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Turkey Cheddar Spinach Bacon

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This hearty sandwich starts with thick sourdough, slathered with honey mustard and layered with freshly sliced cheddar, deli turkey, baby spinach, and juicy tomato. Crisp bacon adds smoky crunch in every bite. Each side of bread is generously buttered, then the sandwich is toasted in a hot skillet until golden brown and melty inside. The result is a warming and flavorful choice for lunch or a casual dinner. It's ideal alongside soup, with classic comfort and plenty of texture from the crisp toast, creamy cheese, and crisp greens.

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Clare Greco
Updated on Thu, 22 May 2025 17:18:08 GMT
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A sandwich with bacon and lettuce. | recipesim.com

This turkey melt is a cozy sandwich I turn to when the weather cools down and comfort food calls. With golden crusty sourdough, savory deli turkey, crisp bacon, tender baby spinach, and gooey cheddar all brought together by tangy honey mustard, every bite is the right combination of melty and crunchy. Whenever I can, I like to pair it with tomato soup or just let it shine solo for a simple but satisfying meal.

My first attempt at this sandwich came on a cold Sunday after a long neighborhood walk and it quickly became our go-to lunch on chilly days. The leftovers hardly ever make it to the next day because everyone wants seconds.

Ingredients

  • Sourdough or thick crusty bread: Choose a freshly baked loaf or bakery bread for better flavor and a crispier crust
  • Honey mustard: Adds a tangy sweetness that ties the savory elements together pick your favorite brand for bold flavor
  • White cheddar cheese: Brings creamy sharpness slice it yourself for the best melt and taste
  • Deli turkey: Mild and hearty look for smoked turkey for added depth or ask the deli to slice it thin for delicate layering
  • Red tomato: Sliced thin for juiciness and a hint of acid pick a ripe but firm tomato for clean cuts and fewer juices
  • Fresh baby spinach: Delivers color and a fresh bite always pick bright green leaves with no wilting
  • Cooked bacon: Brings salty crunch thick cut bacon holds up well or cook your own just short of crispy for best texture after toasting
  • Butter: For that golden crispy exterior let it sit at room temperature so it spreads easily

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
Lay out bread slices on a flat surface so everything is organized and easy to assemble. Make sure butter is softened for easy spreading and have fillings ready at hand.
Spread the Honey Mustard:
Evenly coat the top side of each bread slice with a thin layer of honey mustard. Spreading edge to edge ensures you get tanginess in every bite.
Layer the Cheese:
Place a piece of white cheddar on each bread slice pressing lightly so it covers the honey mustard. Cheese anchors the fillings and melts into the bread as you toast.
Add Turkey Slices:
Stack two slices of turkey on half of the bread right over the cheese. Press lightly for an even surface which helps the sandwich grill evenly.
Add Veggies:
Add tomato slices and a generous handful of fresh baby spinach on top of the turkey. Tuck spinach in so it does not fall out during cooking.
Add Bacon Strips:
Layer two strips of cooked bacon on each of the other cheese-topped bread slices. Position bacon parallel to the bread so every bite gets crunch.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Close the sandwiches by combining the turkey side and bacon side together with cheese and honey mustard inside touching for better flavor blending.
Butter the Bread:
Spread softened butter on the outside of each slice taking care to cover to the very edges. This is key for that crisp golden finish in the pan.
Toast the Melt:
Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot place sandwiches flat and cook until first side is deep gold and crisp about three to four minutes.
Flip and Finish:
Carefully flip with a spatula and continue toasting until the other side is golden and cheese is melting through another three to four minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the hot sandwiches to plates. Slice if you like and serve right away while gooey and steamy inside.
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A sandwich with bacon and cheese. | recipesim.com

My favorite part of this recipe is the sweet and tangy kick from the honey mustard spread. It reminds me of my dad sneaking extra sauce onto his half and making us all laugh about the perfect bite.

Storage tips

If you have leftovers wrap sandwiches tightly in foil and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to restore that crunchy outside. The sandwich is best eaten fresh but will keep for up to one day.

Ingredient substitutions

Swap the cheddar for Swiss or provolone for a different melt. If you want to lighten the sandwich turkey bacon and whole wheat bread both work great. Add a few thin slices of red onion or fresh arugula for extra flavor.

Serving suggestions

Serve the turkey melt with tomato soup or a green salad for a classic meal. Pickles or crunchy chips on the side make it even more fun. Slice into halves or quarters for sharing at game days or quick dinners.

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A sandwich with bacon and lettuce. | recipesim.com

Cultural notes

Melty sandwiches like this have been American lunch favorites since the diner days. Turkey melts are perfect for using up holiday leftovers but have found their place in lunch counters and home kitchens. The combination of crisp bread and gooey cheese is timeless.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely. Use any sturdy, crusty bread like ciabatta or multigrain to support the fillings and hold up to toasting.

→ Is there a substitute for white cheddar?

Swiss, provolone, or Colby Jack are excellent alternatives, though freshly sliced cheeses melt best.

→ How do I make this dairy-free?

Opt for dairy-free cheese slices and plant-based butter to maintain texture and flavor without dairy.

→ What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Try a bowl of tomato soup, a fresh green salad, or oven-baked fries for a satisfying meal.

→ Can the sandwich be prepared ahead?

Assemble up to a few hours in advance, then toast just before serving to keep bread crisp and cheese melty.

Turkey Cheddar Spinach Bacon

Sourdough, turkey, cheddar, spinach, tomato, and bacon combine for a toasty, satisfying sandwich.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 assembled sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Sandwich Components

01 4 slices sourdough bread or other thick, crusty bread
02 2 tablespoons honey mustard
03 2 slices white cheddar cheese
04 4 slices deli turkey
05 Thin slices from 1 medium red tomato
06 0.5 cup fresh baby spinach
07 4 strips cooked bacon
08 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Instructions

Step 01

Arrange sourdough slices on a plate or cutting board. Evenly spread 0.5 tablespoon honey mustard on one side of each bread slice.

Step 02

Cut cheddar cheese slices in half, yielding four pieces. Place one half-slice of cheese onto each slice of bread, covering the honey mustard. Add two slices of deli turkey onto two of the cheese-topped bread slices.

Step 03

Top the turkey with preferred quantity of thin tomato slices and 0.25 cup baby spinach per sandwich.

Step 04

Place two strips of cooked bacon on the remaining two cheese-topped bread slices. Close sandwiches by combining turkey-spinach halves with bacon halves so the bacon faces the interior, completing the layering.

Step 05

Spread 0.5 tablespoon softened butter on the outside of each bread slice, ensuring all exterior sides are covered.

Step 06

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the skillet and toast the first side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Carefully flip the sandwiches and toast the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until cheese has melted and bread is crisp.

Step 07

Transfer hot sandwiches to serving plates and serve immediately with your desired accompaniments.

Notes

  1. For optimal flavour and melt, use freshly sliced cheddar cheese from a block or deli counter instead of prepackaged slices.
  2. To make the dish dairy-free, substitute with dairy-free cheese and plant-based butter.

Tools You'll Need

  • Plate or cutting board
  • Butter knife
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains gluten, milk, and eggs; may contain mustard and soy depending on ingredient brands.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 604
  • Total Fat: 30 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 23 g