The Best Cheeses To Pair With Turkey Sandwiches

A turkey sandwich is a classic lunchtime favorite. The juicy, flavorful turkey layered between two slices of bread makes for a simple yet delicious sandwich But do you know what can take your turkey sandwich from great to spectacular? The addition of cheese!

Cheese adds a wonderful creamy texture and burst of flavor that perfectly complements the turkey. But with the wide variety of cheeses available, it can be tricky to choose the right one to pair with your sandwich. In this article, we will walk through the 9 best cheeses to pair with turkey so you can create the ultimate turkey sandwich every time

Why Add Cheese To A Turkey Sandwich?

Before diving into the details on specific cheese varieties, let’s first go over why cheese makes such a great pairing for turkey sandwiches. Here are some of the benefits cheese provides:

• Enhanced Flavor – Cheese contributes its own unique flavors that complement the savory turkey. This gives your sandwich more complexity and depth of flavor.

• Creamy Texture – The smooth, creamy texture of cheese provides a nice contrast to the sliced turkey. This added creaminess makes the sandwich more indulgent and satisfying to eat.

• Binding Properties – Melty cheeses help hold all the fillings together, creating a cohesive and stable sandwich that won’t fall apart.

• Versatility – With so many cheese options, you can customize your sandwich to match your preferences. Choose mild or sharp, firm or soft cheese depending on what you like.

• Nutrition – Many cheeses provide protein, calcium, vitamins, and other important nutrients. This boosts the nutritional value of your sandwich.

So don’t be afraid to add a slice or two of cheese to your next turkey sandwich. Your taste buds will thank you! Now let’s look at the best options.

Factors To Consider When Selecting Cheese

With an entire cheese aisle available, selecting the right cheese for your turkey sandwich may seem daunting. To simplify the process, here are a few key factors to consider:

• Flavor – Think about cheese flavors that will complement turkey without overpowering it. Mild, nutty, and buttery flavors tend to pair well.

• Texture – Firm, sliceable cheeses work best. Soft, spreadable cheeses may get messy. Also consider if you want your cheese to melt.

• Saltiness – Since turkey can be salty, avoid cheeses that are too salty like feta or blue cheese. Go for low to moderate sodium options.

• Color – For visual appeal, choose a cheese that contrasts the color of the turkey. White and yellow cheeses pair nicely.

• Pairings – Consider what other ingredients are on your sandwich like veggies, spreads, etc. Pick a cheese that will go well with them.

Keep these factors in mind as we explore cheese varieties ideal for turkey sandwiches.

9 Best Cheeses For Turkey Sandwiches

1. Swiss

With its mild, slightly nutty flavor and smooth texture, Swiss cheese is one of the most popular options for turkey sandwiches. Its firm yet sliceable texture makes it easy to layer. Swiss melts beautifully, so it’s great in warmed sandwiches too. For a basic sandwich, Swiss is the perfect choice.

2. Cheddar

For a more pronounced flavor, look to cheddar. Its tang makes it a nice contrast to mild turkey. Sharp cheddar provides the biggest flavor impact. Its firm texture is also great for sliced sandwiches. Just beware of overpowering the turkey with an intensely strong cheddar.

3. Gouda

Gouda makes another excellent choice, thanks to its creamy texture and lightly sweet, nutty notes. Young gouda is milder while aged gouda has a more robust, caramel-like flavor. Smoked gouda also pairs well with turkey. Try gouda with tomato and pesto for an amazing flavor combination.

4. Havarti‎

Creamy havarti‎ is another mild cheese that melts wonderfully. It has a soft, pliable texture somewhat like mozzarella. Its subtle flavor won’t compete with the turkey. For variety, use herbed havarti‎ and add ingredients like spinach.

5. Gruyère

Nutty, savory gruyère has delightful melting properties. Its flavor is also strong enough to stand up to the turkey yet not overpower it. For an upscale sandwich, spread Dijon mustard on the bread and add gruyère and roasted red peppers.

6. Brie

Buttery, soft-ripened brie makes any sandwich luxurious. Its creamy texture and mild flavor complement turkey without much saltiness. For best results, use a thicker wedge of brie since thin slices may melt and run. Pair brie with apple slices or honey mustard.

7. Monterey Jack

If you want a cheese that melts perfectly in warmed sandwiches, choose Monterey Jack. Its buttery flavor and semi-soft texture matches the turkey well. Monterey Jack also comes in pepper jack variety for a spicy kick.

8. Muenster

Mild, soft muenster has a subtle flavor and melts smoothly. This cheese works nicely in both cold and warm sandwiches. Pair it with flavorful ingredients like avocado, bacon, or caramelized onions to give the sandwich more interest.

9. Provolone

Finally, provolone is another excellent choice with its mild taste and firm, sliceable texture. Opt for a younger provolone if you want more melty properties. Salami and provolone make a nice pairing in an Italian-style turkey sandwich.

Best Practices For Cheese And Turkey Pairings

Now that you know the best cheese varieties for turkey sandwiches, here are some handy tips for success:

• Select a mild or medium strength cheese so the flavors complement each other, rather than compete.

• Use thinner cheese slices, or slice thicker blocks thinly, so the cheese doesn’t overwhelm.

• Place cheese slices closest to the bread to prevent the turkey from making the bread soggy.

• For hot sandwiches, be sure to melt the cheese thoroughly for creamy cohesion.

• Add cheese last when building sandwiches and dressings first so the cheese doesn’t slide around.

• Try combining two types of cheese for more complex flavor – a nutty cheese with a melty cheese works well.

• Get creative with additional ingredients! Additions like avocado, bacon, caramelized onions, etc can take your sandwich to the next level.

• Experiment with different breads. Heartier artisan breads can stand up to bolder cheese flavors.

Crafting The Perfect Turkey And Cheese Sandwich

Armed with this guide to cheeses that pair wonderfully with turkey, you can now create amazing sandwiches. Here is a simple recipe to help you get started:

Ingredients:

• 2 slices country white or whole wheat bread
• 3-4 oz sliced turkey
• 1-2 slices cheese (cheddar, Swiss, havarti‎, etc.)
• Lettuce, tomato, onion (as desired)
• Mayo or mustard

Directions:

1. Spread one side of each bread slice with mayo or mustard.
2. Layer half the turkey on one slice of bread.
3. Top the turkey with cheese slice(s).
4. Add any desired vegetables.
5. Top with remaining turkey.
6. Cover with the other bread slice, mayo/mustard side down.
7. Cook in a panini press or skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melted (if doing a hot sandwich).

Get creative with your own favorite additions like bacon, avocado, pickles, etc. With so many cheese choices, there are endless tasty turkey sandwich combinations to enjoy!

The Bottom Line

When making turkey sandwiches, don’t skip the cheese! Cheese adds flavorful creaminess that perfectly complements the turkey. For best results, select a mild to moderate cheese that melts well. Favorites like Swiss, cheddar, gouda and provolone are sure to impress. Just avoid overpowering the turkey with an intensely strong cheese.

Take your sandwich up a notch by pairing complementary flavors and textures. Add some crunch with veggies, creaminess with avocado, and kick with spicy mustard. With the guidelines provided, you can confidently choose the best cheeses to create spectacular turkey sandwiches everyone will love. Get creative in the kitchen and enjoy!