If you’re a cheese lover, like most people on earth, you will definitely love this Turkey Melt Sandwich recipe. It’s cheesy, gooey, full of flavor, and perfectly crispy on the outside. Those of you who have tried my Grilled Cream Cheese Sandwich, or Chicken Salad Melt Sandwich, know what I’m talking about.
This turkey melt is easy to make and the taste is unbeatable. You can make it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even for a snack! It’s a crowd pleaser, I’m sure everyone in your home will love it. Personally, I would not mind adding this to my easy healthy dinner recipes. It’s a great way to use leftovers and build into your weekly meal plan, and one bite of this warm, melty turkey sandwich will have you saving it alongside your other amazing recipes.
For those of you who want things extra spicy, I’ve shared how to make Cranberry-Jalapeño Relishfrom scratch or you can use the leftover cranberry sauce for a holiday-inspired lunch.
Don’t miss more comforting favorites try my Chicken and Dumpling Casserole for a cozy family dinner, or whip up a quick Lemon Pepper Chicken for an easy weeknight meal. If you’re planning holiday leftovers, pair this sandwich with vibrant veggie sides like Roasted Carrots and Asparagus or a crisp Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. And for dessert, a warm Pumpkin Mug Cake or rich Dark Chocolate Fudge is the perfect sweet finish.
Jump to:
- WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TURKEY MELT SANDWICH
- INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- How to make Turkey Melt Sandwich Recipe
- VARIATIONS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH
- Equipment
- SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
- STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS FOR THIS TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
- TOP TIPS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Turkey Melt Sandwich with Cranberry Relish (Airfryer)
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS TURKEY MELT SANDWICH
Easy to Make - This is a really easy recipe. You don’t need to cook the meat from scratch, you don’t have to spend hours chopping veggies. Just use some leftovers or get deli turkey, layer some cheese, sliced onion and spread. How difficult could it get
Versatile - This sandwich is very versatile. You can add in your favorite ingredients like bacon, pickles, other veggies, etc.
Kid Friendly - Not only is this sandwich a perfect meal for adults, it’s also a great treat for your kids. Next time they’re refusing their proteins, make some turkey melt and they’ll love it.
Customizable - This recipe can be easily customized to fit your dietary requirements. You can swap Sourdough with bran bread. Turkey can be swapped with a vegan patty. You can also use low carb mayo and white cheese. It can easily be customized to fit in your easy and quick healthy dinner recipes.
INGREDIENTS AND SUBSTITUTIONS
This easy turkey melt recipe is the perfect way to turn simple slices of bread and deli meats into a delicious sandwichthat tastes like a cozy grilled cheese sandwich with a twist. Find the ingredients below to make this sandwich recipe!
- Cranberry Sauce - You can use canned/store bought whole-berry cranberry sauce.
- Jalapeño - Dice some Jalapeños or chop them finely. I used pickled jalapeno but you use fresh jalapeno too.
- Lime Juice - Lime juice will give this relish a sour punch. You can use fresh lemon juice as well or get some from the store.
- Mayonnaise - You can use light or low carb mayonnaise if you’re mindful of your calorie intake.
- Dijon Mustard - Dijon Mustard is a bit spicy and more complex in flavor so I prefer this one. You can use regular mustard as well.
- Honey - Honey will balance out the tangy and spicy flavors from other ingredients. You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Red Pepper Flakes - If red pepper flakes are too hot, you can substitute them with paprika powder.
- Sourdough - Sourdough is healthier than white bread or regular bread. But you can use any bread you prefer.
- Butter - Don’t skip the butter. It will help the bread get really toasty on the outside. You can use either dairy or dairy free butter.
- Sliced Turkey - You can use either deli sliced turkey or some roasted turkey leftover from thanksgiving dinner. Make sure the slices are even and not too thick.
- Provolone Cheese - Provolone melts really well and has that stringy texture. It has a buttery and nutty flavor too that I love. You can substitute it with some low moisture mozzarella, fontina, monterey jack, or gouda.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar cheese will create a rich flavor when mixed with provolone.
