Gourmet Turkey Bacon Melts
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these Gourmet Turkey Bacon Melts. Perfectly toasted Italian bread encases layers of juicy deli turkey, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and rich cheddar cheese. The secret lies in the creamy dressing blend that adds an unexpected kick, making each bite a delightful adventure. Serve these melts with a refreshing side salad or a warming soup for a satisfying lunch or an easy yet elegant dinner. This recipe, originally inspired by the Pillsbury 2008 Annual Recipes Cookbook, has been reimagined for a modern palate.
4
Servings
415
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons
Ranch Dressing
1 tablespoon
Soft Italian Bread
8 slices (about 1/2 inch thick)
Deli Turkey
4 ounces (shaved from deli)
Bacon
4 slices (cooked and halved)
Tomatoes
4 slices (halved)
Cheddar Cheese
2 slices (halved)
Butter or Margarine
2 tablespoons
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing until smooth.
2
Evenly spread the dressing mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
3
Layer the turkey, bacon, tomato, and cheddar cheese onto four slices of bread, ensuring the dressing spread is face up.
4
Place the remaining bread slices on top, with the mayonnaise mixture side facing downwards, to form sandwiches.
5
Generously spread butter on the top side of each sandwich.
6
Preheat a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat.
7
Place the sandwiches in the skillet, buttered side down.
8
Spread butter on the now top side of the sandwiches.
9
Cover the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes or until the bottoms are golden brown.
10
Carefully flip the sandwiches, cover, and continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, or until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
11
Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
35g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Turkey Bacon Melt?
It is a toasted sandwich featuring soft Italian bread, deli turkey, crispy bacon, tomatoes, and melted cheddar cheese, enhanced with a mayo-ranch dressing.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 415 calories.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for soft Italian bread, ideally sliced about 1/2 inch thick.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its richness, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like Swiss or Provolone.
How do I make the secret dressing?
Simply combine 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon of ranch dressing in a small bowl until smooth.
What kind of turkey should I buy?
The recipe suggests 4 ounces of shaved deli turkey.
Does the bacon need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and halved before assembling the sandwiches.
What is the total cook time in the skillet?
The total cook time is about 11-14 minutes: 6-8 minutes on the first side and 5-6 minutes on the second side.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine to be spread on the outside of the bread.
What are some recommended side dishes?
These melts pair perfectly with a refreshing side salad or a warming bowl of soup.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
A medium-low heat setting is recommended to ensure the bread browns without burning while the cheese melts.
Why should I cover the skillet while cooking?
Covering the skillet helps trap heat to ensure the cheese is fully melted by the time the bread is golden brown.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings (4 sandwiches).
How much protein is in each melt?
Each sandwich provides 18 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22.5 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe requires 8 total ingredients.
Can I use sourdough instead of Italian bread?
Yes, sourdough is a great alternative for a different flavor profile.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
You should use 4 slices of tomato and halve them before placing them in the sandwich.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner?
Absolutely, it is described as an easy yet elegant dinner option.
How should I apply the dressing?
Evenly spread the dressing mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is ideal for cooking the sandwiches.
Can I make these in a panini press?
Yes, a panini press can be used; just ensure the outside is buttered for a golden finish.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It was originally inspired by the Pillsbury 2008 Annual Recipes Cookbook and reimagined for a modern palate.
How do I assemble the layers?
Layer the turkey, bacon, tomato, and cheddar on the dressing-side of the bread, then top with another slice of bread.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, adding spinach or arugula can provide extra freshness and crunch.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, sandwich, turkey, bacon, cheddar, grilled sandwich, lunch, and easy dinner.
How do I know when the sandwiches are done?
They are ready when both sides of the bread are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Should I slice the sandwich before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the familiar flavors of turkey, bacon, and melted cheese make it a favorite for all ages.