Sizzling Smoky Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt Recipe

Golden, melty, and packed with flavor, this smoky cheddar and bacon turkey melt brings comfort food to a whole new level.

Crisp bacon sizzles alongside tender turkey slices, creating a sandwich that promises pure deliciousness.

Sharp cheddar cheese melts into every crevice, adding a rich, tangy depth to each bite.

The combination of smoky elements and creamy cheese creates an irresistible harmony of textures and tastes.

Layered between perfectly toasted bread, this melt transforms an ordinary lunch into a memorable meal.

Crispy edges, gooey cheese, and savory meat make this sandwich a true crowd-pleaser that you won’t be able to resist.

One bite will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Tools to Toast the Best Turkey Melt

• Skillet or griddle: Essential for perfectly toasting and melting the sandwich.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing the sandwich spread.
• Knife: Helps spread mayo-mustard mixture and butter, and cuts sandwich in half.
• Spatula: Useful for flipping sandwiches evenly in the skillet.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for assembling and preparing ingredients.

Cooking Instructions for Cheddar Turkey Melts

• Whip Up the Secret Sauce

Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl, creating a tangy spread that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Build Your Flavor Tower

Grab your bread slices and paint them with the zesty sauce. Layer on cheddar cheese, juicy turkey, crispy bacon, and optional tomato for a mouthwatering stack.

• Sizzle to Perfection

Fire up a skillet on medium heat. Butter the outside of your sandwich and place it gently in the pan. Let it transform into a golden-brown masterpiece, cheese melting into gooey goodness, about 3-4 minutes per side.

• Slice and Serve

Cut your sandwich diagonally, revealing the gorgeous layers inside. Add a fresh lettuce leaf for an extra crunch that’ll make this melt irresistible.

Turkey Melt Add-Ons to Try Next Time

• Butter your bread's exterior generously to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds extra crunch and rich flavor.
• Let your skillet heat gradually to medium temperature, ensuring the cheese melts evenly without burning the bread's surface.
• Swap bread slices with large lettuce leaves for a protein-packed, gluten-free version that's lighter and diet-friendly.
• Replace turkey with grilled chicken or smoked salmon for a different protein profile that keeps the sandwich exciting and nutritious.
• Substitute bacon and turkey with grilled portobello mushrooms and plant-based cheese for a hearty meat-free sandwich that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serve Your Melt Straight from the Pan

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these turkey melts in a cooler with ice packs for a delightful outdoor lunch that stays crisp and delicious.
• Breakfast Twist: Transform this sandwich into a morning treat by adding a fried egg on top and serving with fresh orange juice for a protein-packed start.
• Dipping Delight: Pair the sandwich with a small bowl of tomato soup or creamy ranch dressing for an extra layer of flavor and a satisfying dunking experience.
• Quick Family Meal: Create a fun sandwich night by setting out ingredients and letting everyone build their own custom cheddar and bacon turkey melt with their favorite additions.

Melt Storage Tips Without Sacrificing Texture

• Mix sandwich spread and cook bacon earlier in the week to streamline meal assembly, reducing total cooking time to just 10 minutes.
• Store assembled uncooked sandwiches wrapped tightly in plastic film for up to 24 hours before grilling, keeping ingredients fresh and ready.
• Wrap individual sandwiches in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in skillet for a quick lunch or dinner option.
• Crumble remaining bacon into salads, sprinkle on soups, or mix into scrambled eggs for zero-waste cooking strategy that maximizes ingredient potential.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese for this turkey melt?

Absolutely! While cheddar provides a sharp flavor, you can swap it with Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack for variety.

• Is it possible to make this sandwich without bacon?

Yes, you can omit bacon or replace it with turkey bacon for a lighter option. The sandwich will still be delicious.

• What's the best bread to use for this turkey melt?

Sourdough or thick-cut white bread works best. They provide a sturdy base and crisp up beautifully when grilled.

• Can I prepare the sandwich spread ahead of time?

Definitely! The mayonnaise and Dijon mustard mixture can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days before using.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Build a Bacon Turkey Melt

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind other ingredients together, choose full-fat version for best flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy kick and depth, select smooth, high-quality mustard for enhanced taste profile.

• Turkey Slices: Lean protein that provides hearty base, opt for freshly sliced deli meat for optimal texture and taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that delivers robust flavor, select aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Bacon: Crispy element adding smoky crunch, choose thick-cut bacon for substantial texture and deeper flavor.

• Bread Slices: Sturdy foundation that supports sandwich structure, select hearty sourdough or whole wheat for enhanced taste.
• Butter: Creates golden, crispy exterior when grilled, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Tomato Slice (Optional): Fresh, juicy component that provides brightness, choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for best flavor.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp texture and freshness, select crisp romaine or butter lettuce for maximum crunch.

Smoky Cheddar And Bacon Turkey Melt Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt brings together melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tender turkey between golden-brown bread slices. Savory ingredients combine for a satisfying sandwich perfect for lunch or casual dinner.

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Ingredients

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• ½ lb (225 g) sliced turkey breast
• 8 slices cooked bacon
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• 4 tbsps butter, softened
• 2 tbsps mayonnaise
• 8 slices bread (sourdough, rye, or your favorite)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ¼ cup (15 g) chopped fresh lettuce

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Instructions

1. Spread Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a bowl, creating a vibrant, tangy condiment that will elevate the sandwich’s flavor profile.
2. Bread Layer: Position bread slices and generously coat each with the zesty spread, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
3. Ingredient Assembly: Strategically layer cheddar cheese, turkey slices, bacon strips, and tomato between bread slices, constructing a harmonious flavor combination.
4. Butter Coating: Evenly distribute butter across the sandwich’s exterior surfaces to promote uniform, golden-brown caramelization.
5. Cooking Process: Heat a skillet to medium temperature and carefully place the sandwich, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread achieves a rich, golden crust and the cheese melts into a creamy consistency.
6. Final Presentation: Remove from heat, slice diagonally to reveal the sandwich’s appetizing layers, and optionally garnish with crisp lettuce for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Manage Cheese Melting: Achieve perfect cheese melt by covering the skillet with a lid during last 1-2 minutes of cooking, creating steam that helps cheese become uniformly gooey.
• Control Bread Browning: Use medium-low heat to prevent burning while ensuring crispy, golden exterior; butter allows even caramelization without scorching.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Swap turkey with grilled chicken, roast beef, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences; experiment with different cheese types like Swiss or pepper jack.
• Boost Nutritional Profile: Add leafy greens like spinach or arugula for extra nutrients; use whole grain bread for increased fiber and healthier preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg