Turkey Sandwich

Let me tell you, sometimes the best meals are the ones that come together in five minutes flat—and this turkey sandwich is one of those go-to favorites in my kitchen. Whether I’m whipping something up for lunch after a hectic morning or making a late-night snack that feels like a hug in sandwich form, this simple classic always delivers.

You can keep it bare bones—just turkey and mayo on soft bread—or build it up with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and layers of cheese. That’s the beauty of a good turkey sandwich: it’s endlessly flexible, and it hits the spot every single time.

Let’s Talk Bread (It Sets the Tone)

Start with the bread. For me, it really depends on the mood. Whole wheat is my regular choice—it’s soft but holds up well. My wife prefers ciabatta when we’re going a little fancier, and when I’m packing lunch for the kids, it’s always white sandwich bread or buttery croissants.

If you’re making these for a brunch board or weekend lunch spread, try using bagels or flatbread to mix things up. Don’t be afraid to toast it either—especially for a sandwich that needs to hold up to juicy toppings.

My Favorite Condiment Combos

I’m a mayo guy—just a thin swipe on each slice goes a long way. But if you’re the mustard type, deli or dijon mustard adds a nice kick. On warmer days, I sometimes swap the mayo for a spoon of plain Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt, just to keep it light and tangy.

If I’m feeling a bit fancy (or have leftover pesto from pasta night), mixing pesto with mayo creates a herby spread that completely transforms the sandwich.

Cheese, Please

There’s no wrong answer here—seriously. If I’ve got provolone in the fridge, that’s my first choice. It’s mild, melts well if I toast it, and pairs beautifully with turkey. Swiss adds a nuttier bite, while cheddar gives you that sharp richness.

Sometimes, when I want to impress myself with something extra indulgent, I go with a creamy Havarti or even brie if I have some leftover from a cheese board.

Always Go for Sliced Turkey

Skip the pre-packaged stuff if you can. I always ask for my turkey to be sliced thin—like just above shredded. The layers stack better, the texture feels more delicate, and you get flavor in every bite instead of just a slab of meat.

Try different varieties too. Honey-roasted is mellow and slightly sweet. Cajun turkey has that subtle heat. Peppered turkey is another favorite for a bold, slightly smoky sandwich. Ask the deli counter to let you taste a few—it’s worth it.

Topping Ideas: Keep It Fresh and Crisp

Lettuce and tomatoes are the standard pairings, and they work beautifully. But I often raid the fridge for extras. A few thin slices of red onion add sharpness. Cucumber gives you crunch. Pickles or banana peppers bring tang. I’ve even added apple slices and fig jam once for a sweet-and-savory twist that was ridiculously good.

Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes—it makes them sing.

5 Easy Ways to Change Things Up

1. Turkey Club: Toast the bread, pile on some crispy bacon, slice into quarters, and stack it tall. It’s a meal and a half.

2. Turkey Avocado: Add sliced or smashed avocado—great for when you want something creamy without using cheese or mayo. I throw in bacon if I’ve got leftovers from breakfast.

3. Turkey Pesto: Mix pesto with mayo or Greek yogurt and spread it thick. Toss in a few sun-dried tomatoes if you’ve got them lurking in a jar somewhere.

4. Turkey Cranberry: One of my favorite holiday leftovers turned weekday lunch ideas—swap mayo for cream cheese and add a big spoonful of cranberry sauce. It’s like Thanksgiving in sandwich form.

5. Turkey Breakfast Sandwich: Griddle the turkey and melt the cheese right over it. Toast the bread, fry or scramble an egg, and layer it all up. Perfect fuel for a busy day.

My Go-To Toppings List (Mix and Match)

• Bacon
• Avocado
• Tomato
• Lettuce
• Pickles
• Banana peppers
• Sliced cucumber
• Red onion
• Pesto
• Mustard (brown, dijon, or yellow)
• Cream cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Brie or Havarti
• Greek yogurt
• Fig jam
• Apple slices

You can build your sandwich just the way you like it with what’s already in your kitchen. This list is just a starting point—I’ve probably made 100 variations over the years without ever getting bored.

A Quick Word on Turkey Sandwich (It’s Worth It)

Honestly, if you haven’t tried getting your turkey sliced fresh at the deli, do it. It’s not much pricier than the pre-packaged kind, and the flavor and texture are night and day. You get to pick the thickness, sample flavors, and buy exactly how much you need. I always go thin—it just folds so nicely in a sandwich and feels a bit more special.

Try Other Sandwich Recipes:

Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwiches

Italian Sandwich

Tuna Salad Sandwich