If you want a quick meal idea, try my Turkey Pesto Sandwich. It’s filling, healthy, and tasty, and it only takes 15 minutes to make. This easy sandwich recipe is the best thing for lunch since sliced bread. It has toasted sourdough with butter, brightly herbaceous pesto, juicy turkey breast, melty mozzarella cheese, and a handful of fresh spinach.
Since my hubby is a firefighter and I work from home, we often get to eat lunch together. What a treat! And what a great way to have a date night in the middle of the day! We eat whatever I’m photographing that day, but this turkey pesto sandwich recipe is one we always go back to.
You really can’t beat something that tastes so good and only takes 15 minutes to make! It goes great with my crispy sweet potato wedges and homemade matcha boba tea. The best part is that this huge pesto turkey sandwich is meant to be shared, so we can all enjoy a hot meal at the same time without having to clean up another pan.
If you want to change up your meal plan, make some of my easy almond pesto, get some low-sodium turkey deli meat (or make it yourself!), and grab some bread. Feel free to share these turkey pesto paninis with your family and friends. They are also very quick and easy to make.
If you’re looking for a flavorful new sandwich recipe, look no further than the turkey pesto sandwich! This incredible sandwich combines tender sliced turkey, melty cheese, crisp bacon, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh pesto sauce for an unbeatable flavor combo. Keep reading for the full step-by-step recipe to learn how to make this amazing pesto turkey sandwich at home.
Why You’ll Love This Sandwich
There are so many reasons why this turkey pesto sandwich should be your new go-to lunch recipe
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It’s made with convenient pre-cooked carved turkey breast, meaning minimal prep work.
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The combination of turkey, pesto, bacon and cheese is absolute sandwich perfection.
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It comes together quickly – perfect for busy weekdays.
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Grilling the sandwich makes it warm and ultra-satisfying
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It will become your new favorite way to use up leftover holiday turkey!
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You can swap in chicken if you don’t have turkey on hand.
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It’s customizable with your choice of bread and add-ins.
This sandwich truly has it all. The flavors combine for a mouthwatering sandwich experience. Keep reading for the easy step-by-step method.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make one turkey pesto sandwich:
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2 thick slices of bread (we like sourdough)
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3-4 tablespoons of pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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100g thinly sliced oven roasted turkey breast
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2-4 slices cooked bacon
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2 slices provolone cheese
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4 large sun-dried tomatoes, diced
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2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
That’s it! Now let’s get to the fun part – actually making this amazing sandwich.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for turkey pesto sandwich success:
1. Cook the bacon (if using)
Fry up the bacon slices until crispy. Remove to a plate and blot excess grease.
2. Spread the pesto
Spread a layer of pesto evenly over both slices of bread.
3. Layer the fillings
On one bread slice, layer the turkey, bacon, cheese and sun-dried tomatoes in that order.
4. Butter the outside
Place the second bread slice on top and butter the outside of the sandwich on both sides.
5. Grill the sandwich
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the buttered sandwich in the skillet and cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
That’s seriously all it takes to make this incredible turkey pesto sandwich! The pesto and turkey combine for the ultimate flavor pairing.
Turkey and Chicken Options
This sandwich is a great way to use up leftover roasted turkey breast from a holiday meal. Simply slice it thin. You can also use high-quality packaged sliced turkey breast.
Don’t have turkey? No problem! Swap in some roasted chicken breast slices instead to make an equally delicious chicken pesto sandwich.
Toasting Tips
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Cover the skillet with a lid while grilling to help the cheese melt faster.
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Grill each side for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
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Use a spatula to peek and check if the cheese is melted before flipping.
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Add extra pesto or butter to the outside if needed to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this flavor-packed sandwich as is, or serve it alongside soup or a salad for a complete meal. We recommend pairing it with:
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Roasted Corn and Chickpea Salad
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Tomato Basil Soup
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Greek Salad with Feta Cheese
Any of those would complement the turkey pesto sandwich perfectly.
Customize It!
Part of the fun of this sandwich is customizing it to your tastes. Try these tasty add-in ideas:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Sliced avocado
- Baby spinach or arugula
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced bell peppers
- Pickles or olive slices
You could also experiment with different cheese varieties, bread types, pesto flavors and more. Make it your own!
Storage
Leftover sandwiches can be kept refrigerated in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave until hot.
More Turkey Sandwich Recipes
If you love turkey sandwiches, be sure to also try:
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Cranberry Turkey Sandwich
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Buffalo Turkey Sandwich
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Apple Turkey Sandwich
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Open-Faced Turkey Sandwiches
This pesto turkey sandwich makes an easy, delicious addition to your lunch rotation. The combination of flavors is downright crave-worthy. Enjoy this gourmet sandwich that magically comes together in just minutes.
How To Make Pesto Turkey Sandwiches
As with most sandwiches, this one comes together in a snap. Here’s how to make one:
Step 1: Spread Butter. Spread 1 tablespoon of butter all the way to the edges of a slice of sourdough bread. Set it face down in a medium skillet.
Step 2: Spread Pesto. Put one tablespoon of pesto on the side of the bread that doesn’t have butter. Try to spread it out as evenly as you can.
Step 3: Layer. Top the pesto side with half the mozzarella cheese, then sliced turkey, then chopped spinach. Add the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the spinach.
Step 4: Complete Assembly. Spread the last of the pesto on one side of the second slice of bread, then place it face down on top of the sandwich in the pan so that the pesto and mozzarella cheese touch.
Step 5: Griddle Sandwich. Spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on the dry side of the second slice of bread. Heat your turkey sandwich on medium-low until brown and golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Flip the sandwich, and brown the other side for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy! Cut in half, and split with a friend. YUM!
What does it taste like?
It all starts with tangy, crusty sourdough bread—its exterior golden and crisp from butter on the griddle. Thinly sliced turkey is tender, offering a lean but rich meatiness. Next up is vibrant, herbaceous basil pesto. Loved this spread. It has a little heat from the garlic, crunch from the nuts, saltiness from the Parmesan cheese, and a lot of basil-y goodness.
Nestled within is a handful of baby spinach, their leaves slightly wilted from the warmth of the pan. After that, the mozzarella melts into a stretchy, gooey ribbon. The mild creaminess of the mozzarella balances out the sourness of the pesto.
As the sandwich grills, the buttery outside crisps to perfection, creating a contrast to the tender, melty interior. Each bite provides a study in contrasts: crunchy and soft, savory and slightly sweet, earthy and bright.
TL;DR? This turkey pesto panini is the bomb.com.
Pesto Turkey Sandwich Recipe
FAQ
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