- Red Onion - Onion should be sliced very thinly so that it doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
- Baby Spinach - A small handful will suffice.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Turkey Melt Sandwich Recipe
Lets see how to make the ultimate turkey melts - Its a juicy layers of turkey, gooey melted cheese, and tangy honey mustard in the middle of the sandwich, then top with crisp bacon (optional), fresh tomato slices, or other fresh veggies and your favorite cheese, from classic American cheese to sharp cheddar.
Stir together the cranberry relish ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix the hot-honey Dijon mayo.
Butter one side of each bread slice (this is the outside). Flip and spread the unbuttered sides with the hot-honey Dijon mayo.
Arrange few slices of turkey on one side of the bread.
Arrange the onion slices and spread the cranberry jalapeno relish over.
Layer the cheese slices, followed by handful of spinach and cheddar cheese.
Top with the remaining bread, buttered side facing out.
Place the sandwiches in a preheated air fryer at 360°F (182°C). Cook for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway. They’re done when the bread is golden-brown and crisp and the cheese is fully melted. (If your air fryer runs cool, add 1–2 minutes; if it runs hot, check at 4 minutes.) Transfer to a board and rest 1 minute so the cheese settles. Slice (straight or on the diagonal) and serve warm with extra cranberry relish for dipping.
Hint: Lightly spray or butter the outside for deeper browning; don’t overcrowd the basket so air can circulate.
VARIATIONS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH
Bacon-Turkey Melt Sandwich: If you love bacon for its crunchy and crispy texture, you’ll like it in your turkey melt as well. It pairs well with the tender turkey slices and gooey cheese. Prepare the bacon strips and set them aside. When your sandwich is ready for assembly, add bacon strips on top of the turkey slice.
Tuna Melt Sandwich: To make a tuna melt sandwich, you don’t need to do anything extra. Simply use the hot-honey dijon mayo that you prepared for turkey melt and mix drained and shredded tuna to it. Spread it on bread and follow the rest of the steps in this recipe.
Turkey Melt Sandwich with Pickles: My turkey melt sandwich recipe is very easily customized. If you like pickles in your sandwich, you can add them too. Just finely chop pickled cucumbers and mix them with the hot-honey dijon mayo. You can also cut them in thin slices and layer them on top of onions.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
Roasted Veggies: Sandwiches go really well with a side dish of roasted veggies. You get the fiber and the meal becomes hearty. Try this recipe with Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Mini Peppers, or Roasted Carrots and Asparagus, Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots.
Coleslaw and French Fries: coleslaw with some french fries is a classic combo that works well with any sandwich.
Sweet Potato: If french fries are not your choice, you can serve this turkey melt withSweet Potato Wedges or Sweet Potato Cubes.
Soups: Soups are a great serving option with cheese sandwiches. You can either serve it with tomato soup or you can try out this Spicy Vegetable Soup.
Spreads: You can also go the unconventional way and try out this sandwich with some Carrots Hummus or some of the leftover Pumpkin Cheese Ball.
STORAGE AND REHEATING TIPS FOR THIS TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
Room Temperature: This turkey melt should be consumed within two hours of making. You can keep it in an airtight container for up to 4 hours but it’s best when enjoyed fresh put airfryer.
Refrigerator: You can easily refrigerate the sandwich for 4-6 days. Make sure to wrap each sandwich in a plastic wrap and refrigerate in an airtight container. Double check the expiry dates on the ingredients and deli turkey.
Freezer: Although you can freeze the fully prepared sandwich, it will not be the same as fresh. It can remain food safe in the freezer if properly wrapped in plastic wrap and kept in a freezer safe ziplock bag. You can freeze them for 1-2 months. Double check the expiry dates on the meat and other ingredients and adjust freezing duration accordingly.
Reheating and Thawing: Thaw the frozen turkey melt sandwich in the fridge for 4-6 hours. Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway. You can use a toaster oven as well with the same temperature and timing.
TOP TIPS FOR TURKEY MELT SANDWICH RECIPE
- If you’re using the stovetop for making the turkey melt sandwich, cook on low-medium heat and let the cheese melt all the way through the centre.
- Cold skillet will let bread absorb all the butter, and too hot will burn the toast before melting the cheese.
- Use sourdough bread so that it can hold the cheese and stay firm. It has a better texture and thickens than regular bread.
