Best Cheeses To Compliment A Turkey Club Sandwich

The classic turkey club sandwich is a lunchtime staple, but what type of cheese should you use to take it to the next level? The cheese should complement the turkey, adding creaminess and texture to the sandwich, while also binding the ingredients together. Swiss cheese is a popular choice, with its mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour, and it works well in both grilled and cold sandwiches. Provolone is another option, with its smooth, mild taste and hint of smokiness. For a more pronounced cheese flavour, cheddar is a great choice, offering a range of ages and flavours, from mild to sharp. Other options include Havarti, Monterey Jack, gouda, and pepper jack.

Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Provolone

When it comes to turkey sandwiches, the cheese you choose can take your creation to the next level. It should complement the flavour of the turkey, add creaminess and texture, and bind the other ingredients together.

Monterey Jack is a fantastic choice for grilled turkey sandwiches. It has a mild, buttery taste and a creamy texture that melts wonderfully, giving you that classic grilled cheese experience. It's also a good option for those who like a little spice, as Pepper Jack cheese adds a touch of heat and smokiness while still pairing well with turkey.

Swiss cheese is a popular and versatile option for turkey sandwiches. Its mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour works with almost any type of turkey. It melts beautifully in grilled sandwiches and has a firm yet sliceable texture, making it easy to layer. For a more complex flavour, try aged or imported Swiss cheese.

Provolone is an Italian cheese with a smooth, mild taste and a hint of smokiness. It comes in both smoky and non-smoky varieties, both of which pair wonderfully with turkey. Provolone melts well, making it an excellent choice for hot sandwiches.

When building your turkey club, try to use thinner cheese slices to prevent overwhelming the other flavours. You can also experiment with blends, like combining cheddar and Monterey Jack, or mixing textures such as sliced Swiss with creamy Havarti.

Cheddar or Havarti

Cheddar and Havarti are both popular choices for a turkey club sandwich. But which one is better? Let's take a closer look at each option.

Cheddar cheese is a versatile choice for a turkey club. It offers a range of flavours, from mild to sharp. If you're looking for a bold, complex flavour that stands up to the taste of turkey, aged cheddar is a great option. On the other hand, mild cheddar melts beautifully, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches. White cheddar adds a tasty twist, giving your club a unique flavour.

Now, let's talk about Havarti. This cheese has a mild, buttery flavour and an incredibly soft texture. It's known for melting extremely well, making it a top choice for grilled sandwiches. But don't count Havarti out for cold sandwiches—its soft texture also works wonderfully in those. If you're looking for a creamy, buttery flavour to complement your roasted turkey breast, Havarti is an excellent option.

So, which is the better choice for your turkey club, Cheddar or Havarti? It depends on your preference. If you want a bolder flavour, aged cheddar might be your best bet. But if you're looking for something milder and creamier, Havarti could be the perfect match. Ultimately, both cheeses are versatile and taste great with turkey, so you may want to experiment with both to see which you prefer.

Brie or Gouda

While there are many types of cheese that can be used in a turkey club sandwich, such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or cheddar, two types of cheese that pair well with turkey are Brie and Gouda.

Brie

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It has a unique, sticky texture that can make it a little tricky to spread on a sandwich, but it can be sliced or spread using a spatula to get an even layer. Brie is best served at room temperature to allow it to become gooey and melt easily. It can be found easily at most local grocery stores.

Brie and turkey sandwiches often include other ingredients such as lettuce, apples, mustard, and fig butter or preserves. The tartness of a Granny Smith apple complements the creaminess of the Brie, making it a delicious addition to the sandwich.

Gouda

Gouda is a smoked cheese with a hint of nutty sweetness. It is a good melting cheese and can be shredded or sliced. Gouda is available in most supermarkets.

Gouda pairs well with turkey, avocado, and bacon. It can be combined with mayonnaise, green onion, and seasonings to make a spread for a turkey sandwich.

Mozzarella or Pepper Jack

Mozzarella and Pepper Jack are both excellent choices for a turkey club sandwich. They each bring something different to the table, so it's worth considering what type of sandwich you're aiming for.

Mozzarella is a mild, soft, and sliceable cheese with a milky flavour. It's a good option if you want a simple, classic sandwich, and it works especially well with smoked turkey. It's also a great melting cheese, so it's perfect for grilled sandwiches.

On the other hand, Pepper Jack adds a kick of heat and smokiness to your sandwich. It has a creamy, melty texture that pairs well with turkey, whether your sandwich is served hot or cold. If you want to spice things up, this is the cheese for you.

When it comes to the rest of the ingredients, a classic turkey club usually includes bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. You can also get creative with additional ingredients like avocado, cured meats, condiments, herbs, and spices.

For a lighter option, you can use just two slices of bread instead of the traditional three, and reduce the amount of meat and mayonnaise. You can also swap the bread for a tortilla or a lettuce wrap, or try different types of bread like whole grain or sourdough.

So, whether you choose Mozzarella or Pepper Jack, you're sure to end up with a delicious turkey club sandwich. Just don't forget the crispy bacon!

Blended cheeses

When it comes to crafting the perfect turkey club sandwich, blended cheeses offer a symphony of flavours and textures that can elevate the classic to new heights. By combining two or more cheeses, you can create a unique and indulgent taste experience. Here are some mouth-watering blends to consider:

Swiss and Cheddar

A marriage of Swiss cheese and cheddar brings together the best of both worlds. Swiss cheese lends its mild, nutty flavour and excellent meltability, while cheddar adds a bold, complex sharpness. Together, they create a well-rounded taste that complements the turkey without overwhelming it.

Provolone and Monterey Jack

For a creamy, smoky sensation, blending provolone and Monterey Jack is a winning choice. Provolone, with its smooth and subtly smoky character, pairs beautifully with the mild, buttery notes of Monterey Jack. This duo guarantees a gooey, decadent bite that will make your turkey club sandwich unforgettable.

Havarti and Gouda

Imagine a blend of creamy, buttery Havarti and mild, slightly sweet Gouda. This combination delivers a smooth, luscious texture and a subtle flavour that enhances the taste of roasted turkey. Whether your sandwich is grilled or served cold, this blend will ensure every bite is indulgent.

Cream Cheese and Pepper Jack

For those who enjoy a touch of spice, blending cream cheese with Pepper Jack cheese creates a delightful contrast. The creamy, mild nature of cream cheese tempers the heat of Pepper Jack, resulting in a tangy, smoky sensation. This blend is perfect for those who want a hint of spice without overpowering the other ingredients.

Swiss and Mozzarella

Combining Swiss cheese with fresh mozzarella creates a delightful duo of mild, milky flavours. Swiss cheese provides a nutty twist, while mozzarella adds a soft, sliceable texture. This blend is ideal for grilled turkey club sandwiches, as the cheeses melt together beautifully, creating a mouthwatering, oozing centre.

When blending cheeses, feel free to experiment with different ratios to find your preferred balance. You can also adjust the thickness of the slices to ensure the blend complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them. Remember, the key to a great turkey club sandwich is finding harmony between the meats, cheeses, and toppings.

Frequently asked questions