This easy to make turkey and cheese sandwich recipe only require 8 simple ingredients and only about 5 minutes to assemble. There is no cooking involved which means minimal dishes are used to make this simple turkey sandwich. These sandwiches save well and are easy to wrap up and take to the beach or enjoy by the pool and can also be prepared a day in advance to help you save on time.
These deli meat turkey and cheese sandwiches are the perfect summer sandwich. They are great to enjoy when sitting on the beach or by the pool. This classic turkey sandwich can also be a delicious lunch meat sandwich to pack for lunch for work or school or assemble as an easy lunch at home. These can also be a great sandwich to make to serve at bridal showers or baby showers.
This was inspired by my Smoked Chicken sandwich recipe on this site, and pairs well with this grilled loaded tater tot recipe or with homemade potato chips and pickle spears.
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Ingredients
Sourdough bread is the base of this recipe. The fresh bread adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. Slices of deli turkey and provolone cheese are the main flavors of this sandwich with tomato and lettuce providing the texture. There is an added kick of flaovr from the banana peppers. The slices of bread have a layer of mayonnaise and a drizzle of dijon mustard to round out the flavors.
- sourdough bread
- deli turkey
- provolone cheese
- heirloom tomato
- romaine lettuce
- banana peppers
- mayonnaise
- dijon mustard
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice sourdough bread loaf into 4 equal pieces if using an uncut loaf. Cut each piece in half horizontally. Remove some of the inside of the bread.
- Step 2: Slice the romaine lettuce and heirloom tomato.
- Step 3: Spread mayonnaise on the bottom slice of bread. Add romaine lettuce. Add tomato slices on top of lettuce.
- Step 4: Layer turkey slices and provolone cheese on top of tomato. Place a few banana peppers on top of the turkey and cheese. Spread dijon mustard on top slice of bread and close the sandwich. Serve immediately or save for later.
Hint: Place mayonnaise and mustard on opposite slices of bread to create a flavor balance. This allows both of these ingredients to shine on their own and you still get both flavors in every bite. Keep wetter ingredients like tomato away from the bread to avoid dampness. Adding the romaine as a barrier protects the bread and adds extra crunch.
Substitutions
- Lettuce - instead of romaine lettuce, you can use romaine lettuce or spinach
- Bread - use gluten free bread instead of white bread to make this gluten free
- Banana Peppers - can be replaced with pickled jalapenos or pickled red onions
- Cheese - swap out with different kinds of cheese such as American cheese, monterey jack, muenster or any other mild slices of cheese
- Dijon Mustard - swap out yellow mustard for a similar but slightly stronger flavor
Variations - 6 Different Variations of a Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
- Spicy - add chili pepper flakes on top of the mayonnaise or add a little hot sauce for more heat. Hot banana peppers or pickled jalapenos can also be used instead of mild banana peppers to add more heat
- Prosciutto Mozzarella - change up the flavors and make a sandwich with prosciutto and mozzarella as another delicious beach sandwich
- Kid friendly - add crushed potato chips onto the sandwich for an extra salty crisp
- Turkey Club - turn this recipe into a club sandwich, add bacon for extra flavor
- Thanksgiving Leftovers - use leftover turkey breast and add some melty cheese on top, preferably cheddar cheese. Add a little cranberry sauce for extra flavor
- Hot Turkey Sandwiches - leave white bread open faced and pour hot turkey and gravy over it
See this prosciutto mozzarella sandwich recipe on my website!
Equipment
For this recipe, you will need a sharp bread knife. A sharp chefs knife and cutting board are also needed.
If saving the sandwich for later, wrap in parchment paper, deli paper or plastic wrap.
How to Store a Turkey and Cheese Sandwich
Store the wet ingredients (lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, turkey, cheese) in the fridge separately from the dry ingredients (bread), and recombine when ready for the perfect lunch the next day. Good for 3-4 days.
These ingredients do stand up well to freezing prior to assembling for up to 2 months.
Top Tip
Using well-sliced sourdough with a nice, fresh crust adds structural integrity and extra textural contrast, preventing sogginess from moist ingredients like tomatoes and mayonnaise. Fresh bread ensures each bite is a satisfying mix of crunch and chew and is the perfect way to serve this sandwich.
FAQ
Yes, simply substitute turkey and cheese with plant-based deli slices and vegan cheese, and use vegan mayo.
Deli sliced turkey is convenient and flavorful, but freshly cooked turkey breast sliced thin can enhance freshness and texture.
Absolutely — cucumbers, red onions, or shredded carrots can add additional crunch and flavor layers.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with a turkey and cheese sandwich:
📖 Recipe
Best Turkey and Cheese Sandwich Recipe for the Beach
Equipment
- 1 sharp bread knife
- 1 sharp knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sourdough bread use artisan sourdough
- ½ lb deli turkey
- ½ lb provolone cheese
- ½ cup romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 heirloom tomato
- ½ cup banana pepper
- 4 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- Slice sourdough bread loaf into 4 equal pieces if using an uncut loaf. Cut each piece in half horizontally. Remove some of the inside of the bread.
- Slice the romaine lettuce and heirloom tomato.
- Spread mayonnaise on the bottom slice of bread. Add romaine lettuce. Add tomato slices on top of lettuce.
- Layer turkey slices and provolone cheese on top of tomato. Place a few banana peppers on top of the turkey and cheese. Spread dijon mustard on top slice of bread and close the sandwich. Serve immediately or save for later.
Notes
- wrap in parchment paper or plastic wrap and save for later.
- save leftovers in the fridge.
- use fresh artisan sourdough for best results.
- ingredients will stand up well to freezing for up to 2 months.
- do not freeze mayonnaise.
Nutrition
If you have any questions about how to make these turkey and cheese sandwiches or need other sandwich recipe suggestions, leave a comment below!
Will says
Banana peppers make this sandwich! Great way to beef up a normal turkey and cheese.
Alicia Moyer says
Thank you so much!