Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon Recipe

Get ready to embrace comfort food at its finest! The Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon brings together savory turkey, melted white cheddar, crisp bacon, and fresh spinach on crusty sourdough, glued together with a swipe of tangy honey mustard. Each bite is a celebration of contrasting textures and flavors, making it a sure-fire favorite for lunches, casual dinners, or whenever you need a little indulgence. If you’re searching for a foolproof way to upgrade a classic melt, this turkey melt is the answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, high-quality ingredients are the secret to this extraordinary Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon. Each element serves a purpose: from the sharpness of the cheese to the crisp bite of bacon, every layer brings flavor, color, and personality to the sandwich.

• Sourdough bread: Go for thick, rustic slices; their chewy, tangy profile stands up beautifully to melty fillings.
• Honey mustard: Adds just the right balance of sweetness and tang to bring the other elements together.
• White cheddar cheese: Offers creamy meltability and a punchier flavor than standard cheddar.
• Deli turkey: Choose high-quality, thinly sliced turkey for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Tomato: Thin slices provide juiciness and a pop of color that wakes up every bite.
• Fresh baby spinach: Lends a gentle earthiness and a vibrant green to balance the richness.
• Cooked bacon: Smoky, crispy strips are the secret weapon for extra crunch and savoriness.
• Butter: Softened for easy spreading on the bread, ensuring a golden, crispy crust on the melt.

How to Make Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon

Step 1: Assemble Your Workspace

Gather all your ingredients and set up a clean workspace. Splitting up the ingredients beforehand can make assembly seamless and mess-free, so have your bread, spreads, fillings, and cooked bacon ready to go.

Step 2: Prep the Sourdough and Honey Mustard Spread

Lay all four slices of sourdough bread on your board. Take the honey mustard and divide it up, ensuring each slice gets a light, even layer. This bit of tang will seep into the bread for that unmistakable flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Layer Cheese and Turkey

Cut the cheddar slices in half so you have enough for all four sides of the sandwiches. Take one half-slice of cheddar and lay it on each slice of bread—don’t worry, the cheese will spread out and get perfectly gooey as it melts. Top two of the cheese-covered bread slices with deli turkey, layering two slices per sandwich for a hearty filling.

Step 4: Add Tomato and Spinach

On top of the turkey, layer a few thin tomato slices, then scatter your spinach leaves over each. Not only does this add color, but it also brings a fresh flavor and keeps the sandwich from feeling too heavy.

Step 5: Time for Bacon

Take the remaining two slices of bread that have cheddar on them and arrange two strips of crispy bacon across each one. The bacon will stay extra crisp if it’s the last thing layered before your sandwich is closed up.

Step 6: Close and Final Layering

Pair up the bread halves: bacon-side down onto the turkey, spinach, and tomato stacks. Press gently until the entire Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is compact but not squished—each sandwich should have that classic stack of colors and flavors trapped between the golden sourdough slices.

Step 7: Buttering Up

Divide the softened butter between all the outer surfaces of the bread, spreading a thin, even layer. This is key for getting that irresistible golden crust on every bite of your Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon.

Step 8: Toast to Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium. Once hot, gently lay your sandwiches in the pan. Toast each side for three to four minutes, flipping carefully once golden brown. The cheese should be melting and the bread turning perfectly crisp—music to your ears and nose!

Step 9: Serve Up and Savor

Remove the finished sandwiches from the skillet and transfer right onto serving plates. For the best experience, slice your Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon in half while hot and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon

Garnishes

A little flair goes a long way! Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, or even a few fresh chives atop your melts for a polished finish. A quick brush of melted butter on top adds impressive shine and keeps the crust extra supple.

Side Dishes

The Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon pairs beautifully with kettle chips, a scoop of coleslaw, or a crisp dill pickle. If you’re feeling ambitious, add a bowl of homemade tomato soup or a leafy green salad to round out the meal and keep everything feeling fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwich into triangles or strips and serving on a big wooden board with extra honey mustard for dipping. For brunch, slide a fried egg on top, or turn it into sliders with mini sourdough rolls for party-perfect appetizers—Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is endlessly adaptable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If there are leftovers, wrap sandwiches tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. The Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon holds up surprisingly well, keeping the flavors punchy and the bread just soft enough for reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, assemble the sandwiches without toasting or buttering the bread, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before following the toasting directions—this keeps both the bread and fillings in peak condition.

Reheating

Heat up your Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering with a lid to help the cheese melt through without scorching the bread. You can also reheat in a toaster oven for extra crispiness, but avoid microwaving or you may lose that signature crunchy crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread?

Absolutely! While sourdough is classic and sturdy, multigrain, rye, or ciabatta would also make a fantastic base for the Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon. Choose something with substance to hold up to the generous fillings.

What if I don’t eat bacon?

No problem—just skip the bacon or swap it for turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative. The sandwich still shines with the turkey, cheddar, and spinach, so you’ll love the result either way.

Can I add other cheeses?

Yes! Experiment with Swiss, gruyere, or even provolone if you want a new twist on the Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon. Mix and match to suit your mood or milk what’s in your fridge.

Is it possible to make this in a panini press?

Definitely! Preheat your panini press, assemble as directed, and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden. The press adds beautiful grill marks and ensures even toasting on every Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

While the sandwich is best freshly made, you can assemble it ahead, store chilled, and toast just before eating. This way, your Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon is always crispy and warm at a moment’s notice—ideal for busy days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, utterly satisfying sandwich, look no further than the Turkey Melt with Cheddar, Spinach, and Bacon. With every layer offering something unique, you’ll want to come back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try and let the melty, crispy, savory magic win you over!

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