Like daylight savings time and quarter-life crises, post-Thanksgiving turkey is inexplicable but unavoidable. That chilly container of leftover scraps resembles the dry, leathery, and pick-at backs of my hands in the winter, with all the best parts (golden skin, perfectly carved slices) already gone. So what are we gonna do with it?.
I’ve done the “make a big pot of stock” thing. Which is great, but no one tells you about the thirteen hundred containers that need to be found to hold all of this stock, or about the mulch that is left behind, which is uncomfortably wet and squelchy. It’s a pass for me. I’ve also made creamy pasta with mushrooms, soft congee with frozen corn, and slippery glass noodles with a ton of chili crisp using my leftover turkey. Each extremely delicious but through it all, it’s a turkey sandwich that I come back to every year.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I don’t need you to tell me about making a turkey sandwich; I can do that while I’m standing in front of the fridge.” ” This one is different, I promise. My leftover turkey melt is modeled after an old-fashioned diner-style tuna melt. It’s more than a cobbled-together concoction of slippery meat and congealed cranberry sauce. It’s warm, melty, toasted, gooey—a hot mess in the best possible way. The sort of thing that for once makes you hope, even pray, for leftovers. Like the chocolate at the bottom of an ice cream cone, your reward for making it through another Thanksgiving is better than the main course.
Ah, the turkey melt. A culinary masterpiece that transforms humble leftover turkey into a symphony of flavors and textures Whether you’re a seasoned sandwich connoisseur or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and inspiration to create the perfect turkey melt.
The Leftover Turkey Melt: A Thanksgiving Tradition
Every year, after the Thanksgiving feast has subsided, we’re left with a mountain of leftover turkey. While some might see this as a burden, others view it as an opportunity to unleash their culinary creativity. The turkey melt is a classic post-Thanksgiving dish that celebrates the versatility of this holiday staple.
Here’s how to make a simple yet satisfying turkey melt:
- Gather your ingredients: Leftover turkey, bread (sourdough is a great choice), cheese (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Swiss, or Mozzarella work well), tomato, butter, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Prepare the sandwich: Spread butter on both slices of bread. Layer cheese, turkey, bacon (if desired), tomato slices, and another slice of cheese on one slice of bread. Mix mayonnaise and red wine vinegar, spread it on the other slice of bread, and place it on top of the sandwich.
- Melt it to perfection: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and place the sandwich in it. Let the bread toast and the cheese melt, flipping the sandwich once for even browning.
- Enjoy! Slice the sandwich in half and savor the warm, gooey goodness.
The Gourmet Turkey Melt: Elevating the Classic
There are countless options available with the gourmet turkey melt for those who want a more sophisticated experience. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary journey:
- Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as ciabatta, focaccia, or even croissants.
- Cheese: Explore various cheese options, including Gruyère, Brie, or even a combination of different cheeses.
- Spreads: Go beyond mayonnaise and try pesto, aioli, or even a fig jam.
- Additional ingredients: Add a touch of sophistication with caramelized onions, roasted peppers, or even a fried egg.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Turkey Melt
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh bread, flavorful cheese, and juicy turkey will make all the difference.
- Shred your turkey: This ensures even distribution and better absorption of the spread.
- Don’t overcook the sandwich: Aim for golden brown bread and melted cheese, not a burnt mess.
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
The turkey melt is a versatile and delicious sandwich that can be enjoyed as a simple post-Thanksgiving treat or elevated into a gourmet masterpiece With a little creativity and the right ingredients, you can create a turkey melt that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So grab your leftover turkey, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure.
Shred your turkey instead of dicing it
Shred the turkey by hand instead of chopping it with a knife. Aim for smallish pieces and don’t worry about consistency. Irregular strands absorb the mayo more readily and won’t slip and slide out of your sandwich. I’ve made this also with rotisserie chicken with smashing success.
This is not the time for crusty, seedy bread
Many sandwiches later, I’ve found sliced white sourdough holds up best. Regular, bagged sandwich bread gets soggy under the weight of the filling. Anything that is too seedy or crumbly will not have the right consistency and will break when you try to bite into it.
The Best Turkey Melt (and a secret ingredient)
FAQ
What makes a melt sandwich?
What is the difference between a melt and a grilled cheese?
What is a Turkish sandwich called?
How many calories are in a turkey melt?
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Nutrition Facts
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For a Serving Size of 1 Serving (100g)
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How many calories are in Turkey Melt? Amount of calories in Turkey Melt: Calories 550
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Calories from Fat 189 (34.4%)
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% Daily Value *
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How much fat is in Turkey Melt? Amount of fat in Turkey Melt: Total Fat 21g
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How do you make a Turkey melt?
Open-Faced Turkey Melts make a quick and easy way to use up your Thanksgiving turkey leftovers! Heat broiler over high, with rack in the second position about 6 inches from the flame. Line a half-sheet pan with non-stick foil. In a medium bowl combine the turkey with celery, mayonnaise, cranberries and red onion, and stir until combined.
How do you make a Turkey melt sandwich?
This turkey melt sandwich is piled with tender turkey slices and crisp bacon between two pieces of gooey melted cheese. Mix together the mayo, red wine vinegar, and black pepper in a small bowl, and set aside. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Flip as needed, then remove and set aside.
What is Turkey patty melt?
Turkey Patty Melt is the perfect combination of melty cheddar cheese, caramelized onion, rye bread, and flavorful ground turkey. So yummy! The Turkey Melt is a great way to cut back on some fat without giving up on enjoying a favorite recipe.
How do you cook a deli turkey?
Warm the turkey by placing the deli turkey on a plate and microwaving it for 30 seconds. Butter one side of all the slices of the sourdough bread. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place one bread in the skillet (butter side down). Top with 2 slices of the cheese, half of the turkey, 3 strips of bacon and sliced tomatoes.