Sometimes, there’s no time to spare – but you need something delicious. Making elaborate, colorful lunches can be great when you’ve got time, but how about when you need something on the go? I’ve created this deli sandwich that is ready in just five minutes and all made using ingredients straight from your refrigerator. Not to mention, this turkey sandwich recipe is easy to adapt to your own tastes – from the type of bread you pick to the cheese you add to even yummy extras that will take your lunchtime sandwich to a whole new level. While the best deli sandwiches can be delicious, they’re not always so good for you. Luckily, this turkey sandwich recipe is packed full of goodness, swapping out white bread for a high fiber option, bulking up on the veggies, and using turkey, super lean meat that is high in protein, low in fat, and high in essential nutrients like potassium and selenium. Turkey is also shown to help support heart health, lower cholesterol levels and strengthen your immune system. Wondering how to make your turkey sandwich even better? Enjoy it together with coleslaw, green salad, or steamed or roasted veggies. Serve it alongside something crunchy, like pita chips or gluten-free red lentil crackers. Or, bulk up on delicious carbs with a serving of my delicious home fries or, my favorite side for absolutely everything, sweet potato fries.
What to Put in a Turkey Sandwich
Deli turkey slices: Deli style works best for turkey subs, but you can use whichever type you preferred, like smoked turkey, roast turkey breast, or even Thanksgiving leftovers. This is the perfect post-Thanksgiving sandwich, especially if you’ve run out of ways to use leftover meat in other recipes.Bread slices: I like wholewheat, but use whatever bread you prefer. Rye bread is a popular choice for a traditional deli sandwich, but I also like sourdough, Challah, or potato bread.Tomato: Just use a couple of slices for extra added flavor and nutrition. Lettuce leaves: Two or three will work just fine to stop the sandwich from getting soggy. You could use some baby spinach or arugula if wanted.Mayonnaise: I love adding some mayo, but you could also add a bit of Dijon mustard, cream cheese, or even hummus if preferred. Cheese: I think Swiss cheese works best, but you can use your favorite or a vegan/dairy-free alternativeSalt & pepper: to taste.
See below for some delicious variations to this classic sandwich.
Best Cheese for Turkey Sandwich
Turkey sandwich cheese is a unique science – picking the right one takes a little bit of skill. The cheese for a turkey sandwich shouldn’t have too overpowering a flavor but blend nicely with the turkey and the vegetables. I like using Swiss, but I also recommend mozzarella, provolone, gouda, Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Colby Jack cheese. If you prefer a more creamy texture, you can try Brie. Ideally, pick a cheese that’s mild to mellow in flavor.
Best Bread for Turkey Sandwich
If you’re going for just a plain sandwich, it’s important to pick the right bread for an added boost of flavor. Whatever you choose, don’t cut doorstop slices – thin slices mean the filling can be the star of the show. I love whole wheat bread, but you can use whatever you like to make a turkey sandwich, like sourdough, rye, or traditional white. You can also use bagels.
How to Make Turkey Sandwich
This turkey sandwich recipe has just a few simple steps. Slice your bread and spread mayo generously onto each piece. Place the turkey slices on one slice of bread, then add cheese to the other. Season your turkey with additional salt and pepper, then layer the lettuce and tomato on top of the turkey. Close the sandwich. You can either cut it in two (squares or triangles – however you like it) or wrap it up for work or on the go. Voila! How to make a turkey sandwich to rival any deli.
Turkey Sandwich Variations
These are some of my favorite deli turkey sandwich ideas to upgrade an ordinary deli sandwich to something spectacular:
Turkey Melt Sandwich – Warm the meat in a pan, placing the meat flat on the pan and heating on both sides. Spread a little butter on the outside of your chosen bread. Fill the sub with the turkey and cheese, plus the veggies. Cook your sandwich on the pan or the grill until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted. It’s almost like a grilled cheese with hot turkey.Turkey Avocado Sandwich – Slice up an avocado and serve it with lettuce and sliced tomatoes between your sliced bread.Turkey Pesto Sandwich – You can swap out the mayo for pesto sauce or drizzle it over the meat before assembling your sandwich. Turkey Club Sandwich – Toast both pieces of your bread. Place slices of cooked bacon on top of the turkey before assembling your sandwich.Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Sandwiches – Use some leftover turkey (shredded or sliced), and add a bit of cranberry sauce along with the other ingredients of the classic deli sandwich.
Let me know if the comments below how you like to enjoy your deli sandwich.
More Sandwich Recipes
Egg Salad SandwichCrispy Chicken SandwichThe Best Tuna Salad SandwichGrilled Cheese (Cheese Toastie)Cinnamon ToastThe Perfect Cucumber SandwichAuthentic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich
If you try this turkey sandwich recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
