Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches

The first time I had blogged these Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Turkey and Havarti was back in 2012.  I have always loved a good grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup, how about you? Well, we are kind of a family divided on that subject.  

Some of us LOVE tomato soup, and others aren’t fans.  Some of love a traditional grilled cheese with American cheese on white bread, some say that even the simple grilled cheese needs some meat on it.  So, one night, I decided to make everyone happy!

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Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches

Since those early days, this sandwich is in our regular rotation.  It’s a great addition to soup nights, but it’s hearty enough to eat alone or with some potato or zucchini chips alongside.  

We have made these on white, wheat and Italian bread, but always come back to the sourdough.  The combination of it with the pesto, tomatoes and mellow tasting Havarti cheese is stellar.  

Best Cheese to Use on a Turkey Sandwich

Everyone has opinions on what sorts of cheese goes well on a turkey & cheese sandwich.  Havarti is always my top pick.  Other ideas would be these mild cheeses that melt well: Provolone, Muenster, Swiss, American, or Gouda.  

Good quality smoked gouda cheese would be delicious with some smoked turkey from the deli.  Especially if you are a fan of that smoke flavor.  Maybe even switch up that pesto for some barbecue sauce? Hummmmm … I think I might be onto a new sandwich here.  I need to write that down for later.

What is Pesto?

I always have a jar of pesto in the fridge.  I love adding it to pizza, garlic bread and of course these sandwiches.  

The art of making pesto, originated in Genoa, Italy. Pesto is the Genoese verb “pestare,” which means “to crush.”  Pesto is made by using a mortar and pestle to “crush” fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, fresh Parmesan cheese and olive oil into this flavorful sauce.  

Making homemade pesto is made much simpler these days, if you don’t want to break out the mortar and pestle, use your food processor! 

Ingredients in Grilled Turkey Havarti Cheese Sandwiches

Preparing Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches

Spread pesto to the insides of both pieces of bread.  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)  Top with turkey, then form the sandwich.  

Butter both outside pieces of bread, and place on a hot griddle or in a skillet.  Grill until golden brown and toasty on both sides, cut in half and serve hot.

Love it? Pin it!

If you can’t wait to make these, don’t forget where you found them! Pin these Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to your favorite recipe board to find them easily.

Best Sandwich Recipes

• Traditional Reuben Sandwich
• Copy Cat McDonald’s Fillet O Fish Sandwich
• Toasted Italian Sub Sandwiches
• Muffuletta
• Apple BBQ Pork Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese
• Homemade Runzas
• Pizza Monster Grilled Cheese
• Turkey Salad Sliders
• Sloppy Dorothy Sandwiches
• Crispy “Oven-Fried” Chicken in a Biscuit Sandwiches

This is a really easy meal.  I hope you love them as much as we do! Let’s get to this simple Grilled turkey & cheese sandwich recipe! 

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Print Recipe

Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches

These pesto Grilled Turkey & Havarti Sandwiches are a fast family favorite! Buttery grilled sourdough, garlic basil pesto, melty Havarti cheese, and tomato with sliced turkey.  When they ask "what's for dinner?" and these toasted turkey sandwiches are the answer, there is nothing but smiles!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time8 minutes mins

Total Time13 minutes mins

Course: Sandwiches

Cuisine: American

Keyword: best cheese for turkey sandwiches, Grilled cheese, grilled cheese on sourdough, grilled cheese with turkey, pesto grilled cheese, pesto grilled cheese with turkey sandwiches, tomatoes, Turkey Havarti sandwiches, what is pesto?

Servings: 1

Calories: 950kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet With Assist Handle, 10.25", Black
• Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle, 16.75 Inch x 9.5 Inch, Black

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

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

• Spread pesto on the insides of both pieces of bread. 
• 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) 
• Top with turkey, then form the sandwich.  
• Butter both outside pieces of bread, and place on a hot griddle or in a skillet. 
• Grill until golden brown and toasty on both sides, (approximately 3-4 minutes each side)
• Cut in half and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 950kcal | Carbohydrates: 78g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 57g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 139mg | Sodium: 2033mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g