Turkey Sandwich

Patty Catalano
Patty CatalanoFood Editor at The Kitchn
The only subject that has ever held my attention has been food, because there’s no end to what you can taste, smell, learn, and cook. I patchworked my way to recipe development and food writing by earning degrees in Family & Consumer Sciences (you may have known it as Home Ec) and Food, Nutrition, and Culinary Science, and working anywhere that would take me: university food services, local bakeries, and the set of Good Eats on Food Network. Early on, I asked my mom how she knew what a cookbook recipe (with no pictures) would look and taste like. While my mom was there to teach me, I realized that not everyone has someone to turn to for trusted cooking guidance. I try every day to be that person for The Kitchn’s readers by sharing smart recipes they can feel proud to serve. Recipe development is the most fun job I can imagine, but it also comes with a lot of dirty dishes and hours spent in the grocery store. I’ve found that I actually really love grocery shopping — especially at Costco and Aldi — and it brings me such joy to share my finds with The Kitchn readers.
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published Sep 29, 2023
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Head on view of a stacked turkey sandwich with cheese, turkey, tomato and lettuce on white bread and a blue plate.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Stylist: Rachel Perlmutter

Classic, deli-style turkey sandwich made with sliced, roasted turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Makes1 sandwich

Prep5 minutes

Cook2 minutes

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Jump to Recipe
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Head on view of a stacked turkey sandwich with cheese, turkey, tomato and lettuce on white bread and a blue plate.
Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Food Stylist: Rachel Perlmutter

Are you looking for a turkey sandwich that will rival the one you order at your local deli? Your search stops here. This turkey sandwich is as good (or better) than any sandwich that you can buy.

It all starts with hearty slices of whole grain bread — lightly toasted, of course — which are stacked high with cheese, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. It’s a classic sandwich that you can enjoy anywhere, from the lunchroom to the living room. 

Key Ingredients in a Turkey Sandwich

  • Turkey: Use your favorite sliced, roasted turkey meat from the deli or leftovers from your Thanksgiving turkey.
  • Cheese: Swiss, provolone, and cheddar cheeses all pair well with turkey. Buy slices directly from the deli counter, or slice off the block with a cheese slicer. 
  • Lettuce: Green leaf or romaine lettuce adds much needed crunch. Remove the thick rib from romaine lettuce to make it easier to build the sandwich. 
  • Tomato: A serrated knife makes it easy to cut two (1/4-inch) thick slices from a ripe, red tomato.
  • Bread: Multi-grain or whole wheat bread is the best choice for a turkey and cheese sandwich.
  • Mayonnaise: Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread before adding the rest of the toppings. You can add even more flavor to mayonnaise with pesto or chipotle. 

Once you’ve mastered the basic turkey sandwich, it’s time to have some fun. Spread spicy or honey mustard over the mayonnaise before topping with turkey, or add strips of cooked bacon or slices of creamy avocado to this once simple sandwich. Don’t forget to include a dollop of leftover cranberry sauce or cranberry-coated goat or cheddar cheese from the holiday spread to your sandwich.  

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How to Make the Best Turkey Sandwich

  1. Toast bread. Lightly toast bread in a toaster oven until the slices turn golden. 
  2. Add spreads. The one most important rule for making the best sandwiches is to spread mayonnaise (and any other spreadable condiments) onto both slices of bread so that the sandwich is symmetrically seasoned.
  3. Season the turkey. Arrange cheese on one slice of bread, then fold sliced turkey over the cheese. Sprinkle it with some kosher salt and black pepper. 
  4. Finish with tomato and lettuce. Arrange two slices of tomato over the turkey and top with lettuce. 
  5. Top with bread and slice. Place the second slice of bread, mayonnaise-side down, on top of the lettuce. Use a serrated knife to cut the sandwich in half before serving. 

What to Serve with a Turkey Sandwich

Comments

Turkey Sandwich Recipe

Classic, deli-style turkey sandwich made with sliced, roasted turkey, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Prep time 5 minutes

Cook time 2 minutes

Makes 1 sandwich

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1/2

    small beefsteak tomato

  • 2

    large leaves green leaf or romaine lettuce

  • 2 slices

    multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread

  • 2 tablespoons

    mayonaise

  • 2 slices

    provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese

  • 3 ounces

    sliced turkey deli meat (3 to 4 slices)

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut 1/2 small beefsteak tomato with a serrated knife until you have 2 (1/4-inch-thick) slices. Tear 2 large green leaf or romaine lettuce leaves in half crosswise.

  2. Toast 2 slices multigrain or whole-wheat sandwich bread. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on one side of each slice. Top one slice with 2 slices provolone or Swiss cheese, overlapping them if needed. Top with 3 ounces turkey deli meat and the tomatoes. Lightly season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Top with the lettuce. Close the sandwich with the remaining bread slice mayonnaise-side down. Cut in half with a serrated knife.

Recipe Notes

Storage: The assembled sandwich can be refrigerated in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 1 day.

Filed in:
Main Dish
quick
sandwich
Lunch