Grilled Hot Turkey Sandwiches: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
Grilled hot turkey sandwiches offer a comforting and flavorful meal, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. This recipe elevates the classic turkey sandwich with a warm, toasted exterior and a melty, cheesy interior, making it an irresistible treat. Whether you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli slices, this guide provides everything you need to create the ultimate grilled hot turkey sandwich.
## Why Grilled Hot Turkey Sandwiches Are So Good
* **Comfort Food Classic:** These sandwiches are a nostalgic favorite, offering warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences by adding different cheeses, sauces, and toppings.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** An excellent way to use leftover turkey, preventing waste and creating a new, delicious meal.
* **Quick and Easy:** With minimal prep time and simple steps, these sandwiches can be ready in minutes.
* **Great for Any Occasion:** Whether it’s a casual lunch or a cozy dinner, grilled hot turkey sandwiches fit the bill.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Bread:** Choose your favorite bread for grilling. Sourdough, rye, or a hearty white bread work exceptionally well. Aim for slices that are sturdy enough to hold the fillings without falling apart.
* **Turkey:** Use leftover cooked turkey, sliced thinly, or high-quality deli turkey. Smoked turkey adds a unique flavor profile.
* **Cheese:** Select a cheese that melts well and complements the turkey. Options include provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, or Havarti.
* **Butter or Mayonnaise:** For grilling the bread. Butter adds richness, while mayonnaise creates an extra crispy exterior.
* **Optional Toppings and Spreads:** These can greatly enhance the sandwich. Consider:
* **Cranberry Sauce:** Adds a sweet and tart element.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Provides a tangy kick.
* **Horseradish Sauce:** Adds a spicy zest.
* **Avocado:** Offers creaminess and healthy fats.
* **Tomato:** Adds freshness and acidity.
* **Lettuce:** Adds a crisp texture.
* **Pickles:** For a tangy crunch.
* **Caramelized Onions:** Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
## Equipment
* **Griddle or Large Skillet:** For grilling the sandwiches.
* **Spatula:** For flipping the sandwiches.
* **Butter Knife or Spreader:** For spreading butter or mayonnaise.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For preparing any toppings.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
### 1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you start assembling the sandwiches, ensure all your ingredients are ready. This will streamline the process and make it more enjoyable.
* **Slice the Bread:** If you’re using a loaf of bread, slice it into even pieces, about ½ inch thick. Thicker slices will take longer to grill, while thinner slices may become too crispy.
* **Prepare the Turkey:** If using leftover turkey, slice it thinly. If using deli turkey, separate the slices so they are easy to layer.
* **Slice the Cheese:** Prepare your cheese slices, ensuring they are thin enough to melt quickly. If using shredded cheese, have it ready to sprinkle on the turkey.
* **Prepare Toppings:** Chop any desired toppings, such as tomato, avocado, or pickles. Have your spreads ready to go.
### 2. Assemble the Sandwiches
Now it’s time to build your sandwiches. This is where you can get creative with your choice of fillings.
* **Spread the Butter or Mayonnaise:** On the outside of each slice of bread. This will create a golden-brown, crispy crust when grilled. Ensure you spread it evenly for consistent browning.
* **Layer the Ingredients:** On one slice of bread, layer the cheese, turkey, and any desired toppings. Start with a layer of cheese to protect the bread from becoming soggy from any wet ingredients.
* **Cheese:** Place a layer of cheese on the bottom slice of bread.
* **Turkey:** Layer the sliced turkey on top of the cheese.
* **Toppings:** Add any additional toppings, such as tomato slices, avocado, or caramelized onions.
* **Spread:** If using, spread your favorite sauce or spread on the other slice of bread. Options include cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, or horseradish sauce.
* **Top with the Other Slice of Bread:** Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered-side or mayonnaise-side up.
### 3. Grill the Sandwiches
Now for the main event: grilling the sandwiches to golden perfection.
* **Preheat the Griddle or Skillet:** Preheat your griddle or skillet over medium heat. You want the surface to be hot enough to brown the bread but not so hot that it burns.
* **Place the Sandwiches on the Griddle:** Carefully place the assembled sandwiches on the preheated griddle or skillet. Avoid overcrowding the surface; grill in batches if necessary.
* **Grill Until Golden Brown:** Grill the sandwiches for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches to ensure even contact with the griddle.
* **Flip the Sandwiches:** Once the first side is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwiches with a spatula. Continue grilling until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
* **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the cheese is fully melted, you can cover the griddle or skillet with a lid for the last minute or two of grilling. This will trap the heat and help the cheese melt faster.
