Turkey And Cheese Panini Sandwich Recipe

Craving a warm, crispy, and cheesy sandwich? This Turkey and Cheese Panini Sandwich is the perfect solution! Using just a few ingredients, you can make this panini with melty cheese, savory turkey, and a crisp crust in minutes. Whether for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this panini is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort!

Panini press transforms an ordinary boring sandwich into a warm, grilled and crispy creation!  Grill marks on the outside and warm turkey and melted gooey cheese on the inside – yum yum!

Why You’ll Love This Turkey And Cheese Panini Sandwich

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, this panini is perfect for those busy days when you need a satisfying meal without the wait.
• Perfectly Crispy: The panini press gives the sandwich a golden, crispy crust, making each bite deliciously crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Melty Cheese Goodness: With warm, gooey cheese in every bite, this sandwich is comfort food at its best.
• Savory Turkey Flavor: Deli turkey adds a nice protein boost and rich flavor, making the panini both filling and tasty.
• Customizable: Add your favorite extras like tomatoes, spinach, or different spreads to make this panini truly your own.

If you don’t own a panini press, you can get one for $20-$40 bucks.  It’s so worth it – with panini press, you’ll never have a boring lunch again.

Ingredients for Turkey and Cheese Panini Sandwich Recipe:

• 2 slices of bread – Any bread works, but a sturdy one like sourdough or ciabatta will hold up well in the panini press.
• 1 slice of cheese – A slice of cheese adds a creamy, melty texture. Choose your favorite, like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
• 3 slices of deli turkey – Savory and lean, deli turkey brings protein and flavor to the sandwich.
• Mayo and mustard for spreading – Optional spreads that add a creamy and tangy layer to the sandwich, helping the bread crisp up.

For a printable card of the ingredients, check out the recipe card at the end of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Turkey And Cheese Panini Sandwich

• Panini Press – Gives the sandwich its signature grill marks and crispy texture.
• Knife – For slicing the sandwich after cooking, if desired.
• Measuring Spoons – Useful for portioning mayo and mustard if you want precise amounts.

Directions How To Make Turkey And Cheese Panini Sandwich:

Preheat panini press.  While it’s heating, assemble the sandwich.

Spread 1 slice of bread with mayo and another slice with mustard.

Put a slice of cheese on top of a bread slice, put all turkey on top of cheese and top with another slice of bread.

Put the sandwich inside of panini press, close the panini press and cook for 2 minutes.

Take your turkey and cheese panini sandwich out of panini press and enjoy it while it’s hot!

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this turkey and cheese panini with a side of fresh tomato mozzarella salad or a cup of chickpea soup for a complete meal.
• Serve with a handful of sweet potato chips or crispy fries for a classic sandwich combo.
• Add a dill pickle spear on the side for a tangy contrast to the warm, cheesy flavors.
• For a lighter option, enjoy sliced fresh fruit like watermelon, mango, or vegetable sticks like cucumber.

Tips For Success

• Use a Good Quality Bread: A sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta holds up well in the panini press and won’t get soggy. Soft, fluffy bread might get too compressed and lose texture.
• Avoid Overloading the Sandwich: Too much filling can make it difficult for the sandwich to press properly. Stick to a few slices of turkey and one slice of cheese for a balanced, easy-to-eat panini.
• Spread Mayo or Butter on the Outside of the Bread: For an extra-crispy crust, try spreading a thin layer of mayo or softened butter on the outside of each slice before pressing. It adds flavor and helps achieve that golden, crunchy texture.
• Experiment with Different Cheeses: While cheddar, Swiss, and provolone are all great options, you can try mozzarella, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack to switch things up.
• Preheat Your Panini Press: Make sure your panini press is fully heated before adding the sandwich. This helps the bread crisp up faster and keeps the fillings warm and melty.

Variations And Substitutions

• Cheese Alternatives: Switch up the cheese to suit your taste. Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder, gooey texture. You could also try gouda, which melts beautifully, or a spicy pepper jack for a hint of heat.
• Add Extra Flavor with Veggies: Enhance your panini with slices of tomato, spinach, or bell pepper for extra nutrition and flavor. Roasted red peppers or caramelized onions bring a savory, slightly sweet taste that pairs perfectly with turkey and cheese.
• Change the Spread: If mayo and mustard aren’t your favorites, try a garlic aioli, pesto, or even a bit of cranberry sauce for a sweet and savory twist. Hummus can also add a creamy layer with extra protein.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread if needed, and follow the same steps for a delicious gluten-free version. Many gluten-free breads work well in a panini press and give a similar texture to regular bread.
• Turkey Substitutions: Feel free to swap the deli turkey for sliced chicken, ham, or even roast beef for a heartier sandwich. Vegetarians can substitute with grilled vegetables or a plant-based deli slice for a meat-free option.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: If you have leftovers, wrap the panini tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, avoid adding any fresh veggies like tomatoes if you plan to store it, as they can make the bread soggy.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the panini back in the panini press or on a stovetop grill for a few minutes until it’s heated through and the bread is crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread chewy and less enjoyable.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled but uncooked sandwich. Wrap it in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge, then cook as directed in the panini press.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this panini without a panini press?

Yes, you can make this panini on a stovetop! Use a grill pan or a regular skillet, place the sandwich on it, and press down with another heavy skillet or pot to create grill marks and compress the sandwich. Flip halfway through to cook both sides evenly.

What kind of bread works best for a panini?

Sturdy breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or focaccia hold up best under the pressure of a panini press and get nicely crispy. Avoid soft sandwich bread, as it can become too flat and lose texture when pressed.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the sandwich in advance and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil. When ready to eat, cook it in the panini press until heated through and crispy.

What other fillings can I add to the panini?

Feel free to add extras like tomato slices, fresh spinach, or roasted red peppers. Just be careful not to overfill, as too many ingredients can make it challenging for the panini press to close properly.

Can I make this panini gluten-free or dairy-free?

Yes! For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread, and for dairy-free, substitute your favorite plant-based cheese. The instructions remain the same for a delicious sandwich.

Other Easy Turkey Recipes

One-Pan Ground Turkey and Potatoes Skillet Meal: This hearty one-pan meal combines ground turkey and potatoes for a quick, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.

Quick Buttered Noodles with Ground Turkey – Simple & Tasty: Tender buttered noodles and seasoned ground turkey come together in this easy, comforting dish that’s ready in minutes.

Juicy Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin Recipe: Enjoy perfectly cooked turkey tenderloin that’s juicy and tender, made effortlessly in the air fryer.

Savory Ground Turkey Bolognese Pasta Sauce: A rich and savory Bolognese sauce made with ground turkey, perfect for pasta night with a lighter twist.

Oven-Baked Turkey Bacon: Crispy, perfectly cooked turkey bacon from the oven is a healthier, hands-off way to enjoy your favorite breakfast side.

Keto-Friendly Air Fryer Turkey Breast Cutlets – No Breaded Coating: These seasoned turkey breast cutlets are keto-friendly, crisped in the air fryer, and packed with flavor without any

Instant Pot Turkey Breast with Bone – Easy Recipe: Make a juicy, bone-in turkey breast in the Instant Pot for a tender, easy main dish that’s ready in no time.

More Panini Sandwich Recipes

• Grilled Panini Sandwich with Eggplant
• Cheesy Panini on Challah Bread
• Flavorful Fish Panini Sandwich Recipe