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Assembling the Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon.

Ultimate Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon (Gourmet Grilled Cheese!)

  • Author: Caoimhe Byrne
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 23 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Sandwich
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Turkey Melt is a delicious and satisfying sandwich featuring savory deli turkey, crispy bacon, melted white cheddar cheese, fresh spinach, tomato slices, and a touch of honey mustard, all grilled between slices of crusty sourdough bread.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices sourdough bread (or other thick, crusty bread)
  • 2 tablespoons honey mustard
  • 2 slices white cheddar cheese, halved
  • 4 slices deli turkey
  • Thin tomato slices (from 1 medium red tomato)
  • 1/2 cup fresh baby spinach
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened, divided

Instructions

  • Prepare Bread: Lay out the 4 slices of sourdough bread on a cutting board or plate.
  • Spread Honey Mustard: Divide the honey mustard into four equal portions (about 1/2 tablespoon each). Spread one portion of honey mustard evenly over one side of each slice of bread.
  • Add Cheese: Divide the 2 slices of white cheddar cheese in half, creating 4 half-slices. Place one half-slice of cheese on top of the honey mustard on each slice of bread.
  • Layer Turkey: Divide the deli turkey slices evenly between two of the bread slices (2 slices of turkey per sandwich). Place the turkey on top of the cheese.
  • Add Spinach and Tomato: Divide the fresh baby spinach evenly between the two sandwiches with turkey (about 1/4 cup per sandwich). Layer the tomato slices over the spinach.
  • Add Bacon: Divide the cooked bacon strips in half (2 strips per sandwich), then in half again creating 4 halves. Place two halves of bacon on top of the spinach and tomatoes.
  • Top with remaining bread, cheese side face down, with honey mustard and bread on top.
  • Butter Bread: Divide the softened butter into four equal portions (about 1/2 tablespoon each). Spread one portion of butter evenly over the outside of each slice of bread (the sides that will be in contact with the skillet).
  • Heat Skillet: Place a large skillet (cast iron recommended) over medium heat.
  • Grill Sandwiches: When the skillet is hot, carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet, buttered-side down.
  • Cook First Side: Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and toasted.
  • Flip and Cook Second Side: Carefully flip the sandwiches over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown, the cheese is completely melted, and the sandwich is heated through. Press down gently on the sandwiches with a spatula while they cook to help them cook evenly.
  • Serve: Transfer the grilled sandwiches to serving plates. Serve warm with your desired sides (chips, salad, soup, etc.).

Notes

  • Bread: Sourdough bread is recommended for its tangy flavor and crusty texture, but you can use other thick, crusty breads, such as ciabatta or a rustic Italian loaf.
  • Honey Mustard: You can use store-bought or homemade honey mustard.
  • Cheese: White cheddar cheese is used in this recipe, but you can substitute other cheeses, such as provolone, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
  • Turkey: Use your favorite type of deli turkey.
  • Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy before adding it to the sandwiches.
  • Serving Suggestions: These turkey melts are delicious on their own or served with a side of chips, a salad, or soup.