Forget everything you know about boring turkey sandwiches. This Turkey Dijon Melt is here to revolutionize your lunch and dinner routine. Imagine perfectly golden, crispy bread, a warm and savory filling of tender turkey, gooey melted cheese, and a zesty Dijon mustard sauce that ties it all together. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a culinary experience that’s ready in under 20 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch that feels a little special, this recipe is your new go-to.
Grilling the sandwich to golden perfection is key.
Why This Turkey Dijon Melt Recipe is a Winner
There are countless hot sandwiches out there, but this Turkey Dijon Melt stands out from the crowd. It strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tangy mustard to the rich, melted cheese. It’s incredibly easy to make, but the result tastes like something you’d order from a gourmet café.
Quick & Easy: This entire meal comes together in less than 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
Flavor-Packed: The homemade Dijon sauce is the star, elevating simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Customizable: You can easily swap out the cheese, bread, or even add extra fillings to make it your own.
Budget-Friendly: It uses common pantry staples and is a great way to use up leftover turkey.
Ingredients for the Perfect Melt
The magic of this sandwich lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here’s what you’ll need:
Bread: Sourdough is our top choice for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor that complements the Dijon sauce.
Turkey: Good quality sliced deli turkey is perfect. You can use smoked, roasted, or even leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Cheese: Gruyère offers the best flavor and meltability. It’s nutty, slightly sweet, and utterly delicious.
Butter: Use unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy spreading.
For the Dijon Sauce:
Mayonnaise
Dijon Mustard
A touch of honey or maple syrup
Minced fresh chives or dill (optional)
How to Make the Ultimate Turkey Dijon Melt
Follow these simple steps to create a sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly gooey on the inside. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a technique for achieving sandwich perfection.
The perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory.
Step 1: Prepare the Dijon Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. If you’re using fresh herbs, stir them in now. This sauce is the heart of your Turkey Dijon Melt, so give it a good mix!
Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich
Lay out your bread slices. On one slice, spread a generous layer of the Dijon sauce. Top it with a few slices of turkey and a hearty layer of Gruyère cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top to close the sandwich.
Step 3: Get the Perfect Golden Crust
Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread. This is the secret to getting that irresistible, golden-brown, crispy exterior. Be sure to cover the bread from edge to edge.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat a non-stick skillet or pan over medium heat. Carefully place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. The key is to be patient—don’t rush it! You’re looking for a deep golden brown color and for the cheese to be completely melted and oozing. Press down gently with a spatula a few times while cooking to help the ingredients meld together.
Tips for Sandwich Success
To ensure your Turkey Dijon Melt is the best it can be, keep these pro tips in mind:
Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Use more cheese than you think you need. A generous amount ensures that classic, satisfying cheese pull.
Medium Heat is Key: Cooking the sandwich on medium heat allows the bread to toast perfectly while giving the cheese enough time to melt without the bread burning.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, buy a block of Gruyère and shred it yourself.
Let it Rest: For the cleanest cut, let the sandwich rest for a minute before slicing it in half.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic Turkey Dijon Melt, feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas to change things up:
Add Bacon: A few slices of crispy bacon add a salty, smoky flavor that’s simply divine.
Switch the Cheese: While Gruyère is classic, this melt is also fantastic with Swiss, Provolone, or a sharp white cheddar.
Try Different Breads: Rye, pumpernickel, or a sturdy multigrain bread are all excellent alternatives to sourdough.
Include a Veggie: A thin slice of tomato or some caramelized onions can add another layer of flavor and texture. For a cool, refreshing side, try this easy cucumber ranch salad.
What to Serve With Your Melt
This sandwich is a star on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Complete your meal with one of these delicious options:
Gruyère is the best choice for its superior meltability and nutty, complex flavor that pairs perfectly with turkey and Dijon mustard. However, Swiss, Provolone, or sharp white cheddar are also excellent alternatives.
A sturdy, thick-cut bread like sourdough is ideal because it holds up well to the ingredients and crisps up beautifully. Rye, ciabatta, or a quality multigrain bread also work well.
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can assemble the sandwich (without buttering the outside) a few hours ahead of time and store it wrapped in the refrigerator. Butter and grill just before serving.
You can customize your melt with many additions! Crispy bacon, sliced tomato, avocado, caramelized onions, or even a bit of peppery arugula are all fantastic ways to enhance your sandwich.
Store any leftover sandwich wrapped tightly in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a dry skillet over medium-low heat or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warm and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the bread soggy.
Enjoy Your Masterpiece!
You’ve just created a Turkey Dijon Melt that’s leagues above the rest. It’s the perfect combination of comfort and class, ready in minutes. We know you’ll love it! If you make this recipe, be sure to share your creations with us on Pinterest. We can’t wait to see your delicious melts!
Get the recipe for this incredible Turkey Dijon Melt!
FL Recipes
Turkey Dijon Melt: The Ultimate Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Create the ultimate Turkey Dijon Melt with this easy recipe! Featuring crispy sourdough, gooey Gruyère cheese, and a zesty homemade Dijon sauce, this gourmet sandwich is ready in under 20 minutes and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
4ozSliced Deli TurkeyGood quality, such as smoked or roasted
2ozGruyère CheeseShredded
1tbspUnsalted ButterSoftened
2tbspMayonnaise
1tbspDijon Mustard
1/2tspHoney or Maple Syrup
Equipment
1 Skillet or Pan
1 Spatula
Method
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
Lay out the sourdough slices. Spread the Dijon sauce on one slice. Top with sliced turkey and shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the second slice of bread on top.
Spread the softened butter evenly on the outside of both slices of the sandwich.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for 3-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove from the skillet, let rest for one minute, then slice in half and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 650kcalProtein: 35gFat: 40gFiber: 3g
Notes
For the best melt, shred your own cheese from a block. Cook on medium heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread burns.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
