Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough Recipe

The Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough is the kind of sandwich that turns a regular lunch into something truly memorable. It’s a melty, crispy, flavor-packed creation that combines smoky bacon, juicy slices of turkey, and sharp cheddar cheese between buttery, golden slices of sourdough bread. The contrast between the crispy crust and the gooey interior makes every bite incredibly satisfying.

This sandwich hits all the right notes—savory, rich, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the sourdough. It’s everything you want from a comforting, hearty meal. Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday lunch, a cozy weekend brunch, or a satisfying dinner with a side of soup or salad, this melt delivers. The real beauty is in its simplicity and how easy it is to customize. Want to add a spread? Go for it. Feeling like a little heat? Toss in some jalapeños. Craving more crunch? Throw in some greens.

Simple ingredients, fast preparation, and bold flavor make this sandwich an absolute winner. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how something so easy can taste this good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Melty and Satisfying

Each bite delivers gooey cheddar cheese and crispy bacon, melted together with turkey for a hearty, crave-worthy sandwich.

2. Easy and Quick

With minimal prep and cook time, you can have this sandwich ready in 15 minutes or less—perfect for busy days.

3. Great Use of Leftovers

It’s a delicious way to use leftover turkey from a roast, holiday meal, or deli slices sitting in the fridge.

4. Perfectly Crunchy

Grilled in butter, the sourdough becomes golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside for the perfect texture combo.

5. Customizable

From spreads and veggies to different cheeses or breads, you can tweak this sandwich to match your mood or what’s in your kitchen.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• Sourdough bread
• Sliced turkey breast
• Cheddar cheese
• Cooked bacon strips
• Butter
• Mayonnaise or mustard (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Fresh spinach or arugula (optional)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or a smear of chipotle mayo for some heat.
• Avocado Twist: Layer in some sliced avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
• Greens & Veggies: Add spinach, arugula, or tomato slices to balance the richness with freshness.
• Different Cheese: Swap cheddar for Swiss, provolone, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
• Panini Style: Use a panini press to get an extra crispy, compact melt.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Lay out your bread slices. Butter one side of each slice evenly. On the unbuttered side, layer cheddar cheese, turkey slices, bacon strips, and any optional extras (like mayo or mustard).

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Top with another slice of cheddar and close the sandwich with the second slice of sourdough, buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until golden brown on one side, about 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook the other side until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the sandwich from the pan, let it cool slightly, then cut in half. Serve immediately with your favorite side or dipping sauce.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room-Temp Cheese: Let your cheese sit out a few minutes so it melts faster and more evenly.
• Don’t Rush the Grill: Low and slow is key to melting the cheese without burning the bread.
• Press While Grilling: Use a spatula to gently press the sandwich down in the skillet for even browning.
• Add Cheese on Both Sides: This helps everything stick together and creates maximum meltiness.
• Drain Bacon Well: Blot excess grease from the bacon so it stays crisp and doesn’t make the sandwich soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this sandwich warm with a simple side salad, pickles, chips, or a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo. You can also pair it with a light fruit salad for balance or even serve mini versions as party sliders or game day bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While best served fresh, you can store leftover sandwiches in the fridge for up to 2 days, wrapped tightly in foil or stored in an airtight container.

Freezing

It’s not recommended to freeze fully assembled melts, but you can freeze cooked bacon and pre-sliced turkey to save prep time later.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in a toaster oven until the bread is crispy again and the cheese is warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use deli turkey instead of leftover roasted turkey?

Yes! Deli-sliced turkey works perfectly in this recipe and makes it even quicker to prepare.

2. What’s the best cheese for melting besides cheddar?

Try gouda, Swiss, provolone, or Monterey Jack for different flavors and meltability.

3. Can I make this sandwich in the oven?

Yes, assemble the sandwich and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.

4. What bread works best besides sourdough?

You can use ciabatta, whole wheat, rye, or even Texas toast for different textures and flavors.

5. How do I keep the sandwich from falling apart?

Layer cheese on both sides of the fillings and press gently as it cooks to help everything stay together.

6. Can I make this without butter?

Yes, substitute olive oil or mayo for grilling the bread if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.

7. How do I make it more kid-friendly?

Use milder cheese, skip the mustard, and keep it simple with just turkey, bacon, and cheddar.

8. Can I add eggs for breakfast?

Absolutely—add a fried or scrambled egg for a delicious breakfast-style melt.

9. Can I prep this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep all ingredients in advance, but assemble and grill just before serving for the best texture.

10. What spreads go well with this sandwich?

Garlic aioli, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or cranberry sauce can add fun twists to the flavor.

Conclusion

The Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough is everything a great sandwich should be—crispy, gooey, savory, and ridiculously satisfying. It’s a recipe that checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Whether you’re making a quick solo lunch or impressing your family with a comfort food classic, this sandwich is a winner. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep it on repeat all year long.

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