The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwich: A Gourmet Family Favorite
Discover why these Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches are an absolute family favorite and a go-to recipe for quick, satisfying meals! Imagine sinking your teeth into buttery grilled sourdough, layered with aromatic garlic basil pesto, exquisitely melty Havarti cheese, juicy ripe tomatoes, and tender, sliced turkey. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that transforms a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. When the classic “what’s for dinner?” question arises, and these toasted turkey sandwiches are the delicious answer, expect nothing but happy smiles around the table!
The journey of these delightful Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches began over a decade ago when I first shared a version on my blog back in 2012. Like many, I’ve always held a special place in my heart for a classic grilled cheese sandwich, especially when paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup. However, in our household, culinary preferences often divide us. While some of us enthusiastically embrace creamy tomato basil soup, others are less keen. Similarly, the debate over the “perfect” grilled cheese raged on: some preferred the nostalgic simplicity of American cheese on white bread, while others insisted a hearty sandwich needed a protein boost.
One evening, determined to unite our differing palates, I ventured into creating a sandwich that would satisfy everyone. This creation, initially an impromptu dinner solution, quickly became a sensation. I hadn’t even planned on documenting this seemingly “simple” sandwich. Yet, when a friend and loyal reader of my blog specifically asked for the “recipe,” I realized I had something special on my hands. That was over eight years ago, and these gourmet grilled turkey and cheese sandwiches have since earned their permanent spot in our meal rotation.
It’s incredible how a spontaneous kitchen experiment can evolve into a cherished family staple. This sandwich is a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can combine to create truly memorable flavors.
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Why These Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches Are a Must-Try
Since those early days, this gourmet turkey grilled cheese sandwich has become a regular fixture in our household. It’s not just a fantastic companion for our beloved soup nights; it’s also substantial enough to be a standalone meal, perhaps with a side of crispy potato or zucchini chips. Its versatility makes it perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a delicious snack.
We’ve experimented with various breads – white, wheat, and Italian – but without fail, we always return to sourdough. The distinct tang and robust crust of sourdough perfectly complement the vibrant garlic basil pesto, the sweet acidity of the tomatoes, and the creamy, mellow flavor of Havarti cheese. This combination creates a truly stellar sandwich experience that’s hard to beat.
Selecting the Perfect Cheese for Your Turkey Sandwich
When it comes to crafting the ideal turkey and cheese sandwich, everyone has their favorite cheese. For me, Havarti consistently takes the top spot. Its smooth, buttery texture and subtle flavor melt beautifully, providing that irresistible ooey-gooey factor without overpowering the other ingredients. However, if you’re looking to explore other options, here are some mild, melt-friendly cheeses that pair wonderfully with turkey:
- Provolone: Offers a slightly sharper, nuttier flavor.
- Muenster: Known for its mild taste and excellent melting properties.
- Swiss: Provides a distinctive, savory note with a good melt.
- American: The classic choice for ultimate creaminess and nostalgia.
- Gouda: A Dutch cheese with a rich, caramel-like flavor, especially aged Gouda.
For an adventurous twist, consider using good quality smoked gouda with some premium smoked turkey from the deli. If you’re a fan of that deep, smoky flavor, this combination is a game-changer. You might even want to experiment by swapping out the pesto for a smoky barbecue sauce – a culinary revelation that just popped into my head! I’m definitely jotting that down for a future sandwich creation.
What Exactly Is Pesto? Unveiling the Flavorful Sauce
Pesto is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that I always keep a jar of in my fridge. Its versatility is incredible; I love incorporating it into homemade pizzas, slathering it on toasted garlic bread, and, of course, using it as the foundational flavor for these amazing turkey sandwiches.
The art of making pesto originated in Genoa, Italy, with the name derived from the Genoese verb “pestare,” which means “to crush.” Traditionally, pesto is created by meticulously crushing fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, rich Parmesan cheese, and high-quality olive oil together using a mortar and pestle. This labor of love yields an intensely aromatic and flavorful sauce that is far more complex than the sum of its parts.
While the traditional method is still revered, making homemade pesto has become much simpler these days. If you prefer not to break out the mortar and pestle, your trusty food processor can achieve a similar result in a fraction of the time, making fresh pesto accessible to every home cook.
Key Ingredients for Your Pesto Grilled Turkey Havarti Sandwich
The beauty of this gourmet turkey grilled cheese sandwich lies in its simplicity and the quality of its reasonably priced, easily obtainable ingredients. You don’t need exotic items; just focus on fresh, good quality components:
- Sourdough Bread: A good quality loaf is crucial. Its distinctive tangy flavor and firm texture hold up beautifully to grilling and complement the rich fillings.
