Hey there! If you’re looking for a quick and irresistibly delicious meal, you’ve come to the right place. I don’t know about you, but a Cheddar & Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough is like a warm hug on a plate. I love making these sandwiches because they’re so easy to whip up, even on those busy weeknights when I’m not in the mood to cook. Plus, the combo of turkey, cheese, and crispy bacon? It’s pure comfort food heaven!
Nutritional Benefits
Let’s talk about how awesome this sandwich can be for you! First off, turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is great for muscle repair and keeping you full. Sourdough bread has some extra benefits too; it’s easier to digest than regular bread due to the fermentation process. And I know bacon isn’t the healthiest option, but in moderation, it adds a tasty crunch that makes every bite enjoyable. Plus, you can always swap for turkey bacon if you want a lighter twist!
Fun Variations to Make
- Add Veggies: Try tossing in some fresh spinach or thinly sliced tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Different Cheeses: If cheddar isn’t your style, feel free to switch it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a little kick!
- Spice it Up: Throw in some green chilies or jalapeños for an extra spicy version if you like heat.
Easy Cheddar & Bacon Turkey Melts Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- Cooked turkey breast slices (preferably roasted)
- 4-6 strips of cooked bacon
- 1 cup of shredded or sliced cheddar cheese
- Butter (for spreading)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serves 2–4 people
Standard portions → 2 servings
Slightly smaller portions → up to 4 servings
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Make sure your turkey is sliced and the bacon is cooked to a nice crispy state. If you haven’t done so yet, shred or slice the cheddar cheese—the more cheese, the better!
- Butter the Bread: Take a slice of sourdough and spread a nice thin layer of butter on one side. This will be the side that gets super crispy when toasted. Do it for all four slices!
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Lay out two slices of sourdough, buttered side down, on a clean cutting board.
- Now, pile on a generous amount of cheddar cheese on each slice because who can resist melty cheese?!
- Next, layer the turkey breast evenly over the cheese, making sure every bite will have plenty of turkey goodness.
- Follow up with the crispy bacon strips on top of the turkey. Oh yes!
- Top it all off with another layer of cheddar cheese—because why not? This creates that dreamy melty center!
- Finally, place the remaining slices of sourdough on top, buttered side up.
- Toast the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully place your assembled sandwiches into the skillet.
- Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Can you smell that deliciousness already?
- With care, flip each sandwich using a spatula and continue grilling for another 4-5 minutes until the other side is golden brown and all the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Once they’re perfectly toasted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute. This helps the cheese set just a bit!
- Garnish and Enjoy: Slice the sandwiches in half and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for color. Serve warm and dig in!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- If you want an extra crispy texture, don’t be afraid to add a little more butter to the skillet if you need it while toasting.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread—whole grain or rye could be delicious too!
- Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat them in a skillet to bring back the crispy goodness!
Equipment Needed
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make these tasty melts:
- A skillet or frying pan
- A spatula for flipping
- A butter knife for spreading
- A cutting board
- A plate for serving
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these sandwiches ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge, then just grill them when you’re ready to eat.
- What if I don’t like turkey? Can I use something else? Of course! This recipe is very adaptable. You can use leftover chicken, ham, or even a vegetarian option like grilled vegetables.
- Can I make these in the oven? Yes! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sandwiches for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- How do I keep them warm if I’m making multiple sandwiches? You can place finished sandwiches on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F or 90°C) to keep them warm while you finish the others.
- Can I freeze leftovers? While it’s best fresh, you can freeze sandwiches before cooking for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge and cook as normal!
I hope you’re excited to whip up these Cheddar & Bacon Turkey Melts! They’re a guaranteed hit. Once you’ve made them, I’d love to see your creations! Snap a pic and share your delicious results on Pinterest! Let’s spread the joy of cooking together!
