Chances are you’re a tax-paying, lawn-mowing, shower-taking adult. You have your life together, and you’ve heard that some people put meat and cheese between two pieces of bread.
When I was a lifeguard years ago, most of the other people there were pretty young and didn’t have their lives totally together. We were tax-paying for sure, but mowing lawns and taking showers were few and far between.
People would go “ooh” and “ahh” over these sandwiches every time I brought them to work on my break. Maybe you’re in the same kind of season in your life and could use some sandwich suggestions. Well I’m here to help!.
A turkey sandwich is a classic lunchtime favorite. Whether enjoying leftover holiday turkey or deli-sliced breast meat, cheese can take this sandwich from basic to gourmet. The key is choosing a cheese that complements the flavor of the turkey rather than overpowering it.
Certain cheeses pair better with turkey to create a tasty sandwich filling. Consider the cheese’s flavor profile, texture, meltability and other attributes when selecting the ideal type to complement juicy turkey.
Here are the top recommended cheeses to use on a turkey sandwich:
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a great choice for any turkey sandwich. Its flavor is nutty sweet and slightly salty. This pairs perfectly with the delicate flavor of turkey breast meat without being too overpowering.
The firm yet smooth texture also contrasts nicely with sliced turkey Swiss melts well when making a hot turkey sandwich but also delivers great flavor when served cold Try pairing Swiss with lettuce, tomato and mustard on rye or sourdough bread for a classic flavor.
Provolone
Aged provolone cheese has a subtle smoky and nutty taste that won’t compete with the turkey. Sliced provolone adds a mild tanginess and creamy texture that complements roasted or smoked turkey breast beautifully.
Provolone comes in various aging levels, from mild to sharp. A medium aged provolone provides a balance of subtle flavor and soft texture ideal for most turkey sandwiches. Add some peppery arugula and a slathering of pesto mayo to take your turkey and provolone to the next level.
Cheddar Cheese
For an extra flavor punch, reach for the cheddar. Whether you prefer white or orange cheddar, this semi-hard cheese packs more of a tangy, earthy taste than Swiss or provolone. The bright cheddar flavor balances deliciously with sliced turkey in both hot and cold sandwiches.
Sharp cheddar will give you the biggest flavor impact. But if that’s too strong for your liking, mild or medium cheddar still pairs great with turkey. Just adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences. Cheddar turkey sandwiches are also delicious with the additions of sliced apples, bacon, avocado or caramelized onions.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda makes an amazing cheese for any turkey sandwich. Its creamy texture and mildly sweet, nutty flavor complement the turkey perfectly. Gouda melts fantastically when grilled, turning a hot turkey sandwich into an ooey gooey treat.
Try sandwiching shaved turkey between two slices of gouda and bread then grilling it like a grilled cheese. Add mushrooms, tomatoes or roasted veggies to amp up your hot gouda turkey sandwich.
Brie Cheese
For an upscale turkey sandwich, creamy brie is the way to go. The soft, buttery texture and mild flavor enhance premium sliced turkey breast beautifully. Brie won’t overpower the turkey but adds a touch of elegance.
Use high quality bread like a crusty French baguette and add ingredients like cranberry chutney, spinach and pecans to complement the brie. The result is a gourmet turkey sandwich fit for a holiday meal or special occasion.
Mozzarella Cheese
Fresh mozzarella adds a soft, moist quality that pairs nicely with sliced turkey. Particularly when making a caprese style sandwich with fresh basil, tomatoes and balsamic reduction, the mild taste and fresh texture of mozzarella perfectly suits the turkey.
For hot turkey sandwiches, opt for low moisture whole milk mozzarella which melts beautifully. Or stick with fresh mozzarella adding other melty cheeses like provolone or cheddar to ensure ideal gooeyness when grilled.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is a classic melting cheese, making it a top choice for hot turkey sandwiches. Its creamy, slightly tangy flavor meshes wonderfully with turkey when grilled together.
For next level flavor, use hickory smoked Monterey Jack. The smoky taste takes basic sliced turkey to new heights. Add some sauteed onions, avocado, or bacon to complement the cheese and turkey even more.
Havarti Cheese
Creamy, smooth havarti cheese is another excellent option for turkey sandwiches. It has a rich, buttery flavor that enhances the turkey without masking it. Havarti also melts extremely well, ideal for a hot turkey panini or grilled sandwich.
