The easiest Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich to make with all the fall flavors sandwiched between two pieces of bread. Customize it to your liking, it’s a great way to use up leftover holiday turkey (or even rotisserie chicken) for lunch or dinner during a busy week.
This Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich is the perfect way to elevate deli or Thanksgiving turkey and bring a refreshing twist to your lunch or dinner routine during the week. Toasted sourdough is layered with turkey, cheddar cheese, sliced apple, and a spicy aioli to make for the perfect sweet, spicy, and decadent bite.
I love to customize this sandwich with adding some peppery arugula in a simple dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. And lastly, a few slices of creamy avocado go on top, bringing a silky texture that ties everything together. The result? A gourmet, restaurant-style sandwich that’s quick to assemble in about 10 minutes. This apple turkey sandwich has become one of my family’s go-tos in the fall and holiday season, because trust me, this sandwich will surely hit the spot.
If you love a good sandwich, I happen to be known for them. Be sure to also try my Avocado BLT and Steak and Goat Cheese Sandwich.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- All the flavors of fall in a bite. This turkey sandwich with apple and cheddar is the epitome of a seasonal sandwich. Use whatever apple you have around the house. My preference is one that is tangy like Granny Smith.
- Customize the layers to your liking. Use leftover turkey or chicken, omit the avocado, or use a different sauce – it’s easy to make this sandwich your own.
- Perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s hearty enough to be served for either meal. My husband always loves to see this sandwich the day after a holiday dinner, it’s that delicious!
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: The base to the sandwich; this will be toasted, so use your favorite brand.
- Honeycrisp apple: Tart with a hint of sweetness to compliment both the turkey and cheddar.
- Sliced turkey: The protein for the sandwich, you can easily use deli sliced chicken, chicken breast, or rotisserie chicken here too.
- Smoked cheddar cheese: Keep the cheese smoked, or just use a regular sharp cheddar if you prefer.
- Avocado: Make sure it’s ripe and easy to slice.
- Arugula/Mixed greens: Peppery in flavor for a little bit of a kick.
- Honey Mustard: Honey mustard adds a sweet, tangy bite that balances the smoky cheddar, savory turkey, and crisp apple.
How to Make a Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich
1. Preheat oven to broil. If making honey mustard from scratch, whisk ingredients until smooth and combined. Spread a layer of honey mustard onto bread.
2. Grate smoked cheddar cheese, slice apples and avocados. Add slices of turkey and grated cheese to bread.
3. Transfer sandwich to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, browned and bubbly. Add avocado, apple slices and greens.
4. Close and cut sandwich, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip the baking step. This is how all the restaurants get perfectly melted cheese in every bite. You’ll want to toast the bread first on it’s own for the perfect crunch, but then bake the sandwich with the cheddar for a few minutes.
- Make sure your turkey or chicken is sliced into even thickness. This will make for easier stacking and layering of the ingredients so every bite is even in flavor.
- Swap the Honey Crisp apple for another variety. You can easily also use Granny Smith or Pink Lady.
- Omit the spice from the sandwich. If you don’t care for spicy, then use regular mayonnaise or a garlic aioli instead.
- Swap turkey for shredded chicken thighs. Instead of turkey, toss shredded chicken thighs in a little bit of honey mustard and add to the sandwich.
Storage
It’s easy to store this sandwich in the fridge for up to one day. Plus, it’s a great make ahead meal as a lunch at work if you assemble in the morning to eat later that afternoon.
If you are enjoying the next day, just re-toast in the oven or toaster oven for a couple minutes to take the chill off. Or better yet, store the components of the sandwich separately in the fridge and build a fresh sandwich when you’re ready to enjoy.
FAQs
I like either smoked cheddar or regular sharp cheddar cheese here for rich flavor.
While I prefer this sandwich warm, you can easily serve it not toasted and room temperature as well.
This is a tip that really takes any sandwich to a whole new level! Yes, season with salt and pepper to enhance every flavor.
More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 sliced sourdough bread
- 1 honey crisp apple
- 1/2 lb sliced deli turkey
- 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- 1 avocado
- 1 cup mixed greens
- 3-4 tbsp honey mustard See recipe notes if making from scratch
Instructions
- Preheat oven to broil. If making honey mustard from scratch (see recipe notes), whisk ingredients until smooth and combined. Spread a layer of honey mustard onto bread.
- Grate smoked cheddar cheese, slice apples and avocados. Add slices of turkey and grated cheese to bread.
- Transfer sandwich to a baking sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, browned and bubbly. Add avocado, apple slices and greens.
- Close and cut sandwich, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Don’t skip the baking step. This is how all the restaurants get perfectly melted cheese in every bite. You’ll want to toast the bread first on it’s own for the perfect crunch, but then bake the sandwich with the cheddar for a few minutes.
- Make sure your turkey or chicken is sliced into even thickness. This will make for easier stacking and layering of the ingredients so every bite is even in flavor.
- Swap the Granny Smith apple for another variety. You can easily also use Honey crisp or Pink Lady.
- Omit the spice from the sandwich. If you don’t care for spicy, then use regular mayonnaise or a garlic aioli instead.
Made this recipe? Don’t gatekeep! Five stars? Chef’s kiss?
I’d love to hear it! Review or comment below.