The Best Turkey Sandwich in 10 minutes!

Why you should make this turkey melt recipe

Budget-friendly, tasty and ready in a snap, this turkey sandwich is a fun twist for lunch. Served hot, you won’t be able to resist the melty cheese and crisp crust in this turkey sandwich recipe.

I’ve kept the ingredients simple, so they’re easy to find at the store. I’ve kept the condiments to a minimum, which also helps keep the budget relatively low for this deli sandwich. You’ll find that even with an extra helping of turkey, this homemade deli turkey sandwich still falls well under £2 per serving.

I consider this the best turkey sandwich recipe, as it’s also easy to prep extra for lunches during the week. Simply prep the veggies to the side, and leave the extra sandwiches off the heat until you’re ready for lunch. Then, you’ll have an even quicker protein-packed meal at the ready.

Ingredients

Turkey Slices

I love including sliced turkey on deli sandwiches, as it’s a lean meat and has lots of protein. You can also grab roasted turkey or use leftover turkey from a previous meal.

Beef Tomato

Any tomato will do for your turkey sandwich. I prefer beef tomatoes, as they’re sturdy and juicy when you add them to a turkey sandwich (cheese-filled). 

Iceberg Lettuce

It’s cheap, refreshing and delicious. Romaine lettuce is another excellent option if you’re wondering what to put on a turkey sandwich as an alternative to iceberg.

Bread

Wholemeal or white bread works well for this recipe. If you can splurge on an artisan loaf, you can create even tastier deli sandwiches.

Extra Mature Cheddar

Using extra mature cheddar helps create a more flavourful sandwich with fewer ingredients and elevates a classic turkey sandwich. You can use any cheese you prefer to help create the best turkey sandwich.

How to make the best turkey sandwich

Preheat your grill to 200°C

Lightly toast your bread (around 2-3 minutes) until it takes on a golden hue and slice the beef tomatoes.

Place one of the pieces of bread onto a baking tray and add ½ tbsp of mayonnaise onto the bread. Layer the turkey, followed by the cheese and place under the grill for 7 minutes, or until melted.

Next, add a generous layer of lettuce onto the melted cheese, then a few rounds of the beef tomato. Season with salt and pepper and then top with the other piece of toast (with ½ tbsp mayo layered onto it). Dig in!

FAQ

I don’t have a grill; what can I use instead?

You can use an air fryer to craft a turkey sandwich. However, if you’re creating sandwiches for others simultaneously, you’ll likely need to heat the sandwiches one at a time. So it will take longer to prep your meal. You can also melt the cheese by preheating your oven to 220°C FAN. 

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This is one of the easiest turkey sandwich ideas to turn into a vegetarian dish. Swap out the turkey for a non-meat alternative, and enjoy. Tempeh or grilled tofu could be a delicious swap. 

Can I reheat a turkey sandwich?

Yes, you can reheat your sandwich. However, you will want to remove the lettuce (if possible) before reheating, as it will get soggy. Wrap the sandwich in aluminum foil and heat it in the oven or toaster oven to help crisp up the exterior. Before serving, add a fresh piece of lettuce. 

Adaptations

Vegetarian:

Turning this turkey deli sandwich into a vegetarian-friendly meal is quite easy. Swap out the deli meat with a non-meat alternative, such as the Tofurkey Plant-Based Deli Slices, and it’s ready to eat.

Vegan:

You’ll want to use a plant-based or vegan deli meat alternative like the vegetarian variation. Swap out the cheese for a non-dairy choice and use vegenaise as a replacement for the mayo.

What else can I add?

If your budget allows, you can also include additional types of meat. For example, roasted chicken is a great way to boost the protein in your turkey sandwich.

You can also add more condiments, such as mustard, to craft a more flavourful turkey melt. More veggies are always welcome, even unexpected options such as strips of bell peppers.

Substitutes

You can substitute each ingredient in this turkey sandwich to better fit your tastes. For example, the turkey and cheddar can be swapped with the deli meat and cheese that you enjoy. Avocados, pickles, cucumbers and onions are all great alternatives to beef, tomato and iceberg lettuce.

You can make the sandwich lower in carbs by turning it into a wrap with a low-carb tortilla or extra lettuce. As far as deli turkey recipes go, this sandwich is very customizable.

Other sandwich/toastie recipes to try …

The Best Toast Ever: Halloumi and Avocado Sourdough Toast

Slow Roasted Cherry Tomato Ricotta Toast

Pizza Toast (Hailey Bieber’s Tiktok Inspired Recipe)