Being a fairly mild cheese, havarti allows the flavors of the turkey, bread and other fillings to shine. Try it with pesto, avocado and roasted red peppers for a delicious specialty turkey sandwich.
Pepper Jack Cheese
For some heat, pepper jack cheese can add excitement to your standard turkey sandwich. The spicy kick pairs great with cold sliced turkey breast, particularly when using philly steak or hoagie rolls.
Pepper jack also melts well so you can add turkey, onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos for a fiery hot turkey sandwich creation. This cheese brings a flavor punch that livens up leftover holiday turkey beautifully.
Colby Cheese
Colby cheese is similar to cheddar but milder in flavor. It melts exceptionally well so it’s a smart choice for grilled turkey sandwiches. The mild taste won’t overshadow the turkey yet adds a lovely creaminess when melted.
For a simple but satisfying turkey sandwich, combine sliced colby, turkey, tomatoes and lettuce between bread slices then grill until the cheese is melty and edges are toasty. The mild colby allows the fresh ingredients to be the star here.
Gruyere Cheese
Nutty, rich gruyere makes gourmet turkey sandwiches shine. Its firm yet creamy texture holds up well when sliced but also melts nicely. The distinct gruyere flavor comes through but doesn’t drown out premium turkey meat.
Gruyere pairs especially well with cranberry sauce, arugula, and earthy flavors like mushrooms. Use artisan sourdough bread to take this upscale ingredient combo to the next level.
The possibilities are endless when adding cheese to turkey sandwiches. Follow your tastes and texture preferences to pick the ideal cheese for any type of hot or cold turkey sandwich creation. With the right cheese selection, an ordinary lunch will turn into something extraordinary.
The best turkey sandwich
I believe quality of ingredients is what really makes a sandwich. I use a whole wheat hoagie roll for this because it keeps its shape well and can handle having a lot of ingredients stacked on top of it. Regular sandwich bread could be used, but I can’t promise that the right amounts would be used or that the bread wouldn’t get soggy from the filling.
I also used deli turkey off the bone, but a smoked turkey breast would also be great. You can toast this turkey sandwich in the oven for a few minutes or in a panini press, and it tastes great either way.
Do you put mayo on a turkey sandwich?
Of course, this is a sandwich, so everything I use is optional. I actually don’t eat mayonnaise, so I always leave that off, but can appreciate its value for others.
Fast and Easy Turkey Sandwich for Lunch | Recipe by Lounging with Lenny
FAQ
What kind of cheese is good with turkey sandwiches?
What cheese turkey pairing?
What cheese goes well with a turkey sandwich?
Here are 9 of the best cheeses for turkey sandwiches, along with some pairing suggestions: 1. Gouda: This Dutch cheese has a mild, sweet, and creamy flavor with a hint of butterscotch. Its semi-firm texture makes it perfect for both cold and grilled turkey sandwiches. Pair it with arugula, apple, and smoked turkey on sourdough bread. 2.
What is the healthy substitute of cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese itself is a healthy option to include in daily diet as it is made of milk and rich in protein and calcium. If one has to substitute cottage cheese for various reasons then tofu is one such option which can be used and has good protein content too. Or mozzarella cheese or other types of low fat cheese options can be used to certain extent as a substitute.
Should you add cheese to a turkey sandwich?
Adding cheese to a turkey sandwich is a simple way to enhance its flavor and texture The right cheese can: Add a new dimension of flavor: Cheese can add a richness, tanginess, or nuttiness that complements the delicate taste of turkey. Enhance the texture: Some cheeses melt beautifully, creating a gooey, satisfying experience.
What cheese goes well with roasted turkey breast?
However, it can provide you with smokey and nutty undertones that go very well in combination with roasted turkey breast. Provolone is the perfect type of cheese for cold turkey sandwiches that incorporate ingredients like whole grain bread, pesto mayonnaise, and baby spinach leaves.
Is Swiss cheese good for turkey sandwiches?
Swiss When it comes to turkey sandwiches, Swiss is the perfect cheese for adding both flavor and texture. Swiss cheese has a delicate yet nutty taste that complements the turkey nicely without overpowering it. Plus, with its firm texture and eye-catching holes all over, it adds an interesting visual presentation.
What cheese goes well with smoked turkey?
Cheddar: This English cheese has a strong, sharp flavor with an earthy, pungent taste. It’s a bold choice for turkey sandwiches but pairs well with smoked turkey and adds a delicious complexity. Enjoy it with thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. 6.