Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt
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Grilled sandwiches are always a great option when you need a quick and easy dinner. Taking a few extra minutes to grill the sandwich makes it feel a little more special than a basic cold sandwich. This Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt is a delicious alternative to the usual grilled cheese, with plenty of turkey, crisp bacon, melty Monterey Jack, and fresh tomato tucked between two golden slices of bread.
The sourdough bread is another part of what makes this sandwich so good. It has a little more flavor and chew than regular sandwich bread, and the larger slices give you plenty of room for all of the fillings. Once it is buttered and grilled, the outside gets crisp and golden while the inside stays soft enough to hold everything together.
What really gives this sandwich a little extra something is the quick red wine vinegar mayo. It only takes a minute to stir together, but the splash of vinegar adds a tangy bite that balances the richness of the bacon, cheese, and mayo. It is a simple addition, but it makes this turkey melt taste much more interesting than an everyday grilled sandwich.
Ingredients for Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt
- DELI TURKEY – Deli turkey makes the sandwich hearty without requiring any extra cooking. Thinly sliced deli turkey works best because it layers easily and heats through quickly while the sandwich grills.
- BACON – Crispy slices of bacon add smoky, salty flavor and a little crunch. Cook it until crisp, so it holds up well against the turkey, cheese, and tomato. I like to cook mine in the oven.
- MONTEREY JACK CHEESE – Monterey Jack melts especially well and gives the sandwich a mild, creamy flavor. It helps hold the fillings together as the sandwich grills.
- TOMATO -Fresh tomato adds juiciness and a little acidity that balances the richness of the bacon and cheese. Slice it fairly thin so the sandwich grills and eats more easily. I forgot to get tomatoes at the store when I took the photos for this post.
- SOURDOUGH BREAD – Sourdough adds extra flavor, chew, and structure to the sandwich. Its larger slices hold all the fillings, and the outside gets crisp and golden when grilled.
- BUTTER – Butter helps the bread brown evenly and gives the outside of the sandwich a rich, crisp finish.
- MAYONNAISE – Mayonnaise forms the creamy base for the spread and adds richness to the sandwich.
- RED WINE VINEGAR – Red wine vinegar adds a bright, tangy flavor to the mayo and helps cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese.
- FRESHLY GROUND BLACK PEPPER – Black pepper adds a little warmth and extra flavor to the mayo without making the sandwich spicy.
Instructions for Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and freshly ground black pepper. Set the spread aside while you prepare the sandwiches.
Place the turkey slices on a microwave-safe plate and warm them for about 30 seconds. Warming the turkey first helps the center of the sandwich heat through more evenly while the bread is grilling.
Butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Place one slice, buttered side down, on a work surface, then layer with Monterey Jack cheese, warm turkey, bacon, and tomato.
Spread the red wine vinegar mayo over the inside of the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the sandwich with the buttered side facing out.
Heat a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Or use an electric griddle. Add the sandwich and cook until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook the other side until golden and crisp, and the cheese is fully melted.
Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different kind of bread?
Yes. Sourdough works especially well because it is sturdy and grills nicely, but Texas toast, artisan white bread, or another hearty sandwich bread will also work.
What cheese can I use instead of Monterey Jack?
Provolone, Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, or Pepper Jack are all good options. Choose a cheese that melts well.
Do I have to warm the turkey first?
You do not have to, but warming it briefly helps the sandwich heat evenly without over-browning the bread.
Can I make the red wine vinegar mayo ahead of time?
Yes. Mix it together and refrigerate it in a covered container until ready to use. You can easily make it a day or two ahead.
Can I leave off the tomato?
Absolutely. If you do use tomato, slice it thin and blot off excess moisture so the sandwich does not get soggy.
What kind of turkey works best?
Thinly sliced deli turkey is easiest to layer and heats quickly. Smoked, oven-roasted, or honey turkey will all work depending on the flavor you prefer.
Can I use leftover cooked turkey instead of deli turkey?
Yes. Thinly sliced leftover turkey works well, especially around the holidays.
How do I keep the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat rather than high heat. This gives the cheese time to melt while the bread gradually becomes golden.
Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes. A panini press works especially well for this sandwich and gives the bread a crisp exterior.
What should I serve with it?
Chips, fries, soup, a green salad, fruit, or pickles all make easy sides.
Tips and Tricks
- Cook over medium-low heat. Lower heat is the key to getting crisp, golden bread while giving the thick sandwich enough time to heat through and melt the cheese.
- Warm the slices of turkey first. A quick 30 seconds in the microwave keeps the center from staying cold while the outside grills.
- Blot the tomato slices dry. Tomatoes can release quite a bit of moisture. Patting them with a paper towel helps prevent soggy bread.
- Put the cheese close to the bread. Placing the cheese next to the warm bread helps it melt faster and also creates a little barrier between the bread and the wetter fillings.
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing. A short rest lets the melted cheese settle slightly, so the fillings are less likely to slide out when you cut the sandwich in half.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
Sourdough Turkey Bacon Melt
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb deli turkey
- 12 strips bacon cooked
- 8 slices Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tomatoes thinly sliced
- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 4 Tbsp butter
Red Wine Vinegar Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 4 tsp red wine vinegar
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the spread ingredients and set aside.
- Warm the turkey by placing the slices flat on a plate and microwaving for 30 seconds.
- Butter the outside of the bread, then add cheese, turkey, bacon, tomato, and the remaining slice of bread. Spread red wine vinegar mayo on the second slice of bread and place it on top of the sandwich.
- Place the turkey sandwich in a skillet set over medium-low heat and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted. Flip and repeat.
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve.
