• Place the turkey breast side up on the grill and cook for two hours.
• Spritz with the whiskey mixture every 30 minutes.
• Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 158°F (this may take 5 to 6 hours total).
• Rest the turkey for at least 30 minutes before carving.

Herb & Mayonnaise Roasted Smoked Turkey

This recipe by Chef Tim Hollingsworth takes your smoked turkey to the next level with the addition of herbs.

Ingredients:

• 12-lb whole turkey, thawed if frozen
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, and/or rosemary)
• Pinch of sugar or drizzle of honey
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)

Instructions:

• Set the grill temperature to 425°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, herbs, and sugar, whisking until well combined.
• Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity.
• Pat the turkey dry with a paper towel.
• Rub the turkey evenly with the herb mayonnaise, covering all areas including wings, legs, and breasts.
• Generously season the turkey with salt and pepper, including inside the cavity.
• Place fresh sprigs of rosemary and/or thyme in the cavity, if desired. Truss the wings and legs using kitchen twine.
• Insert a probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast.
• Place the turkey on the grill, close the lid, and roast for 30-45 minutes, or until the skin turns golden.
• Reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (and 175°F in the thickest part of the thigh).
• Remove the turkey from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Smoked turkey and mustard

Smoked turkey is a versatile dish, pairing well with many different cheeses. When it comes to smoked turkey and mustard, a few cheese options stand out as ideal complements to this flavour combination. Firstly, a classic choice is cheddar cheese. The sharpness of cheddar pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the turkey and the tanginess of mustard. For a sandwich, layering sliced cheddar cheese with smoked turkey and spreading mustard on the bread creates a delicious and satisfying bite.

Another cheese that goes well with smoked turkey and mustard is Swiss cheese. Swiss cheese has a mild and nutty flavour that can complement the smokiness of the turkey without overwhelming the palate. It also melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, spicy Jack cheese is a great option. Jalapeño, habanero, or a pepper mix Jack cheese can add a nice spicy contrast to the smoked turkey and mustard.

For those who enjoy a more subtle flavour, Havarti cheese is a wonderful choice. Its mild, buttery taste and smooth texture pair well with the smokiness of the turkey and the sharpness of the mustard. If you want to add a twist to the classic Havarti, you can opt for jalapeño Havarti, which brings a subtle spice to the combination of smoked turkey and mustard. Smoked turkey with mustard is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to enhance its flavour.

When creating a smoked turkey and mustard sandwich, the type of bread used can also make a difference. A hearty sourdough or a French bread provides a nice contrast to the smokiness of the turkey and the tanginess of the mustard. Additionally, a soft roll can be used for a more delicate texture. Ultimately, the choice of cheese and bread depends on personal preference, and experimenting with different combinations can lead to some delicious discoveries.

Frequently asked questions