Turkey sandwiches are a go-to favorite for many, offering a lean protein base that is both healthy and versatile. While the turkey itself is mild and light, it’s the cheese you add that can elevate the entire sandwich from ordinary to extraordinary. But what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich? There’s no single answer—cheese brings flavor, texture, and richness to turkey sandwiches, and choosing the right one depends on your taste preferences. Whether you want something sharp, creamy, or slightly sweet, this guide will help you discover the best cheeses to pair with turkey.
Why Cheese is a Key Ingredient in a Turkey Sandwich
Cheese plays a crucial role in adding depth to a turkey sandwich. While turkey offers a lean, protein-rich base, it can sometimes lack boldness. This is where cheese steps in, adding richness, flavor, and texture that balances and enhances the turkey. Choosing the right cheese not only improves the taste but also contributes to the overall sandwich experience, with different cheeses providing unique elements like creaminess, tanginess, or smokiness.
By asking what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich, you’re setting yourself up for a sandwich that delivers more than just a basic bite. Cheese adds that essential layer of satisfaction, whether it’s a simple lunchtime meal or a more gourmet creation.
Mild and Creamy Cheeses: The Perfect Subtle Pairing for Turkey
Some people prefer their sandwiches on the milder side, without strong flavors overpowering the delicate taste of turkey. If that’s your preference, selecting a mild, creamy cheese can add richness without taking center stage.
1. Swiss Cheese: A Deli Classic
Swiss cheese is one of the most common choices when people ask what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich. Its slightly nutty, mild flavor pairs beautifully with turkey, adding a layer of creaminess. Swiss cheese melts well, making it ideal for both cold sandwiches and warm paninis. The smooth texture of Swiss blends perfectly with turkey, allowing other toppings like lettuce, tomato, and mustard to shine without overpowering the overall sandwich.
Swiss is particularly great when you want a classic deli-style sandwich. Add some Dijon mustard, and you’ll have a simple yet satisfying turkey sandwich that offers just the right balance of mild flavors.
2. Provolone Cheese: Versatile and Smooth
Provolone is another mild cheese that complements turkey exceptionally well. Slightly sharper than mozzarella but still relatively mild, Provolone brings a subtle smokiness and a smooth texture that pairs well with the lean, mild turkey meat. Whether you’re making a cold turkey sandwich or heating it in a panini press, Provolone adds a lovely, melty element.
Provolone also works well with a variety of toppings—roasted red peppers, spinach, or even pesto—making it one of the most versatile cheeses for turkey sandwiches.
3. Havarti Cheese: Buttery and Mild
Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that has a creamy, buttery texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor. This makes it a fantastic pairing for turkey. Havarti’s richness can balance out the lightness of the turkey, while its mildness allows the other ingredients to come through. The cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for both cold sandwiches and grilled turkey melts.
For a unique twist, try Havarti with a touch of dill or other herbs to add complexity without overwhelming the sandwich. It’s a great option for those looking for a more gourmet feel without the strong punch of sharper cheeses.
Sharp Cheeses That Bring Out the Best in Turkey
Sometimes, a turkey sandwich needs a cheese that stands out with a sharper, more robust flavor. Sharp cheeses add complexity to the mild turkey and make each bite more exciting. When asking what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich, sharp cheeses are often an ideal match for more adventurous palates.
1. Cheddar Cheese: Bold and Sharp
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in the world, and it pairs perfectly with turkey. The sharpness of cheddar provides a delightful contrast to the light flavor of turkey, making the sandwich more flavorful and robust. Whether you use mild cheddar or opt for an extra sharp variety, the creamy texture and strong flavor profile of cheddar make it a go-to choice.
Cheddar also works well with many condiments and extras. Pair it with some cranberry sauce or mustard for a sweet and savory combination that takes your sandwich to the next level. Cheddar is equally satisfying whether melted in a hot turkey sandwich or served cold.
2. Gouda Cheese: Smoky and Creamy
Gouda, especially the smoked variety, brings a creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor to turkey sandwiches. The subtle smokiness of Gouda complements the mildness of turkey without overpowering it, creating a balanced, layered flavor. Gouda also melts well, making it an excellent choice for hot sandwiches or paninis.
For an added twist, try pairing smoked Gouda with some crisp bacon or caramelized onions. The combination of smoky cheese, lean turkey, and these rich toppings creates a truly indulgent sandwich experience.
3. Blue Cheese: Bold and Tangy
Blue cheese isn’t the first option that comes to mind when pairing cheese with turkey, but it can create an unforgettable sandwich for those who love bold flavors. The tangy, salty flavor of blue cheese provides a sharp contrast to the mild turkey, making every bite more interesting. Because blue cheese can be quite strong, it’s best used sparingly and paired with sweet or fresh ingredients like apple slices or a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors.
For a unique gourmet sandwich, try layering turkey, blue cheese, and arugula on a whole-grain baguette. The bitterness of the arugula and the bite of the blue cheese create a sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for those seeking something bold and exciting.
Sweet and Creamy Cheeses for a More Complex Flavor
Sometimes, a turkey sandwich needs a cheese that adds not just richness, but also a hint of sweetness. Creamy, slightly sweet cheeses can elevate the sandwich into a more complex, gourmet experience. If you’re wondering what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich when you want something creamy and indulgent, consider these options.
1. Brie Cheese: Luxurious and Creamy
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that adds a luxurious element to any sandwich. Its rich, buttery flavor pairs beautifully with turkey, especially when combined with sweet ingredients like cranberry sauce or apple slices. Brie melts easily, creating a creamy texture that adds richness without overwhelming the sandwich.
