Like daylight savings time and quarter-life crises, post-Thanksgiving turkey is inexplicable but unavoidable. With all the best bits (golden skin, neatly carved slices) already plundered, that cold container of leftover scraps looks like the backs of my hands in winter—dry, leathery, picked at. So what are we gonna do with it?
I’ve done the “make a big pot of stock” thing. Which, great, but no one warns you of the disturbingly wet, squelchy mulch left behind or the hunt for thirteen-hundred containers to house all this stock. It’s a pass for me. I’ve also repurposed my leftover turkey into soft congee with frozen corn, pasta with mushrooms and cream, slippery glass noodles with tons of chili crisp. Each extremely delicious but through it all, it’s a turkey sandwich that I come back to every year.
Maybe you’re thinking, I don’t need you to tell me about a turkey sandwich; I can make one standing in front of the fridge. This one is different, I promise. My leftover turkey melt is modeled after an old-fashioned diner-style tuna melt. It’s more than a cobbled-together concoction of slippery meat and congealed cranberry sauce. It’s warm, melty, toasted, gooey—a hot mess in the best possible way. The sort of thing that for once makes you hope, even pray, for leftovers. Your reward for yet another Thanksgiving under your belt, more delightful than the main event, like that bite of chocolate at the bottom of your ice cream cone.
The classic grilled cheese gets an upgrade with the turkey melt – that sensational hot sandwich made with crispy bread, gooey melted cheese and savory sliced turkey. But what exactly defines this crave-worthy comfort food favorite? Let’s take a comprehensive look at what makes a turkey melt so satisfying.
The Basic Definition
A turkey melt starts with the framework of a traditional grilled cheese sandwich. Slices of bread are fried in butter on both sides until crispy and golden brown. Meltable cheese like cheddar, Swiss or provolone is placed between the slices so it melts, binding the sandwich together.
The key addition is deli turkey – folded, stacked or layered onto the cheese. The turkey provides a hit of protein, a meaty texture and loads of flavor. Bacon, tomatoes, avocados and other ingredients are also frequently added to customize the melt. But the two core components that define this sandwich are always buttery bread, melted cheese and turkey.
Why We Love Turkey Melts
There are several reasons the turkey melt is such a cherished sandwich:
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Satisfying – The combo of hot turkey and melted cheese fills you up without weighing you down
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Quick – Assembly takes just 5-10 minutes. It comes together faster than most hot sandwiches
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Comforting – Oozy melted cheese between crisp, buttery bread is downright cozy.
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Customizable – Ingredients like bacon, pesto, tomatoes and more allow creativity.
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Budget-friendly – Deli meat and cheese make it affordable for quick meals.
Turkey melts check all the boxes. They’re easy, tasty and universally enjoyed – the type of feel-good food with nostalgic appeal.
Ingredients for Making a Turkey Melt
While recipes vary, turkey melts generally include:
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Bread – Sourdough, wheat, rye and ciabatta work well.
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Butter – For frying the bread until crispy and brown.
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Cheese slices – Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack.
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Deli turkey – Smoked or roasted work great.
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Extras – Bacon, tomatoes, roasted peppers, spinach etc.
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Condiments – Mayo, mustard, pesto and hot sauce for spreads.
That’s the basics you need for a classic. Then customize with your favorite flavors.
How to Make a Turkey Melt Sandwich
Preparing a turkey melt at home takes 4 simple steps:
1. Butter the bread
Spread butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This will crisp and brown the bread as it cooks.
2. Add fillings
On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer cheese slices, then turkey slices. Add any other fillings like tomatoes or bacon now if using.
3. Top with cheese
Finish with a second layer of cheese to seal in the fillings.
4. Cook in skillet
Place the sandwich in a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cook 2-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and cheese melted.
And that’s all it takes! For even more flavor, consider spreading mayo, mustard or pesto mayo on the bread first. Then slice in half and enjoy your hot, melty creation.
Creative Turkey Melt Combinations
One of the best qualities of a turkey melt is how easily it can be adapted by switching up ingredients:
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BLT melt – Add crispy bacon, lettuce and tomato for a flavor twist.
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Caprese melt – Use fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil for an Italian vibe.
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Southwest melt – Include sliced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for heat.
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Pesto melt – Spread pesto mayo on bread for herby flavor and moisture.
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Greek melt – Feta cheese, kalamata olives, red onion and spinach are delicious.
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Avocado melt – Sliced avocado provides creaminess and nutrition.
The options are endless for customizing these sandwiches to suit your tastes. Get creative with cheeses, veggies, sauces and spices!
Handy Tips for Making Turkey Melts
Follow these tips and tricks to maximize flavor and enjoyment of your turkey melts:
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Use boneless turkey slices for even cooking and chewing.
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Try different breads like ciabatta, rye and focaccia for variety.
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Spread condiments on bread first for extra moisture and tang.
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Add veggies like tomatoes and spinach near the end to avoid overcooking.
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Use a press to flatten sandwiches as they cook for better cheese melt.
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Let melts rest 1-2 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
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Swap out the cheese or deli meat to change up the flavors.
Quick & Easy Turkey Melt Meal Ideas
Turkey melts aren’t just a sandwich – they can be a fast and filling lunch or dinner option:
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For a lighter meal, pair with a salad or cup of minestrone soup.
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Serve with crudités and ranch dip for an easy appetizer.
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Top with an egg for extra protein and nutrition.
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Add oven fries, tater tots or potato wedges to make it a meal.
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For dessert, serve cookies, brownies or milkshakes alongside.
With endless possibilities for customization and quick assembly, turkey melts are about as convenient as comfort food gets. Keep the ingredients on hand for instant sandwiches whenever cravings strike.
FAQs About Turkey Melts
What’s the difference between a turkey melt and a grilled cheese?
A grilled cheese contains only cheese between buttered bread. A turkey melt adds deli turkey as the filling.
Do you need special bread for turkey melts?
Breads with texture like sourdough, wheat and rye work well to stand up to oozy cheese. But any bread can be used.
What cheese is best for turkey melts?
Popular choices are cheddar, Swiss, provolone and pepper jack. The cheese should melt smoothly when heated.
What’s the best turkey for melts?
Sliced deli turkey breast works great since it’s thin for even melting. Smoked or roasted turkey lend nice flavor.
Can you make turkey melts ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the sandwiches then wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
Enjoy Crave-Worthy Turkey Melts Anytime
However you customize them, turkey melts always satisfy thanks to their winning combo of hot turkey, melted cheese and crisp, buttery bread. They come together fast and please the whole family, making them an MVP for quick lunches and dinners. Experiment with flavors or keep it simple – either way, turkey melts deliver on comfort, taste and nostalgia.
Shred your turkey instead of dicing it
Shred the turkey by hand instead of chopping it with a knife. Aim for smallish pieces and don’t worry about consistency. Irregular strands absorb the mayo more readily and won’t slip and slide out of your sandwich. I’ve made this also with rotisserie chicken with smashing success.
This is not the time for crusty, seedy bread
Many sandwiches later, I’ve found sliced white sourdough holds up best. Regular, bagged sandwich bread gets soggy under the weight of the filling. Anything seedy or crusty doesn’t have the right amount of squish and will cut the roof of your mouth when you go to take a bite.