Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon Recipe

A Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is a delicious twist on the classic turkey sandwich, combining savory flavors and a perfect blend of textures. The crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, fresh spinach, and juicy turkey are all sandwiched between golden, buttery bread. This comforting and satisfying meal is ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a savory treat to impress your guests, this turkey melt recipe is a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey Melt

1. Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of savory turkey, smoky bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh spinach creates a mouthwatering medley of flavors that are guaranteed to please.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, this melt comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
3. Customizable: Feel free to add extra toppings like tomatoes, avocado, or even a fried egg to suit your tastes.
4. Comforting and Hearty: The warm, melty cheese and crispy bacon make this sandwich perfect for cozy meals.
5. Great for Meal Prep: These melts can be made ahead of time and grilled when needed for a quick, tasty lunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Bacon
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they are crispy and golden brown (about 4–6 minutes per side). Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Spinach
   • Wash and dry the fresh spinach leaves thoroughly. If using large spinach leaves, chop them into smaller pieces to fit better inside the sandwich.
3. Slice the Bread
   • Take your sourdough or chosen bread and slice it evenly. If the bread is too thick, you can cut it thinner for a crispier bite. For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the bread in the skillet before assembling the sandwich.
4. Prepare the Cheese
   • Slice the cheddar cheese, or use pre-sliced cheese to make the assembly easier. Cheddar melts beautifully and offers the perfect creamy texture for this turkey melt.
5. Optional Condiments
   • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard (if using) to create a smooth, tangy spread. Spread a thin layer of this on one or both slices of bread for added flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Butter the Bread
   • Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. Be generous, as this will help achieve the golden, crispy exterior when the sandwich is grilled.
2. Layer the Ingredients
   • Place one slice of bread, butter-side-down, in a skillet over medium heat. Begin layering your sandwich with:
     • A slice of cheddar cheese
     • A generous portion of turkey breast slices
     • A layer of fresh spinach
     • Two strips of crispy bacon
     • A second slice of cheddar cheese to help hold everything together
   • If you’re using any additional toppings (such as tomato, avocado, or pickles), layer them on top of the cheese.
3. Top with the Second Slice of Bread
   • Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side-up. This will give you a deliciously crispy crust when grilled.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

1. Grill the Sandwich
   • Heat your skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and grill it for 3–5 minutes on the first side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even cooking and a nice crispiness.
2. Flip and Grill the Other Side
   • Once the first side is perfectly golden and crispy, carefully flip the sandwich over using a spatula or tongs. Grill the other side for another 3–5 minutes, until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low to allow the cheese to melt before the bread gets too dark.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Cut and Serve
   • Once both sides are crispy and golden brown, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it sit for about 1 minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents the sandwich from falling apart.
   • Slice the sandwich in half (diagonally for a more classic look) and serve while warm.
2. Pair with Sides
   • For a complete meal, serve with a side of crispy French fries, a small salad, or a warm bowl of soup. The turkey melt is hearty enough to be a meal on its own but also pairs wonderfully with various sides.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey Melt

1. Use Fresh Ingredients
   • Fresh, quality bread and deli turkey make a significant difference in the flavor of your sandwich. For a more gourmet touch, opt for freshly roasted turkey breast instead of deli slices.
2. Crispy Bacon
   • Make sure the bacon is crispy, as it adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor. If you prefer, you can cook the bacon in the oven for even crispiness without having to flip it manually.
3. Cheese Choices
   • While cheddar is the classic choice for a turkey melt, you can also try other cheeses like provolone, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Mixing cheese types can elevate the flavor profile of your sandwich.
4. Grill Low and Slow
   • If you’re worried about burning the bread before the cheese melts, lower the heat slightly and grill the sandwich slowly. This ensures the cheese melts evenly and the bread crisps up nicely.
5. Use Condiments Sparingly
   • A little mayo or mustard can enhance the flavor, but too much can overwhelm the sandwich. A light spread on the inside of the bread will do the trick.

Variations and Add-Ins

1. Pesto Turkey Melt
   • For an Italian twist, spread pesto on the bread before grilling. The fragrant basil and garlic flavors will add an extra layer of complexity to the sandwich.
2. Avocado Turkey Melt
   • Add sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery texture that complements the turkey and bacon. The richness of the avocado works beautifully with the sharp cheddar cheese.
3. Tomato Turkey Melt
   • Add thinly sliced tomatoes for a fresh, juicy element. The acidity of the tomatoes balances out the richness of the cheese and bacon.
4. Spicy Turkey Melt
   • If you love heat, try adding sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your turkey melt. This will give the sandwich an extra kick and a spicy contrast to the creamy cheese.
5. Cranberry Turkey Melt
   • For a Thanksgiving-inspired twist, add a layer of cranberry sauce to your sandwich for a sweet and tart contrast to the savory turkey and bacon.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have any leftover turkey melts (though it’s unlikely!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Storing:

• Let the sandwiches cool completely before storing. Wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers should be consumed within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.

Reheating:

• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again.
• In the Skillet: You can also reheat the sandwich in a skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly and flip the sandwich after 3–5 minutes to ensure both sides are crispy.

Final Thoughts

The Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is a comforting, flavorful, and hearty sandwich that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its combination of savory, crispy, and creamy elements makes it a crowd-pleasing meal. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a comforting dinner, this turkey melt will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite!

Yield: 2 Sandwiches

Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon Recipe

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A Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is a delicious twist on the classic turkey sandwich, combining savory flavors and a perfect blend of textures. The crispy bacon, gooey cheddar cheese, fresh spinach, and juicy turkey are all sandwiched between golden, buttery bread. This comforting and satisfying meal is ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal or a savory treat to impress your guests, this turkey melt recipe is a winner!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of whole wheat or white bread
• 1 cup cooked turkey breast, sliced
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons butter (for grilling)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Sandwich Spread
   In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
   
2. Step 2: Assemble the Sandwiches
   Lay the bread slices flat on a clean surface.
   Spread the mayo-Dijon mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
   On two of the slices, layer the cooked turkey slices, followed by the cheddar cheese, fresh spinach leaves, and bacon.
   Top with the remaining slices of bread, mayo-side down.
   
3. Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches
   Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
   Melt the butter in the skillet. Once melted, place the sandwiches in the pan.
   Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even grilling and melty cheese.
   
4. Step 4: Serve
   Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve hot.

Notes

• Bread Choices: For a more rustic flavor, use sourdough or a hearty whole grain bread.
• Extra Flavor: Add a layer of tomato slices or avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
• Healthier Option: Use low-fat cheese or turkey breast to lighten up the sandwich.
• Grilled Perfectly: If you’re worried about burning the bread before the cheese melts, cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt faster while keeping the bread from getting too crispy.