- Deli Turkey: Opt for high-quality, oven-roasted deli turkey. This choice delivers a flavor reminiscent of delicious Thanksgiving leftovers, making it perfect for these grilled sandwiches. It’s also an excellent way to use up holiday leftover turkey!
- Havarti Cheese: As discussed, Havarti is my top recommendation for its superb melting properties and mild, creamy flavor.
- Pesto Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, a good garlic basil pesto adds an incredible depth of flavor.
- Red Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh, thinly sliced tomatoes add a burst of juicy freshness and a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and pesto.
When I’m at the grocery store, I appreciate that the deli, bakery, and produce sections are often conveniently located near one another. I usually start by selecting a fresh loaf of sourdough from the bakery (and ask them to slice it if it isn’t already). Then, I head to the produce section for a couple of vibrant, red tomatoes. Finally, I make my way to the deli counter to pick up my Havarti cheese and preferred oven-roasted turkey, ensuring all my key ingredients are of the highest quality for the best sandwich experience.
Crafting Your Perfect Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwich
Preparing these grilled turkey and Havarti sandwiches is incredibly straightforward, promising a delicious meal in minutes. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly golden and gooey sandwich:
- Pesto Base: Begin by generously spreading pesto on the inside of both slices of sourdough bread. This ensures every bite is infused with its aromatic flavor.
- Cheese & Tomato Layer: On one slice of bread, arrange your Havarti cheese slices. Then, layer the tomato slices directly on top of the cheese. Pro Tip: Placing the cheese between the tomatoes and the bread creates a protective barrier, preventing the bread from becoming soggy from the tomato’s moisture during grilling.
- Add Turkey: Next, place the deli turkey slices on top of the tomatoes.
- Assemble & Butter: Bring the two halves of the sandwich together. Lightly butter the outside of both pieces of bread. This butter will create that irresistible golden-brown crust we all love.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the buttered sandwich onto a hot griddle or in a skillet over medium heat. Grill each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is beautifully golden brown and toasted, and the Havarti cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
- Serve Hot: Once grilled, remove the sandwich from the heat, cut it in half diagonally, and serve immediately while hot and delicious.
This simple process yields a truly satisfying and gourmet grilled sandwich that’s perfect for any meal.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
If you’re as excited as we are about making these incredible Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches, don’t let this recipe get lost! Save it to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever those sandwich cravings hit. It’s the perfect quick and delicious meal solution!
Explore More Delicious Sandwich Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed these Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches, you’re in for a treat! My blog is packed with a wide array of mouthwatering sandwich recipes, perfect for any occasion. Before you go, let me share a few more of our absolute favorites that I’m sure you’ll love:
- Traditional Reuben Sandwich: A classic piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and Russian dressing.
- Copy Cat McDonald’s Fillet O Fish Sandwich: Recreate this fast-food favorite at home with crispy fish and tangy tartar sauce.
- Toasted Italian Sub Sandwiches: A hearty sub packed with Italian meats, cheeses, and fresh veggies, toasted to perfection.
- Muffuletta: A New Orleans staple featuring layers of cured meats, cheeses, and a unique olive salad on a round loaf.
- Apple BBQ Pork Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese: A sophisticated grilled cheese with smoky pork, sweet apples, and creamy Gouda.
- Homemade Runzas (Bierocks): Delicious, savory yeast bread pockets filled with seasoned ground beef and cabbage.
- Pizza Monster Grilled Cheese: All the flavors of pizza in a gooey, satisfying grilled cheese format.
- Turkey Salad Sliders: Perfect for parties or light lunches, these mini sandwiches are quick and flavorful.
- Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches: A delightful twist on the classic sloppy Joe, packed with savory flavors.
- Crispy “Oven-Fried” Chicken in a Biscuit Sandwiches: Comfort food at its best, featuring crispy chicken tucked into fluffy biscuits.
This Pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwich is truly an easy meal that brings gourmet flavors to your table without the fuss. I genuinely hope you and your family love them as much as we do! Now, let’s get right to the detailed recipe for this simple yet exquisite grilled turkey & cheese sandwich.
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Print Recipe
Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches
Equipment
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25″, Black
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Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black
Ingredients
- 3 slices oven-roasted deli turkey
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 Tablespoons pesto
- 1 small tomato sliced
- 1 1/2 slices Havarti cheese
- 2 Tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
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Spread pesto on the insides of both pieces of bread.
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Add Havarti cheese slices to one side then top the cheese slices with tomato slices. (tip: the cheese forms a “barrier” between the tomatoes and the bread, and keeps the bread from getting soggy)
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Top with turkey, then form the sandwich.
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Butter both outside pieces of bread, and place on a hot griddle or in a skillet.
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Grill until golden brown and toasty on both sides, (approximately 3-4 minutes each side)
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Cut in half and serve hot.
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