This is the best warm Turkey Sandwich Recipe. Say goodbye to a boring lunch, every bite of this sandwich is full of flavor and it’s quick to make in 10 minutes.
This sandwich has so much nostalgia for us as it is inspired by a small sandwich shop we used to live next to in Brooklyn named Depanneur. This gourmet turkey sandwich was our go to, it’s simple but the flavors just work so well together. We have since moved away, so it means a lot to me to be able to make it at home and share with all of you!
If you’re stuck in a lunch rut, consider this your friendly reminder that a fancy turkey sandwich recipe doesn’t have to be boring! The manchego cheese adds such a creamy and nutty flavor to balance out the turkey and then you add zesty toppings like a harissa mayo, pickled shallots and tangy pickled peppers for the perfect lunch idea. With just 8 special ingredients, you can whip up something truly exciting and satisfying.
If you like this sandwich, you’ll love this Chicken Cutlet Sandwich with Pesto Slaw and this Muffaletta Italian Sandwich.
Ab’s Tip: This sandwich can be served hot or cold, so don’t be afraid to turn it into a warm turkey sandwich!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Can be served warm or cold. A warm turkey sandwich can make all the difference—melting the cheese just enough and softening the bread for that extra comfort factor. It comes together quickly, making it perfect for a not-so-average weekday lunch
- Quick to make. Layered with savory sliced turkey, nutty manchego cheese, spicy pickled peppers, tangy pickled shallots, peppery arugula, and a bold harissa mayo, it’s the kind of lunch that wakes up your taste buds.
- Easy to customize with what you have on hand. Swap in lettuce, pickles, or a different spread. However you build it, this sandwich only has 8 ingredients, can prepped ahead and is here to rescue your lunch routine.
Ingredients:
- Turkey adds a hearty, savory base to the sandwich—mild enough to let bold flavors shine, but satisfying enough to make it feel like a full meal.
- Harissa mayo brings a smoky, spicy kick that ties everything together and adds a bold layer of flavor with minimal effort. I like to combine this Harissa with Kewpie mayo.
- Pickled shallots bring a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through richness and adds a burst of acidity to balance every bite.
- Manchego cheese adds a buttery, nutty richness for depth and a hint of sharpness that complements both savory meats and bold condiments.
- Sourdough bread is usually my sandwich goto, especially if I have some homemade.
- Arugula is my goto green, adding a fresh, peppery bite that cuts through richness.
- Spicy pickled peppers bring a punch of heat and tangy brightness.
How to make this Turkey Sandwich Recipe:
1. Coat sourdough bread in olive oil and cook on medium heat for about 2-3 min per side.
2. Make your harissa mayo: combine mayo and harissa in a small bowl until combined.
3. Spread harissa mayo on toasted sourdough.
4. Add slices of turkey and manchego cheese.
5. Top with spicy pickled peppers, pickled shallots and arugula.
6. Close sandwich and enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Getting the perfect slice of toast. In order to really get the perfect slice, I don’t put my bread in the toaster. Instead, I coat it in olive oil and cook in a skillet on medium heat for about 2-3 min per side. This allows for even, perfect crispiness every time. It also allows for extra flavor from cooking in a good extra virgin olive oil.
- The order of ingredients is important. I like to add the harissa mayo to the toasted bread and then go for layers of turkey and manchego cheese. This allows for a nice barrier between the wetter pickled ingredients and the bread.
- This sandwich is ideal for creating variations. You could opt for a different flavorful cheese like cheddar or pepperjack. You could also use a herb or smoked turkey and you could also try a banana pepper or pepperoncini instead of red pickled peppers. While I think harissa adds a special smoky and spicy kick to the sandwich you could try a different spicy mayo if you prefer.
- Sourcing Kewpie mayo. If you don’t live near an Asian grocery store, you can purchase Kewpie mayo on Amazon. I like to buy in bulk and keep on hand. Alternatively, you can use regular mayo if you prefer.
Storage & Make Ahead:
This sandwich is best made fresh and comes together in only a few minutes. You can save yourself even more time by making the harissa mayo in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
FAQs
Arugula is my goto for sandwiches as it brings such a peppery added flavor. I also find it lasts longer in the refrigerator compared to most other lettuces.
I think a spicy mayo is the most complimentary condiment to a turkey sandwich. Turkey can be so neutral for a protein, so something like a spicy mayo really brings out an added depth of flavor.
I think something crunchy pairs well with a turkey sandwich. So serve with your favorite chip or crunchy veg!
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes:
Fancy Turkey Sandwich
Ingredients
- Bread of choice, this is a sourdough
- Peppadews
- Applegate turkey
- Manchego cheese
- Mayo (I used Japanese mayo because its my personal preference but you can do whatever)
- Pickled shallots
- Harissa
- Arugula
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Make your harissa mayo: combine mayo and harissa in a small bowl until combined.
- Coat bread in olive oil and cook on medium heat for about 2-3 min per side.
- Add harissa mayo to bread and then add turkey, manchego, peppadews, pickled shallots and arugula. Enjoy!
Made this recipe? Don’t gatekeep! Five stars? Chef’s kiss?
I’d love to hear it! Review or comment below.