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This turkey melt sandwich loads up sourdough with cheddar, spinach, and bacon for the coziest bite when it's cold outside. You'll love how the warm turkey, fresh greens, ripe tomatoes, crunchy bacon, and gooey cheddar come together between two buttery, toasted bread slices.
An Outstanding Grilled Sandwich
I totally think sandwiches can be works of art, and this turkey melt is my favorite creation. I played around with different combos until I got it just right. There's something special about how the bacon's smokiness, the crunchy bread, and melted cheese work together. It's now my favorite pick-me-up on those crazy days when I want something tasty but don't have the time to cook anything complicated.
What You'll Need
- 4 slices sourdough or thick, crusty bread: Grab bread that's firm enough to handle toasting without turning mushy.
- 2 tablespoons honey mustard: Brings a sweet-tangy flavor that makes the sandwich pop.
- 2 slices white cheddar cheese: Go for good quality cheese that'll melt smoothly and taste amazing.
- 4 slices deli turkey: Try smoked or roasted varieties, or use up your holiday leftovers for extra flavor.
- Thin tomato slices from 1 medium red tomato: They add moisture and a burst of freshness.
- ½ cup fresh baby spinach: Gives your sandwich some green goodness and extra crunch.
- 4 strips cooked bacon: Adds that irresistible smoky crunch everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons butter softened: Spread on the outside for that gorgeous golden exterior.
Let's Make It Together
- Assemble the Sandwiches
- Put your 4 sourdough slices on the counter and spread honey mustard on each one, using about ½ tablespoon per slice. Stack them with cheese, turkey, spinach, tomato, and bacon evenly. Put the slices together to make sandwiches with all the good stuff trapped inside.
- Toast the Sandwiches
- Spread butter on the outside of each sandwich, about ½ tablespoon for each side. Warm up a big skillet on medium heat and cook each side for 3-4 minutes until they're golden brown and the cheese gets all melty. Flip them carefully so they cook evenly.
- Serve Warm
- Put your finished sandwiches on plates right away and enjoy them with something like soup or a fresh salad on the side.
Making It Perfect
After making tons of these sandwiches, I've learned you can't rush the toasting part. Going slow helps the cheese melt just right while giving you that amazing golden outside. I always shred my cheese from a block since it melts way better than the pre-packaged stuff. And don't forget to butter the bread – that's what gives you that awesome crunch and color you want.
Make It Your Own
What's great about this sandwich is you can switch things up however you want. I sometimes try different breads like ciabatta or maybe some rye for a change. When I'm feeling fancy, I'll throw in some onions I've cooked down until they're sweet or add a bit of pesto. Around Christmas, I love putting in some cranberry sauce because it adds this amazing sweet-tart flavor that's so good with each bite.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why slice your own cheese?
- Slicing cheese from a block or deli gives better flavor and texture than pre-sliced. It makes a big difference.
- → Can I skip the dairy?
- Totally, swap in dairy-free cheese and butter. You can still enjoy a warm, melty sandwich.
- → Why butter the bread?
- It gives the bread a crunchy golden crust and keeps it from sticking while it toasts.
- → When’s the right time to flip?
- Toast each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden color, and check that the cheese is melting.
- → Does ingredient order matter?
- Yep, stacking the ingredients evenly helps keep the sandwich together and allows the cheese to melt perfectly.