Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough | Ultimate Grilled Sandwich for Comfort Cravings
This cheddar and bacon turkey melt on sourdough is a comfort food favorite! Layers of juicy turkey, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar grilled between golden sourdough slices. Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for quick lunches, weeknight dinners, and leftover turkey recipes.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread 4 slices
- Turkey breast 8 oz deli or leftover, 4 oz per sandwich
- Sharp cheddar cheese 4 slices or ½ cup shredded
- Bacon 4 slices
- Butter 2 tbsp
- Dijon mustard 1 tbsp (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the BaconCook bacon until just crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Step 2: Prep the BreadButter one side of each sourdough slice. Spread Dijon mustard (if using) on the other.
- Step 3: Assemble the SandwichLayer turkey, cheddar, and bacon between bread slices, buttered sides out.
- Step 4: Grill the SandwichToast in a skillet over medium heat, pressing gently, until browned and cheese melts (about 3–4 minutes per side).
- Step 5: ServeCut in half and plate warm—best with a quick side salad or tomato soup.
Notes
Secret Tips for the Perfect Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough
- Choose thick-cut sourdough for the best texture: When making a cheddar and bacon turkey melt on sourdough, not all bread is created equal. Choose an artisan sourdough loaf that’s slightly thicker and has a chewy crumb—this gives your sandwich the ideal crisp exterior and soft, flavorful interior.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar for superior melt: Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly shredded sharp cheddar melts creamier and enhances the flavor in your turkey melt sandwich. This extra step is worth it for the ultimate gooey cheese pull.
- Cook the bacon low and slow: For the crispiest, evenly cooked bacon, use a skillet over medium-low heat or bake it in the oven. This ensures your turkey bacon cheddar melt panini recipe has just the right amount of crunch without burnt edges.
- Don’t skip the Dijon: A thin layer of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the richness of the cheddar and bacon turkey sandwich. It elevates the flavor and cuts through the fattiness of the cheese and bacon.
- Layer the ingredients strategically: To prevent a soggy sandwich, place the turkey on the bottom slice of sourdough, followed by cheddar, then bacon. This technique keeps your grilled turkey melt stable and ensures an even melt.
- Grill low and slow for golden perfection: Patience pays off—cook your turkey melt on sourdough over medium-low heat so the bread crisps up beautifully while the cheddar melts fully inside. Rushing this step often leads to uneven grilling.
- Press for panini-style crispness: If you want to create an authentic turkey bacon cheddar melt panini recipe, press your sandwich with a cast iron skillet or use a panini press. The added pressure results in a perfectly compact, golden, crisp sandwich.
- Experiment with flavor add-ins: Try adding sliced avocado, caramelized onions, or a spoonful of cranberry sauce to create your own signature version of this turkey melt recipe. The sweet-savory combo is especially good when using leftover turkey recipes after the holidays.
- Let the sandwich rest before slicing: Allow your cheddar and bacon turkey melt to rest for a minute before slicing. This lets the cheese set slightly, preventing it from oozing out too quickly and keeping your sandwich neat and satisfying.