Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melts on Sourdough

Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with savoury goodness, these Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melts on Sourdough are the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet sandwich indulgence. Featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and golden toasted sourdough bread, this sandwich delivers incredible flavour and texture in every bite.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a creative way to use leftover turkey, these melts are a delicious solution. The sharp cheddar melts beautifully over the turkey, while the smoky bacon adds crunch and richness. Toasted sourdough provides the perfect sturdy base with its tangy flavour and crisp exterior.

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Simple ingredients come together to create a café-style sandwich that’s easy enough for everyday meals yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Pair it with soup, salad, fries, or chips for a complete meal.

If you’re a fan of classic deli sandwiches with a warm, cheesy twist, these Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melts on Sourdough are sure to become a favourite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy and Cheesy

Golden toasted bread and melted cheddar create the ultimate texture combination.

Perfect for Leftover Turkey

An excellent way to transform leftover turkey into a delicious meal.

Quick and Easy

Ready in less than 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Family-Friendly

A comforting sandwich that’s loved by both adults and children.

What Are Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melts?

A turkey melt is a warm sandwich made with sliced turkey and melted cheese grilled or toasted until golden.

This version includes:

• Turkey
• Crispy bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Sourdough bread

The result is a rich, satisfying sandwich with layers of flavour and texture.

Ingredients Overview

For the Sandwiches

• Sourdough bread
• Cooked turkey slices
• Bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese

These ingredients form the main structure of the sandwich.

For the Spread

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard

These add creaminess and flavour.

For Grilling

• Butter

Helps create a crisp, golden crust.

Optional Additions

• Tomato slices
• Avocado
• Red onion
• Pickles

These ingredients add freshness and extra flavour.

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting Turkey

Use:

• Roasted turkey breast
• Leftover holiday turkey
• Deli turkey slices

Choose tender, flavourful turkey for the best results.

Choosing Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar provides bold flavour and melts beautifully.

Freshly sliced or grated cheese works best.

Selecting Bacon

Thick-cut bacon offers extra crunch and smoky flavour.

Choosing Sourdough Bread

Choose sturdy slices with a crisp crust and soft interior.

Equipment You’ll Need

Large Skillet or Griddle

For toasting the sandwiches.

Mixing Bowl

For preparing the spread.

Spatula

For flipping the sandwiches.

Knife and Cutting Board

For assembling ingredients.

Preparing for Success

Before cooking:

• Cook the bacon
• Slice the cheese
• Prepare the turkey
• Soften the butter

Preparation helps everything come together smoothly.

Understanding the Flavour Profile

This sandwich delivers multiple layers of flavour.

The turkey provides:

• Lean protein
• Savoury flavour
• Tender texture

The bacon contributes:

• Smokiness
• Saltiness
• Crunch

The cheddar adds:

• Richness
• Sharpness
• Creamy melt

The sourdough offers:

• Tangy flavour
• Crisp texture
• Hearty structure

Together, they create a perfectly balanced sandwich.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

Turkey

Provides:

• Lean protein
• B vitamins
• Essential minerals

Cheddar Cheese

Contains:

• Calcium
• Protein
• Rich flavour

Sourdough Bread

Offers:

• Complex carbohydrates
• Satisfying texture
• Unique flavour

Tips Before You Start

For the best turkey melts:

• Cook bacon until crisp
• Use room-temperature butter
• Toast over medium heat
• Use quality cheddar cheese
• Avoid overfilling the sandwich

These tips help achieve the perfect texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Heat Too High

The bread may burn before the cheese melts.

Overloading the Sandwich

Too much filling can make flipping difficult.

Using Cold Cheese

Room-temperature cheese melts more evenly.

Skipping the Butter

Butter helps create a golden, crispy exterior.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

People love these turkey melts because they offer:

• Crispy texture
• Gooey melted cheese
• Smoky bacon flavour
• Quick preparation
• Comfort-food appeal

They’re a simple sandwich that feels special.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Tomato soup
• French fries
• Potato chips
• Garden salad
• Coleslaw

These sides pair perfectly with the rich sandwich.

Make-Ahead Benefits

The bacon can be cooked ahead of time, and the sandwiches can be assembled shortly before cooking.

This makes meal preparation quick and easy.

Easy Variations

Try adding:

• Pepper Jack cheese
• Avocado
• Caramelised onions
• Jalapeños
• BBQ sauce

These additions create exciting flavour combinations.

Storage Tips

While best enjoyed fresh, leftover turkey and bacon can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Assemble and toast the sandwiches just before serving.

Cheddar and Bacon Turkey Melts on Sourdough

 Instructions, Assembly & Expert Tips

Ingredients

For the Sandwiches

• 8 slices sourdough bread
• 12 oz (340 g) cooked turkey breast, sliced
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese

For the Spread

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

For Grilling

• 2 tbsp softened butter

Optional Additions

• Tomato slices
• Avocado slices
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Pickle chips
• Fresh spinach leaves

Prepare the Spread

In a small bowl, combine:

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard

Mix until smooth.

Spread a thin layer on one side of each bread slice.

Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay four slices of sourdough on a clean surface.

Top each slice with:

• 1 slice cheddar cheese
• Turkey slices
• 2 slices crispy bacon
• Optional toppings

Finish with another slice of cheddar cheese.

Place the remaining bread slices on top.

Butter the Bread

Spread softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.

This helps create a crispy, golden crust.

Heat the Skillet

Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.

Allow it to heat for 2–3 minutes.

Grill the Sandwiches

Place the sandwiches in the skillet.

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until:

• Golden brown
• Crispy
• Evenly toasted

Press gently with a spatula while cooking.

 Melt the Cheese

Continue cooking until the cheddar is completely melted and the turkey is heated through.

If necessary, reduce the heat slightly to prevent burning.

 Rest Briefly

Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board.

Allow them to rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing.

This helps keep the melted cheese inside.

 Slice and Serve

Cut each sandwich diagonally.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Turkey Melts

Use Medium-Low Heat

Lower heat allows the cheese to melt fully before the bread becomes too dark.

Freshly Cooked Bacon Works Best

Crispy bacon provides the ideal contrast to the melted cheese.

Layer Cheese on Both Sides

This helps hold the fillings together and creates extra gooeyness.

Don’t Overfill

Too many ingredients can make the sandwiches difficult to flip.

Use Good Quality Sourdough

A sturdy loaf creates the best texture and flavour.

Delicious Variations

BBQ Turkey Melt

Add:

• BBQ sauce
• Crispy onions

For smoky sweetness.

Avocado Bacon Turkey Melt

Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

Spicy Turkey Melt

Add:

• Jalapeños
• Pepper Jack cheese
• Hot sauce

For a spicy kick.

Ranch Turkey Melt

Spread a thin layer of ranch dressing inside the sandwich.

Deluxe Deli Melt

Add:

• Tomato
• Red onion
• Spinach

For extra freshness.

Serving Suggestions

These sandwiches pair perfectly with:

• Tomato soup
• French fries
• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Garden salad
• Dill pickle spears

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store leftover sandwich components separately for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat assembled sandwiches in a skillet or air fryer until crispy and heated through.

Avoid microwaving if possible, as the bread may become soft.

Freezing

Freezing fully assembled sandwiches is not recommended.

Nutritional Highlights

This sandwich provides:

• High-quality protein from turkey
• Calcium from cheddar cheese
• Energy from sourdough bread
• Rich flavour from bacon

Making it a satisfying and filling meal.