Patrick Oconnell
Turkey clubs are a lunchtime staple, and the right cheese can take this sandwich from good to great. The cheese should complement the flavour of the turkey, adding creaminess and texture, and binding the ingredients together. Swiss cheese is a popular choice for turkey clubs, as it has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour that works well with turkey, and it melts beautifully in grilled 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, and aged cheddar gives a bold, complex flavour that stands up to the turkey. Mild cheddar melts beautifully in grilled sandwiches, and white cheddar adds a tasty twist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Monterey Jack, Swiss, Cheddar, Provolone, Havarti, Smoked Gouda, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Baby Swiss, Cojack, American Pasteurized Processed, Manchego, Munster, Colby Jack |
| Temperature | Cold, Hot |
| Texture | Creamy, Mild, Smooth, Soft, Sliceable, Firm, Buttery, Sweet, Earthy, Sharp, Complex, Bold, Spicy, Melted |
Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Cheddar
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for grilled turkey sandwiches due to its creamy texture and mild, buttery taste. It melts beautifully, creating that sought-after, gooey grilled cheese experience. It is also a good option for cold sandwiches, as it has a good slicing ability.
Swiss
Swiss cheese is a tried-and-true option for turkey sandwiches. Its mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour works with almost any type of turkey. It melts well in grilled sandwiches and has a firm yet sliceable texture, making it easy to layer. It is also a good choice for cold sandwiches.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in turkey sandwiches. It comes in a range of ages and flavours, from mild to sharp. Aged cheddar has a bold, complex flavour that stands up to the taste of turkey, while mild cheddar melts beautifully in grilled sandwiches. White cheddar is also a tasty option. For cold sandwiches, it is recommended to use thinner slices of cheddar to prevent overwhelming other flavours.
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Brie or Provolone
When it comes to crafting the perfect turkey club sandwich, the choice of cheese is critical. Two popular options are brie and provolone, each offering distinct flavours and textures that can elevate your sandwich experience.
Brie
Classic French brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, slightly earthy flavour. When warmed, it becomes lush and spreadable, making it an ideal choice for grilled turkey paninis. Brie's subtle taste complements the turkey beautifully without overwhelming it. For an exquisite combination, pair brie with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and crusty bread. The sweetness of the cranberry sauce will balance the savoury notes of the brie and turkey.
Provolone
Provolone, on the other hand, is an Italian cheese known for its smooth, mild taste with a subtle hint of smokiness. It comes in both smoky and non-smoky varieties, offering versatility in flavour. Provolone is an excellent melting cheese, making it a perfect choice for hot sandwiches. When paired with turkey, especially smoked turkey breast, provolone adds a delightful nutty, smoky dimension to your club sandwich. Enhance this combination by incorporating marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, arugula, and pesto mayonnaise. The added ingredients will provide a burst of flavour and texture, creating a truly memorable sandwich experience.
Making the Choice
When deciding between brie and provolone for your turkey club, consider the overall flavour profile you wish to achieve. If you prefer a softer, creamier texture and a more subtle cheese flavour, brie is the way to go. It pairs exceptionally well with sweet and savoury ingredients, making it versatile for various sandwich combinations. On the other hand, if you're looking for a cheese that melts effortlessly and adds a touch of smokiness, provolone is the better option. It complements the turkey while contributing a distinct, nutty flavour that enhances the overall taste of your sandwich.
Ultimately, the choice between brie and provolone depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients you plan to use in your turkey club. Both cheeses offer unique characteristics that can elevate your sandwich, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that suits your taste buds!
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Smoked Gouda
When preparing a turkey club with smoked Gouda, it is important to consider the other ingredients that will complement the cheese. One option is to create a spread by shredding the smoked Gouda and mixing it with mayonnaise, green onions, garlic powder, and coarsely ground pepper. This spread can be generously applied to the bread, creating a flavourful base for the sandwich.
In addition to the spread, the sandwich can be layered with crisp romaine lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and avocado, adding freshness and a creamy texture. Sliced deli smoked turkey is an excellent choice, as it has a hint of smoky flavour that pairs well with the cheese. To take the sandwich to the next level, adding crispy bacon and tangy apple slices will create a delightful combination of flavours and textures.
For the bread, a loaf of good Italian bread or wheat sourdough bread can provide a tasty crunch and a lightly chewy texture. To prepare the sandwich, grill it in a skillet or panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
The versatility of smoked Gouda in a turkey club sandwich is part of its appeal. It can be shredded, grated, or sliced, depending on your preference. Additionally, while smoked Gouda is recommended, a non-smoked variety can also be used if preferred or more accessible.
So, if you're looking to elevate your turkey club sandwich, consider smoked Gouda as your cheese of choice. With its distinct flavour and versatility, it's sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
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Mozzarella
When assembling a turkey club with mozzarella, start by toasting your bread. You can use traditional white bread or go for a heartier option like Texas toast, sourdough, or whole grain. Spread a layer of mayonnaise on each slice of bread. Then, add lettuce, tomato, and mozzarella to the first slice. Top with another slice of bread, mayo-side down, and repeat the layering process. Finish with a final slice of bread, mayo-side down, and secure the sandwich with a toothpick if needed.
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Havarti
Creamy Havarti is a great choice for a turkey club sandwich. Its mild, buttery flavour and soft texture make it an excellent complement to roasted turkey breast. It melts extremely well, making it perfect for grilled turkey sandwiches, and works just as well in cold sandwiches.
When making a club sandwich, it's important to consider the type of bread, meat, cheese, and other ingredients. A classic club sandwich is made with white or wheat bread, not sliced too thick, and is toasted. The meat is typically deli-sliced turkey, and the cheese is often cheddar, Swiss, or Pepper Jack. However, Havarti is a unique and tasty alternative.
For a well-rounded club sandwich, add crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and cucumber, or cured meats like bacon or prosciutto. Condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise, or pesto can also enhance the flavour. Experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect club sandwich!
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Frequently asked questions
Popular cheese choices include Swiss, Provolone, Cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella.
The cheese should complement the flavour of the turkey, add creaminess and texture, and bind the other ingredients together. It should also melt well and taste great when chilled.
- Swiss cheese: mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour, melts well, and has a good texture for layering.
- Provolone: smooth and mild with a hint of smokiness, melts well, especially for hot sandwiches.
- Cheddar: a range of ages and flavours, from mild to sharp. Aged cheddar is bold and complex, while mild cheddar melts beautifully.
Yes, you can experiment with blends such as cheddar and Monterey jack, or mixing textures like sliced Swiss with creamy Havarti.
Yes, the quality of the ingredients is important. Use bakery-quality white or wheat bread that is thinly sliced to prevent the sandwich from becoming too tall and difficult to eat. You can also add crisp vegetables like lettuce, tomato, cucumber, or roasted red peppers, and condiments like mustard, mayonnaise, or pesto.
