Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Lunch Game Changer

I’ll be honest—I never thought a simple turkey sandwich could make me this excited about lunch. After making this turkey pesto sandwich countless times, I can confidently say it’s transformed my midday meal routine.

The combination of savory turkey, creamy melted provolone, aromatic pesto, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that beats any boring leftover meal.

I discovered this recipe when I was desperately trying to jazz up my work-from-home lunches, and now it’s become my go-to comfort food. Trust me, once you try this grilled masterpiece, you’ll never look at regular sandwiches the same way again.

Ingredients For Turkey Pesto Sandwich

Creating the perfect turkey pesto sandwich starts with choosing quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully.

• 2 thick slices sourdough bread – The tangy, chewy texture provides the perfect foundation and holds up well to grilling
• 3-4 tablespoons pesto sauce – Fresh homemade pesto works best, but quality store-bought versions save time
• 4 ounces oven-roasted turkey breast, thinly sliced – Avoid thick chunks that make the sandwich difficult to bite and flip
• 3-4 strips bacon, cooked crisp – Turkey bacon works just as well for a lighter option
• 2 slices provolone cheese – Choose deli-fresh slices over pre-packaged for better melting and flavor
• 6-8 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – Oil-packed varieties offer more flavor than dry-packed ones
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature – Softened butter spreads easier and creates even browning

Note: This recipe serves 1 generous sandwich or can be doubled to serve 2 people.

Variations

Transform this basic recipe into different flavor profiles to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Dairy-Free Options: Replace provolone with dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew-based or almond cheese slices. Use vegan butter or olive oil for grilling instead of regular butter.
• Lighter Versions: Skip the bacon entirely, use turkey bacon, or substitute with thinly sliced avocado for healthy fats. Opt for whole grain bread to increase fiber content.
• Flavor Enhancers: Add sliced red onion for sharpness, fresh spinach leaves for extra nutrition, or roasted red peppers for sweetness. Try different pesto varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or walnut pesto for unique twists.
• Protein Swaps: Substitute turkey with grilled chicken breast, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even sliced ham for different flavor profiles while maintaining the same cooking method.

Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes

Equipment You Need

• Large skillet or griddle – Provides even heating surface for perfectly golden sandwich
• Spatula – Essential for carefully flipping the sandwich without losing fillings
• Sharp knife – Needed for slicing ingredients and cutting the finished sandwich
• Cutting board – Safe surface for ingredient preparation and sandwich assembly
• Small bowl – Useful for mixing or warming pesto if desired
• Plate – For assembling ingredients and serving the finished sandwich

How to Make Turkey Pesto Sandwich

Prepare the Bacon

Start by cooking your bacon strips in the same skillet you’ll use for the sandwich. Cook them over medium heat until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. This step adds a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the herbaceous pesto and mild turkey.

Assemble the Sandwich

Lay both bread slices on your cutting board and spread pesto evenly on both pieces. Layer the turkey slices on one piece of bread, followed by the crispy bacon, provolone cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. The order matters here—placing cheese near the bottom helps it melt properly and act as a barrier to prevent soggy bread.

Butter and Heat the Pan

Spread softened butter on the outside of both bread slices—the sides that will touch the pan. Heat your skillet over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface. Medium heat is crucial because it allows the cheese to melt before the bread burns.

Grill the First Side

Place the sandwich butter-side down in the heated skillet and immediately butter the top slice. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. You’ll hear gentle sizzling, which indicates proper temperature. Cover with a lid during this time to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster.

Flip and Finish

Carefully flip the sandwich using a wide spatula, keeping all ingredients intact. Cook the second side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. The sandwich should feel firm but give slightly when gently pressed, indicating the cheese has melted throughout.

Rest and Serve

Remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This brief cooling period helps the melted cheese set slightly, preventing it from oozing out when you cut. Slice diagonally with a sharp knife for the best presentation and easier handling.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

• I always warm my pesto slightly before spreading it on the bread—this makes it easier to spread evenly and enhances its aroma
• I’ve found that patting the sun-dried tomatoes dry prevents excess oil from making the bread soggy
• When I’m feeling fancy, I brush the bread with garlic-infused olive oil instead of plain butter for extra flavor
• I recommend using a cast-iron skillet if you have one—it maintains even heat better than non-stick pans
• I always press down gently with my spatula while cooking to ensure good contact between ingredients and promote even melting
• For meal prep, I assemble everything except the butter and store in the fridge until ready to cook

How to Serve Turkey Pesto Sandwich

This sandwich shines when served immediately while hot and crispy. Cut it diagonally to showcase the beautiful layers of ingredients and make it easier to handle. Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness, or pair with crispy kettle chips for satisfying crunch contrast.

For presentation, place the sandwich halves on a warm plate with a small dollop of extra pesto on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil leaves or a few sun-dried tomatoes for color. A pickle spear or some olives make excellent acidic accompaniments that cut through the sandwich’s richness.

Consider serving with roasted tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal, or alongside fresh fruit like sliced apples or grapes for a lighter lunch option.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown for one turkey pesto sandwich:

• Calories: 650-720 calories per sandwich
• Protein: 32-38 grams from turkey, cheese, and bacon
• Carbohydrates: 45-52 grams primarily from sourdough bread
• Fat: 38-45 grams from pesto, cheese, butter, and bacon

Make Ahead and Storage

• Refrigerating: Store assembled but uncooked sandwiches wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 24 hours. Let them come to room temperature for 10 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
• Freezing: Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
• Reheating: Leftover cooked sandwiches can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This turkey pesto sandwich delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort and ingredients you likely have on hand.

• Quick and satisfying – Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekday lunches or lazy weekend meals
• Customizable to your taste – Easily adapt ingredients based on your preferences, dietary restrictions, or what’s available in your fridge
• Uses simple techniques – No complicated cooking methods required—if you can make grilled cheese, you can master this sandwich
• Budget-friendly comfort food – Transform affordable deli turkey into an impressive meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank
• Perfect for meal prep – Components can be prepared ahead, and the sandwich stores and reheats beautifully for convenient meals throughout the week