### 4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the sandwiches are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve and enjoy your delicious creation.
* **Remove from the Griddle:** Carefully remove the grilled hot turkey sandwiches from the griddle or skillet and place them on a cutting board.
* **Slice in Half (Optional):** If desired, slice the sandwiches in half diagonally. This makes them easier to handle and eat.
* **Serve Immediately:** Serve the sandwiches immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is melted and gooey.
* **Serve with Sides:** Consider serving your grilled hot turkey sandwiches with a side of chips, coleslaw, soup, or a salad for a complete meal.
## Tips for the Perfect Grilled Hot Turkey Sandwich
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the sandwich. Opt for fresh, high-quality bread, turkey, and cheese.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Griddle:** Grilling the sandwiches in batches will ensure that they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust.
* **Use Medium Heat:** Grilling over medium heat will prevent the bread from burning before the cheese has a chance to melt.
* **Press Down on the Sandwiches:** Gently pressing down on the sandwiches with a spatula will help them cook evenly and ensure good contact with the griddle.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, sauces, and toppings to create your own unique grilled hot turkey sandwich.
* **Use a Cheese That Melts Well:** Cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, Swiss, cheddar, and Havarti are excellent choices for grilled sandwiches because they melt easily and evenly.
* **Consider Adding a Spread:** Spreads like cranberry sauce, Dijon mustard, or horseradish sauce can add a burst of flavor to your sandwich.
* **Use a Non-Stick Griddle or Skillet:** This will prevent the sandwiches from sticking and make them easier to flip.
## Variations and Customizations
The beauty of grilled hot turkey sandwiches is their versatility. Here are some ideas for variations and customizations to suit your taste:
* **Cranberry Turkey Melt:** Add a generous layer of cranberry sauce for a sweet and tart twist. This variation is especially delicious with Swiss cheese.
* **Spicy Turkey Melt:** Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a layer of jalapenos for a spicy kick. Pepper jack cheese would complement the spice perfectly.
* **Avocado Turkey Melt:** Add slices of fresh avocado for a creamy and healthy addition. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors.
* **BBQ Turkey Melt:** Brush the turkey with your favorite BBQ sauce before grilling. Cheddar cheese is a great choice for this variation.
* **Pesto Turkey Melt:** Spread pesto on the bread instead of butter or mayonnaise. Provolone cheese works well with pesto.
* **Thanksgiving Leftover Melt:** Use all your favorite Thanksgiving leftovers, including stuffing and gravy, for a truly indulgent sandwich.
* **Italian Turkey Melt:** Add sliced prosciutto and provolone cheese for an Italian-inspired sandwich. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness.
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled hot turkey sandwiches are a satisfying meal on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides:
* **Soup:** Tomato soup, cream of mushroom soup, or chicken noodle soup are classic pairings.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad, coleslaw, or potato salad can add freshness and balance to the meal.
* **Chips:** Potato chips, tortilla chips, or sweet potato chips are always a crowd-pleaser.
* **Pickles:** Dill pickles, sweet pickles, or bread and butter pickles add a tangy crunch.
* **Fries:** French fries, sweet potato fries, or curly fries are a fun and indulgent option.
* **Fruit:** A side of fresh fruit, such as berries or melon, can provide a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
## Make-Ahead Instructions
While grilled hot turkey sandwiches are best served fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time:
* **Prepare the Turkey:** Slice the turkey and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Slice the Cheese:** Slice the cheese and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Prepare Toppings:** Chop any toppings, such as tomato or avocado, and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Note that avocado may brown, so it’s best to prepare it just before serving.
* **Make Spreads:** Prepare any spreads, such as cranberry sauce or Dijon mustard, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
When you’re ready to make the sandwiches, simply assemble the ingredients and grill as directed.
## Storage Instructions
If you have leftover grilled hot turkey sandwiches, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, the bread may become soggy, so it’s best to consume them as soon as possible.
* **Refrigerate:** Wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the sandwiches in a skillet, oven, or microwave until warmed through. Note that reheating may cause the bread to become even soggier.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* **Calories:** 400-600 per sandwich (depending on ingredients)
* **Protein:** 25-35g
* **Fat:** 20-30g
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-40g
Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
## Conclusion
Grilled hot turkey sandwiches are a delightful and satisfying meal that’s easy to customize to your liking. Whether you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey or deli slices, this recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a warm, cheesy, and flavorful sandwich that’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, fire up the griddle, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate grilled hot turkey sandwich!