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Are you tired of the same old turkey sandwich? Looking to spice up your lunchtime routine? Well, let me introduce you to the Ultimate Turkey Sandwich!
It’s THE Turkey Sandwich – with Bacon and Cranberry Sauce. Doesn’t that sound like a delicious recipe?
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“You had me at bacon… Then I saw turkey and cranberry. Can’t wait for leftovers. 🙂” – Maggie
Imagine layers of deli turkey, smoked Gouda cheese, crispy bacon, and sweet cranberry sauce all nestled between a toasted onion roll.
It’s like a mini Thanksgiving feast you can enjoy any day of the week! The perfect way to enjoy lunch or really any meal.
I love making this sandwich because it’s a great way to use up leftover turkey breast or cranberry sauce from your holiday meals.
Maybe you’re thinking “what? Cranberry on a sandwich?!” I know, I’ve been there. Trust me, though, you’ll want this sandwich in your lunchbox.
I mean, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor and textures?
So, if you’re ready to elevate your simple turkey sandwich and impress your family or friends, let’s dive into how to make our favorite Turkey Sandwiches!
Some of our other favorite SANDWICH RECIPES we have on our site include: Grilled Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe, Easy Pimento Cheese Egg Salad Sandwiches, and Slow Cooker Shredded Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich.

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE TURKEY SANDWICH:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CHEESE?
- WHAT BREAD WORKS BEST FOR THIS SANDWICH?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Turkey Sandwich with Bacon and Cranberry Sauce
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Flavor Combination: The mix of savory deli turkey, smoky bacon, creamy smoked Gouda, and sweet cranberry sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious sandwich in no time.
- Customizable: It’s a great option to add your favorite toppings or try different types of cheese to suit your taste.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Toasted onion rolls
- Thinly sliced turkey breast from the deli
- Smoked Gouda cheese from the deli
- Thick-cut bacon, cooked
- Whole berry cranberry sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Green leaf lettuce
- Garlic powder
HOW TO MAKE TURKEY SANDWICH:
- Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the onion roll.
- Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.
- Top with the smoked Gouda, turkey, lettuce, and bacon.
- Smear the whole berry cranberry sauce on the other side of the bread, and top off the sandwich. Serve immediately.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE OF CHEESE?
Absolutely! While smoked Gouda adds a wonderful flavor, you can use any slices of cheese you like.
Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or Colby Jack are all great options.
Trying different types of cheese can bring new flavors to your sandwich.
This is a gourmet sandwich that can really go any direction you like.
WHAT BREAD WORKS BEST FOR THIS SANDWICH?
The toasted onion rolls add extra flavor, but you can use any sandwich bread or slice of bread you prefer.
Rye bread, sub rolls, or even whole wheat are all delicious options.
The type of bread can change the texture and taste, so feel free to experiment!
ANY ADDITIONS?
I don’t know about you, but I think this is the perfect sandwich for trying new things.
The best turkey sandwich recipe is the one you make your own!
- Add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
- Include red onions for a bit of crunch and sharpness.
- Spread spicy mayo instead of regular mayonnaise for a kick.
- Layer tomato slices for freshness.
- Use olive oil to lightly toast the bread for extra crispiness.
- Add a fried egg for a hearty meal.
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Include pickle slices for a tangy crunch.
- Top with fresh basil leaves for a herby note.
- Drizzle with honey mustard for a sweet and tangy twist.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
The most important thing is that it tastes good!
Swap things out to your heart’s desire. The whole thing is super simple!
- Turkey breast: Use sliced chicken or ham if you prefer.
- Smoked Gouda cheese: Substitute with American cheese, cheddar cheese, or any different types of cheese you enjoy.
- Bacon: Omit for a lighter sandwich or replace with turkey bacon.
- Mayonnaise: Swap with mustard, hummus, aioli, or pesto for a different flavor.
- Green leaf lettuce: Use spinach or arugula for a peppery taste.
- Cranberry sauce: Substitute with fig jam or apple butter for a sweet element.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: If you have leftovers or want to make the sandwich ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To keep the sandwich from getting soggy, consider adding the lettuce and cranberry sauce just before eating.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze this assembled sandwich, as ingredients like lettuce and mayonnaise don’t freeze well.
However, you can freeze cooked turkey breast and bacon separately for up to 2 months and assemble the sandwich fresh when you’re ready.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the onion rolls or your chosen sandwich bread for added texture and flavor.
- Layering is Key: Place heavier ingredients like the turkey breast and cheese at the bottom to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
- Season the Mayo: Sprinkle a little garlic powder on the mayonnaise for extra flavor.
- Press the Sandwich: If you have a panini press or cast-iron skillet, pressing the sandwich can meld the flavors together.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your sandwich with potato chips, a pickle, or a side salad for a complete meal.
This Turkey Sandwich is more than just a sandwich; it’s a tasty blend of flavors and textures that takes a classic lunch to the next level.
Whether you’re using up leftover turkey recipes from a Thanksgiving meal or grabbing ingredients from the grocery store, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.
So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Turkey Sandwich with Bacon and Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Toasted Onion Roll
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Smoked Gouda cheese from deli section thinly sliced
- 1 cup turkey breast from the deli section thinly sliced (I love Boar's Head Ovengold)
- 1 cup Green Leaf Lettuce a nicer but still crunchy lettuce here is key
- 1 Tablespoons Thick Cut Bacon cooked crsipy
- 1 Tablespoons Whole berry cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom half of the onion roll.1 tbsp Mayonnaise, 1 Toasted Onion Roll
- Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder.1 tsp Garlic Powder
- Top with the smoked Gouda, turkey, lettuce, and bacon.1 tbsp Smoked Gouda cheese from deli section, 1 cup turkey breast from the deli section, 1 cup Green Leaf Lettuce, 1 Tablespoons Thick Cut Bacon
- Smear the whole berry cranberry sauce on the other side of the bread, and top off the sandwich. Serve immediately.1 Tablespoons Whole berry cranberry sauce
Notes
- Toast the Bread: Lightly toast the onion rolls or your chosen sandwich bread for added texture and flavor.
- Layering is Key: Place heavier ingredients like the turkey breast and cheese at the bottom to prevent the sandwich from falling apart.
- Season the Mayo: Sprinkle a little garlic powder on the mayonnaise for extra flavor.
- Press the Sandwich: If you have a panini press or cast-iron skillet, pressing the sandwich can meld the flavors together.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your sandwich with potato chips, a pickle, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
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You had me at bacon… Then I saw turkey and cranberry. Can’t wait for leftovers. 🙂