ULTIMATE TURKEY BACON MELT – easymealstoprep

I can still picture it: a cold, rainy afternoon, the aroma of toasted sourdough filling the kitchen, and the sheer delight of biting into a warm, gooey sandwich. It was my first attempt at a proper Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough, and let me tell you, it was transformative. Forget sad desk lunches, this was pure comfort food elevated. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough Experience

Oh, my friend, prepare to have your sandwich game completely revolutionized! This isn’t just slapping some ingredients between slices of bread. This is a culinary journey, a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. We’re talking crispy bacon, savory turkey, tangy sourdough, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, all melted together in perfect harmony. The beauty of this Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough is its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a blank canvas ready for your personal touch. Think of it as a foundational masterpiece waiting for your individual brushstrokes.

What Makes This Melt So Special?

Let’s break down why this recipe is a total winner:

• The Sourdough: That signature tang and chewy texture? Irreplaceable. It’s the backbone of this melt, providing a delightful contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.
• The Bacon: Crispy, smoky, salty perfection. Need I say more? We’re aiming for bacon that shatters in your mouth with every bite.
• The Turkey: While you *could* use deli meat, I encourage you to use leftover roasted turkey or smoked turkey breast. It adds a depth of flavor that’s simply unmatched.
• The Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is my go-to, but feel free to experiment with other varieties. Monterey Jack, Havarti, or even a smoked Gouda would be delicious!
• The Secret Sauce (Optional): A little something extra to tie it all together. We’ll talk more about this later!

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. This recipe is forgiving, but having the right ingredients on hand makes all the difference.

• Sourdough Bread: 4 slices, about ½ inch thick. A good crusty loaf is key!
• Cooked Turkey: About 8 ounces, sliced or shredded. Leftovers are perfect!
• Bacon: 4-6 slices, cooked until crispy.
• Cheddar Cheese: About 4 ounces, shredded or sliced.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, softened.
• Optional: Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, cranberry sauce, avocado, sliced tomato. These are all fantastic additions!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Building Your Masterpiece

Alright, let’s get cooking! Don’t worry if this seems intimidating; I’m here to guide you every step of the way. We’re going to craft the perfect Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough together!

1. Prepare the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook your bacon until it’s crispy. I prefer baking it (less mess!), but pan-frying works great too. Once cooked, drain the bacon on paper towels and crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces. That crispy, smoky aroma filling your kitchen is a sneak peek of the deliciousness to come!
2. Prepare the Turkey: If you’re using leftover turkey, slice or shred it into manageable pieces. If you’re using deli turkey, try to find a high-quality variety that’s not too thin. The key is to have turkey that is easy to eat and distributes evenly within the sandwich.
3. Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This will help the bread toast evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. The buttery aroma as it toasts is simply divine!
4. Assemble the Melts: Place two slices of bread, butter-side down, in a large skillet or on a griddle over medium heat. Layer each slice with half of the cheddar cheese, followed by half of the turkey, and then half of the bacon. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and the other slice of bread, butter-side up. Think of it as creating little flavor pockets in each melt.
5. Grill to Perfection: Cook the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the sandwiches as they cook to ensure even browning and melting. The sizzle of the butter and the aroma of the melting cheese is pure magic!
6. Serve and Enjoy! Remove the melts from the skillet and let them cool slightly before slicing in half. Serve immediately and savor every single bite. That first bite, with the crunch of the sourdough, the savory turkey and bacon, and the gooey cheese…pure bliss!

Success Tips for the Perfect Melt

Want to guarantee sandwich perfection every single time? Here are a few golden tips that will take your Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough to the next level!

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: This is especially important for the bread, bacon, and cheese. The better the ingredients, the better the melt!
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the melts in batches if necessary to ensure even browning. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in soggy bread.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking the melts over medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread. Patience is key!
• Press It Down: Gently pressing down on the sandwiches with a spatula helps to flatten them and ensure even contact with the pan, resulting in a perfectly golden-brown crust.
• Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touch! A smear of Dijon mustard, a dollop of cranberry sauce, or a few slices of avocado can take this melt to new heights.

Elevate Your Melt with a Secret Sauce

Want to take your Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough from amazing to absolutely unforgettable? Add a secret sauce! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Dijon Mayo: Combine equal parts mayonnaise and Dijon mustard for a tangy and creamy sauce that complements the turkey and bacon perfectly.
• Cranberry Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a spoonful of cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory twist. This is especially delicious if you’re using leftover Thanksgiving turkey!
• Garlic Aioli: Add a touch of garlic aioli for a bold and flavorful kick.
• Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a fiery finish.

More Ways to Customize Your Melt

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sliced tomatoes, avocado, spinach, or roasted red peppers would all be delicious additions.
• Change Up the Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Havarti, or smoked Gouda.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a surprising and delightful element.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño for a kick of heat.

Speaking of adding a kick , have you ever tried the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak? Its a great twist on a classic!

Serving Suggestions

This Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served alongside:

• A Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the melt.
• Tomato Soup: A classic pairing! The acidity of the tomato soup cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A sweet and savory side that complements the flavors of the melt perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy coleslaw adds texture and flavor.

If you are looking for a great side to serve with this melt, you can never go wrong with a bowl of White Chicken Chili, a simple dump and forget style recipe!

Make it a Meal

For a truly satisfying meal, consider these additions:

• Chips: Classic potato chips, kettle chips, or even some homemade tortilla chips.
• Pickles: Dill pickles, sweet pickles, or even pickled onions add a tangy crunch.
• Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, such as grapes, berries, or melon, provides a refreshing contrast.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

While this melt is best enjoyed fresh, here are a few tips for making it ahead of time or storing leftovers:

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent the bread from drying out.
• Storage: Leftover melts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or in the oven until heated through.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing the assembled melts, as the bread can become soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked turkey and bacon separately and then assemble the melts when you’re ready to eat them.

If you are looking for a recipe you can freeze, try these Garlic Parm Cheeseburger Bombs. They are a great appetizer to freeze!

Variations to Tempt Your Taste Buds

Want to mix things up? Here are a few delicious variations on the classic Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough:

• The Reuben Melt: Substitute the turkey with corned beef, add sauerkraut and Swiss cheese, and use Russian dressing instead of butter.
• The Chicken Bacon Ranch Melt: Use shredded chicken instead of turkey, add ranch dressing and Monterey Jack cheese, and top with crispy bacon. For a tasty chicken and bacon combo, try our Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta recipe!
• The Veggie Melt: Omit the turkey and bacon and add roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Use provolone cheese for a vegetarian delight.
• The BBQ Melt: Use BBQ sauce instead of butter, add shredded chicken or pulled pork, and top with coleslaw.

If you liked the idea of stuffing something in bread, you should give the Cheesesteak Stuffed Garlic Bread a try! It is so delicious!

Final Thoughts: Your Melt Awaits!

And there you have it! Everything you need to create the most incredible Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melt on Sourdough. Remember, cooking should be fun and experimental. Don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this classic recipe. The most important ingredient is love, so pour your heart into it and enjoy the process. Happy melting!