I just made the most incredible Turkey pesto sandwich Recipe, and it completely changed my lunch game. The combination of savory turkey, bright pesto, and gooey melted cheese is just unbeatable. It’s warm, toasty, and packed with so much flavor that I had to share how I did it.

This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a gourmet experience you can easily make right in your own kitchen. It’s the perfect way to turn a simple meal into something special. You can also enjoy similar creations like the Homemade Sausage Egg McMuffin Recipe for a hearty breakfast twist.

Ingredients for the Perfect Sandwich

Crafting the perfect sandwich starts with high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a memorable turkey pesto sandwich.

2 thick slices sourdough bread: Sourdough provides a sturdy base with a slight tang that complements the other flavors. A thick cut ensures the sandwich holds together without getting soggy.
3–4 tbsp pesto sauce: Whether you use a quality store-bought version or your favorite homemade recipe, the pesto is key. Its fresh, herby flavor is the heart of this sandwich.
100g oven-roasted turkey breast, sliced thinly: Using good-quality, thinly sliced turkey is essential. It ensures the sandwich is easy to eat and that the meat doesn’t overpower the other components.
2–4 slices of bacon, cooked: Bacon adds a wonderful smoky, salty crunch. Cook it until it’s perfectly crisp to add a great textural contrast.
2 slices provolone cheese: Provolone melts beautifully and has a mild, smooth flavor that doesn’t compete with the pesto. For the best melt, use freshly sliced provolone.
4 large sun-dried tomatoes, diced: These add a burst of sweet, tangy flavor and a pleasant chewy texture. They cut through the richness of the cheese and pesto. You can also try a different flavor combination with the Pear Prosciutto and Gorgonzola Pizza Recipe for inspiration.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature: Spreading soft butter on the outside of the bread is the secret to a perfectly golden, crispy crust.

Note: This recipe makes one very satisfying sandwich.

Tasty Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

If you don’t have turkey, this sandwich is equally delicious with thinly sliced roasted chicken breast. For a different flavor profile, try swapping the provolone cheese with mozzarella, Swiss, or even a sharp white cheddar. If you prefer to skip the bacon, the sandwich is still fantastic on its own, or you could add a slice of prosciutto for a different salty kick. For a bit of spice, mix a pinch of red pepper flakes into your pesto or add a few slices of pickled jalapeños.

Cooking Time

This delicious sandwich comes together quickly, making it ideal for a fast lunch or a simple dinner.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this sandwich. Here are the basic kitchen tools that will help you assemble and cook it perfectly.

Skillet or Griddle: A large skillet or griddle is needed to toast the sandwich evenly until it’s golden brown.
Spatula: You’ll need a good spatula to carefully flip the sandwich without it falling apart.
Cutting Board: A stable surface for assembling your sandwich and slicing it before serving.
Knife: A bread knife for slicing your loaf and another knife for dicing the sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Make a Turkey Pesto Sandwich

This recipe is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a perfectly grilled sandwich every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy. Once done, place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. While the bacon is cooking, you can gather and prepare your other ingredients, like dicing the sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Lay your two slices of sourdough bread on a cutting board. Spread the pesto sauce evenly over one side of each slice. On one slice, layer the thinly sliced turkey, followed by the crispy bacon, provolone cheese, and diced sun-dried tomatoes.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

Place the second slice of bread, pesto-side down, on top to close the sandwich. Spread one tablespoon of the softened butter on the top surface of the sandwich. Carefully place the sandwich butter-side down onto a preheated skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 4: Toast to Perfection

While the first side is grilling, spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on the new top side. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melted. For an extra melty center, you can cover the skillet with a lid while it cooks.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to take this sandwich from great to absolutely unforgettable. Here are some of my personal tips.

I always recommend using leftover holiday turkey if you have it. The flavor is so much better than pre-packaged deli meat, but make sure you slice it very thin so it doesn’t fall out when you flip the sandwich.
Don’t be shy with the pesto. I’ve found that a generous layer on both slices of bread really infuses the whole sandwich with that amazing herby flavor.
For the absolute best melt, I let my cheese come to room temperature for a few minutes before assembling. It helps it get gooey much faster in the pan.
Pressing the sandwich down lightly with a spatula while it grills helps all the layers meld together and ensures an even, crispy crust.

How to Serve a Turkey Pesto Sandwich

This sandwich is a star on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. For a classic lunch combo, serve it with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a warm bowl of tomato soup. The acidity from the salad or soup cuts through the richness of the sandwich beautifully.

When serving, slice the sandwich in half diagonally to show off the colorful layers inside. It not only looks more appealing but is also easier to handle. For an extra touch, you can garnish the plate with a few fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this sandwich. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use.

Calories: Approximately 650-750 kcal
Protein: Around 40g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 50g
Fat: About 35g

Make Ahead and Storage

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but you can certainly prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers.

To make ahead, you can cook the bacon and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble and grill the sandwich. This cuts down on prep time significantly.

If you have leftovers, wrap the sandwich tightly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. The bread may lose some of its crispness, but the flavors will still be delicious.

To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over low heat or an air fryer. This will help re-crisp the bread and melt the cheese without making the sandwich soggy, which can happen in a microwave.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this turkey pesto sandwich. Here are just a few.

Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory turkey, fresh pesto, salty bacon, and melted provolone creates a perfect harmony of flavors in every single bite.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this sandwich is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a satisfying lunch.
Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is an amazing way to use up leftover turkey from a holiday meal, transforming it into an entirely new and exciting dish.
Highly Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences by swapping out the meat, cheese, or adding other ingredients like spinach or roasted red peppers.

Ash Tyrrell