The Best Cheeses To Compliment A Turkey Sandwich

There are many types of cheese that go well on a turkey sandwich, including Swiss, provolone, cheddar, havarti, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, gouda, and American cheese. The best cheese for a turkey sandwich depends on personal preference, as well as whether the sandwich will be served hot or cold. For a hot sandwich, a cheese that melts well, such as provolone, is a good option. For a cold sandwich, a stronger-flavoured cheese like havarti or Swiss can add a lot of flavour.

Provolone, American, and cheddar cheese for room-temperature sandwiches

Provolone, American, and cheddar cheese are all excellent choices for a room-temperature turkey sandwich. These cheeses are versatile and can also be melted for a hot sandwich.

Provolone is a go-to cheese for Italian-style sandwiches. It pairs well with turkey and is best served sliced thin. American cheese is another popular option for turkey sandwiches. It melts well and has a mild flavour.

Cheddar cheese is a favourite among many and can be used in both hot and cold sandwiches. It has a sharp, distinct flavour that complements the turkey. When using cheddar, it is best to slice it thinly to ensure the cheese melts evenly if you choose to make a hot sandwich.

When crafting the perfect turkey sandwich, it is essential to consider the quality of the ingredients. Using fresh, high-quality cheese will elevate your sandwich. Additionally, the bread you choose is crucial. Opt for a crusty roll or a soft baguette to create a satisfying texture contrast.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of cheese and bread to find your preferred taste and texture. You can also add condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or pesto to enhance the flavour of your sandwich.

Swiss cheese for most meat sandwiches

Swiss cheese is a versatile option for sandwiches, pairing well with most meats. Its mild flavour and melting properties make it a popular choice.

For a classic combination, Swiss cheese is a natural companion to ham. The cheese's neutral taste and smooth texture complement the saltiness of the ham without overwhelming it. This pairing is a favourite for grilled sandwiches, where the cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey, indulgent treat.

Swiss cheese is also a great match for roast beef sandwiches. Its mild flavour doesn't overpower the beef, and its melting ability adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. For a roast beef and Swiss cheese sandwich, thinly sliced beef and cheese are layered on a lightly toasted bun, creating a simple yet satisfying meal.

You can also use Swiss cheese in a Monte Cristo sandwich, which features a combination of ham, turkey, and cheese. The sandwich is then dipped in beaten egg and pan-fried until golden and crispy.

For a heartier option, Swiss cheese pairs well with pastrami. This sandwich is a delicious blend of flavours and textures, with the Swiss cheese providing a creamy contrast to the pastrami's robust taste.

When building a sandwich with Swiss cheese, consider adding some condiments and fresh produce to enhance the flavour and texture. For example, a tangy sauce, such as mustard, can add a punch of flavour, while lettuce and tomato can provide a refreshing crunch.

Monterey/Pepper Jack for a hot turkey sandwich

Monterey Jack and Pepper Jack are both popular choices for a hot turkey sandwich. The creamy, mild flavour of Monterey Jack is a great option for those who want to add a gooey texture to their sandwich without too much spice. On the other hand, Pepper Jack is a spicier alternative, which adds a kick to the sandwich.

Turkey and Pepper Jack Sandwich

A simple way to make a hot turkey and pepper jack sandwich is to use a panini maker. To make the sandwich, you will need ciabatta buns, turkey, pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and hot sauce. First, make a spicy spread by mixing mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce. Spread this on the ciabatta buns and add the turkey and cheese. Top with another slice of bread, spray with cooking spray, and place in the panini maker for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. You can also use a grill pan or a saute pan with another saute pan pressed down on top. Once the sandwich is done, add the lettuce and tomato.

Turkey Melt Sandwich

Another option for a hot turkey sandwich is a turkey melt. To make this, you will need sourdough bread, butter, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese, deli turkey, bacon, tomato, mayonnaise, and red wine vinegar. First, cook the bacon until crispy. Then, warm the turkey—you can do this in the microwave or in a skillet. Next, butter the bread on the outside and stack cheese, turkey, bacon, tomato, and a second slice of cheese on the inside. Mix mayonnaise and red wine vinegar and spread this on the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the sandwich. Place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Variations

There are several variations you can try when making a hot turkey sandwich with Monterey or Pepper Jack cheese. You can add sliced apples, onions, banana peppers, or pickles. You can also experiment with different types of mustard—spiced, spicy brown, or Dijon. If you want to add some extra spice, you can include jalapenos or habanero.

Smoked gouda for a cold turkey sandwich

Smoked gouda is a popular choice of cheese for a cold turkey sandwich. Its nutty, buttery, sweet and salty flavour, along with its creamy texture, makes it a tasty addition to a cold turkey sandwich.

For a simple cold turkey and smoked gouda sandwich, you can use sliced bread, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or Italian bread. If you want to add extra flavour, you can spread mayonnaise on the bread. You can also add lettuce, tomato, and avocado to your sandwich for a more well-rounded flavour profile and a variety of textures.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can try a smoked gouda, turkey, and raspberry chipotle jam sandwich. To make this, spread mayonnaise on the bottom half of a ciabatta roll and raspberry chipotle jam on the top half. Layer turkey, smoked gouda, tomato, and arugula on the bottom half, and top with the other slice of bread. This sandwich can be served cold or warmed in the oven until the cheese melts.

Another option for a smoked gouda and turkey sandwich is to make it into a grilled cheese. For this sandwich, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey, and spread the mixture on the underside of Italian bread slices. Layer shredded smoked gouda, turkey slices, apple slices, and more shredded gouda on the bread. Top with bacon and another slice of bread spread with the mayo mixture. Grill the sandwich in a skillet over medium-high heat until the cheese melts, flipping halfway through.

So, there are multiple ways to make a delicious cold turkey and smoked gouda sandwich. Smoked gouda is a versatile cheese that can be paired with various ingredients to create a range of flavour profiles.

Cream cheese and cranberry sauce on sourdough

A turkey sandwich is a great way to use up leftover meat from Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. This combination of turkey, cranberry sauce, and cream cheese on sourdough bread is a fun and tasty lunch idea.

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread
• Turkey
• Cream cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Arugula or butter lettuce
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil
• Optional: cucumber, radish, slivered almonds, mayo

Method

First, cook the turkey. Drizzle a little olive oil in a skillet and cook the turkey for 4-5 minutes, turning to heat both sides. The internal temperature should be 165°F at the deepest points. Once the turkey is cooked, shred it with two forks or a stand mixer.

Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Spread cream cheese on one slice of bread, and cranberry sauce on another. Add the shredded turkey, along with the arugula. Season with salt and black pepper, then place the second slice of bread on top.

For an extra special touch, toast the bread before assembling the sandwich. You can also add a smear of mayo to the sandwich, or include some extra vegetables like cucumber slices, radishes, or toasted almond slivers.

Frequently asked questions