- When using deli turkey slices, try not to freeze the sandwich as the meat will release moisture when thawed.
FAQ
Provolone, fontina, and gouda are some good cheese options that melt really well in a turkey melt sandwich.
Yes, you can make it in a toaster like you toast a regular cheese sandwich.
Give each side 5-7 minutes or until deeply golden on medium-low heat.
Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to use up leftover roasted turkey from Thanksgiving or any meal. Just slice it thin for even heating.
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble the sandwich ahead (without air frying), wrap it, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before cooking.
Sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or rustic sandwich bread holds up best in the air fryer and gets beautifully crisp.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Turkey Melt Sandwich recipe:
If you tried this Turkey Melt Sandwich recipe or any other recipe from my blog, I’d love to hear your thoughts! ⭐ Please leave a STAR rating and share your experience in the COMMENTS below. Your support means so much and helps me continue creating delicious recipes. Thank you for being part of this journey!
Turkey Melt Sandwich with Cranberry Relish (Airfryer)
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Cranberry–Jalapeño Relish
- ⅓ cup whole-berry cranberry sauce storebought or homemade
- 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño fresh or pickled
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Hot-Honey Dijon Mayo
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Sandwiches
- 4 slices sourdough
- 2 tablespoon softened butter
- 8–10 ounce sliced turkey deli or leftover roasted
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ small red onion very thinly sliced
- 1 small handful baby spinach
Instructions
Make the sauces:
- In a small bowl, stir together the cranberry relish ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix the hot-honey Dijon mayo until smooth.
Prep the bread:
- Butter one side of each bread slice (this will be the outside).
- Flip the slices and spread the unbuttered sides with the hot-honey Dijon mayo.
Assemble the sandwiches:
- On two slices (mayo side up), layer in this order: provolone → turkey → a few red onion slices → a thin layer of cranberry relish (leave ½ inch clear around the edges) → spinach → shredded cheddar.
- Top with the remaining bread, buttered side facing out.
Air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C).
- Place sandwiches in the basket (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Let rest 1 minute, then slice and serve with extra cranberry relish for dipping.
Notes
- For stove top method, heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low. Cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes per side, covering the first side to help the cheese melt, until the bread is deeply golden and cheese is gooey.
- Use sourdough bread so that it can hold the cheese and stay firm. It has a better texture and thickens than regular bread.
- When using deli turkey slices, try not to freeze the sandwich as the meat will release moisture when thawed.
- For making this sandwich in stovetop, brush with a light cooking spray or butter on the outsides of the sandwiches, each piece of bread turns golden brown in just 2–3 minutes per side in a large skillet or panini press.
Risa says
Perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers, and I love that this is made in the air fryer. Saving this!
Abi Guna says
Yes, air fryer comes in handy for this simple leftover turkey sandwich recipe!
Tina says
Love this recipe! Saving it for my day after thanksgiving lunch!!!
Abi Guna says
Yay, thank you, I'm sure your family will enjoy this sandwich!
Stephanie says
My son's been looking for more recipes to make for himself in the air fryer, and I shared this with him, and he loved it!
Abi Guna says
Amazing, I m so glad to hear that! I hope your son enjoyed making his own sandwich:)
Eva says
Wow, these look amazing. I love the idea of jalapeño cranberry too! Thanks for the recipe.
Abi Guna says
I m so glad you liked this turkey recipe!
Madhu says
This sandwich looks so cheesy and comforting, I’m definitely saving this to try. Perfect for when I’m craving something warm, crispy, and full of flavor.
Abi Guna says
Happy to hear that, happy cooking!
Misty Tannery says
This is sooooo good! Thank you!
Abi Guna says
I'm so glad you loved the recipe! Can't go wrong with turkey and sandwich 🙂
Therese says
I came across this recipe today, and I'm addicted! It is going on my menu for the next few weeks!
Abi Guna says
Yay! I'm so happy to hear that! Happy cooking!
Abi Guna says
This air fryer turkey melt sandwich has become one of my go-to quick meals, especially after the holidays when there’s leftover turkey in the fridge. The crispy bread, melty cheese, and sweet-tart cranberry relish make every bite irresistible. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a whole new meal from familiar ingredients.