For a French-inspired twist, try a turkey, Brie, and apple sandwich with a drizzle of honey or a smear of Dijon mustard. The combination of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors makes for an unforgettable sandwich experience.
2. Cream Cheese: Smooth and Tangy
Cream cheese might not be the first option that comes to mind, but it’s a surprisingly effective choice for turkey sandwiches. Its smooth, spreadable texture makes it easy to incorporate into cold sandwiches, and its slight tanginess adds a refreshing contrast to the turkey’s mild flavor.
For a flavorful combination, try spreading cream cheese on your turkey sandwich with some cucumbers or bell peppers. You can also mix cream cheese with herbs like chives or dill for an added burst of flavor. Cream cheese pairs especially well with multigrain or rye bread, giving the sandwich a light but satisfying feel.
3. Goat Cheese: Tangy and Soft
Goat cheese is known for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it an excellent pairing for turkey. The sharpness of goat cheese can stand up to the turkey’s mildness, while its soft, spreadable texture adds moisture to the sandwich. Goat cheese is particularly well-suited for sandwiches with fresh vegetables or fruit-based spreads like fig or apricot preserves.
For a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich, pair turkey with goat cheese, roasted red peppers, and a drizzle of olive oil. The richness of the cheese, combined with the freshness of the vegetables, creates a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Cheese and Condiment Combinations for Turkey Sandwiches
When thinking about what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich, don’t forget about condiments. The right combination of cheese and condiments can take your sandwich from good to great, creating a delicious balance of flavors.
1. Cheddar and Mustard
Cheddar pairs wonderfully with mustard, particularly Dijon or whole-grain mustard. The sharpness of the cheddar complements the tangy bite of mustard, creating a savory, satisfying combination. Add some pickles or onions for extra crunch, and you’ll have a flavorful sandwich that hits all the right notes.
2. Swiss and Cranberry Sauce
Swiss cheese is mild enough to pair with the sweetness of cranberry sauce, creating a sweet and savory balance that’s perfect for turkey sandwiches. This combination is especially popular around the holidays but works well year-round for a light, refreshing sandwich. The tartness of the cranberry sauce cuts through the creaminess of the Swiss, adding a burst of flavor to each bite.
3. Brie and Honey
For a gourmet twist, try pairing Brie with a drizzle of honey or fig jam. The sweetness of the honey enhances the rich, creamy texture of Brie, while the mildness of the turkey provides a neutral base. Add some arugula or sliced pears to complete this sophisticated sandwich.
Cheese for Hot vs. Cold Turkey Sandwiches
When deciding what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich, it’s important to consider whether you’re making a hot or cold sandwich. Certain cheeses melt beautifully, while others are best enjoyed in their natural state.
1. Cheese for Hot Turkey Sandwiches
If you’re making a hot sandwich, choose cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. Melty cheeses add a gooey, indulgent element to hot turkey sandwiches, making each bite satisfying. Havarti and Gouda are also excellent choices for hot sandwiches because they melt easily and maintain their creamy texture.
2. Cheese for Cold Turkey Sandwiches
For cold sandwiches, focus on softer cheeses that add flavor without needing to be melted. Brie, goat cheese, and cream cheese all provide a creamy, spreadable texture that complements the cold turkey. Cheddar and Swiss also work well in cold sandwiches, adding just enough sharpness to balance the mildness of the turkey.
FAQs: What Cheese Goes Best with Turkey on a Sandwich?
1. Can I use multiple cheeses in a turkey sandwich?
Absolutely! Combining two or more cheeses can enhance the flavor and texture of your sandwich. For example, pair mild cheeses like provolone or mozzarella with sharper options like cheddar for a more complex taste.
2. Is it necessary to melt the cheese in a turkey sandwich?
No, you can enjoy turkey sandwiches with unmelted cheese. Softer cheeses like Brie or goat cheese don’t need to be melted, while sharper cheeses like cheddar can be enjoyed either way.
3. Can I use flavored cheeses in a turkey sandwich?
Yes, flavored cheeses like Havarti with dill or pepper jack can add an extra layer of flavor to your turkey sandwich. These cheeses work well with fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomato, or avocado.
4. Is vegan cheese a good option for turkey sandwiches?
Vegan cheeses made from nuts or soy can be excellent alternatives for those who prefer dairy-free options. Look for varieties like vegan cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese to add flavor and texture to your sandwich.
5. What’s the best cheese for a turkey melt sandwich?
Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone are all great options for turkey melts because they melt well and maintain their flavor when heated. Gouda and Havarti also melt beautifully and add a rich, creamy texture.
6. What’s the best cheese to pair with sweet ingredients like cranberry sauce?
Brie, Swiss, and cream cheese pair well with sweet ingredients like cranberry sauce, apple slices, or fig jam. These cheeses complement the sweetness while adding richness to the sandwich.
Conclusion: What Cheese Goes Best with Turkey on a Sandwich?
So, what cheese goes best with turkey on a sandwich? The answer depends on your flavor preferences and the type of sandwich you want to create. Mild cheeses like Swiss, Provolone, and Havarti bring balance and creaminess, while sharp cheeses like Cheddar and Gouda add a bold, robust flavor. Creamy cheeses like Brie and goat cheese create a more luxurious, gourmet feel. By choosing the right cheese and pairing it with complementary condiments, you can elevate a simple turkey sandwich into a flavorful, satisfying meal that meets your taste preferences.
Whether you’re making a hot, melty turkey sandwich or a fresh, cold one, the cheese you choose will make all the difference. Explore these options to find your perfect combination, and enjoy the ultimate turkey sandwich experience.