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!
I really hadn’t planned on blogging this simple sandwich, but when a friend and follower of my blog asked for the “recipe” I figured I would jot it down on my blog. That was over 8 years ago!
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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.
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- Homemade Runzas
- Pizza Monster Grilled Cheese
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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!
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.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
1Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 950Total Fat: 57gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 2033mgCarbohydrates: 78gFiber: 4gSugar: 11gProtein: 36g
nutrition isn't guaranteed accurate
Zane and Van says
We love this recipe because we can put some avocado in it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Michaela says
Totally would have had it last night, but alas…. I didn’t have any! 🙁
Haley D. Williams says
I forgot how much I love havarti cheese! It pairs perfectly with pesto. Yum!
Jessica Formicola says
I made one of these sandwiches for lunch today and OMG was it delicious! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Alice | SkinnySpatula says
This sandwich is so going to be my lunch tomorrow! Looks amazing.
Gloria says
Sometimes you just want a great sandwich for dinner. In fact, we are having sandwiches tonight. This looks like a great one to add to the rotation.
Irina says
What a great picnicking option these sandwiches are! The taste sounds amazing too. Bookmarking for later.
Cookilicious says
Sandwiches are always a hit in the house! These look really good
Emily says
Havarti is one of my favorite cheeses in sandwiches! Loved this grilled turkey and cheese sandwich, and so did all my family, it is a great combo!
Chef Mireille says
I loved this sandwich. The pesto really transformed a plain old turkey and cheese sandwich into something special. Will definitely become a regular lunch at my place.
Alexandra says
Made this for lunch today, and it was absolutely delicious! My new favourite grilled sandwich!
Beth Sachs says
I absolutely LOVE Havarti cheese and it pairs so well with the turkey, Great recipe. The kids love it.
Akshita Sharma says
I made it yesterday, taste was so amazing. I really like grilled turkey and Havarti sandwiches.
Michaela Kenkel says
Glad you enjoyed it!