This grilled turkey pesto mozzarella sandwich combines fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, sliced turkey, and tangy pesto on hearty sourdough for a deli-quality sandwich you can make at home.
Whether you use thick carved turkey, thin deli slices, or leftover holiday turkey, this sandwich comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying mix of creamy cheese, bright basil pesto, and juicy tomato. It’s ideal for a fast lunch, a simple dinner, or a comforting way to use Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Pesto Sandwich Recipe
- Fast: Ready in about 10–15 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple ingredients: Only a few pantry and fridge staples required.
- Versatile: Easy to tweak with different breads, cheeses, or proteins.
Serve with chips, fries, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. This sandwich works year-round but shines with summer tomatoes or holiday turkey leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread (or your preferred bread)
- 2 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade; contains pine nuts unless using a nut-free version)
- 2 ounces sliced turkey (thick carved or deli thin)
- 2 slices fresh tomato (ripe, large tomato)
- 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1–1½ tablespoons salted butter (or mayo to fry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Adjust quantities to match the size of your bread slices. See the instructions below for assembly and cooking tips.
How to Make Turkey Pesto Sandwiches
Assemble the sandwich: Spread pesto evenly on the inside of both bread slices.
On one slice, layer the turkey, then the tomato slices. Season the tomato with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Tip: place tomato slices on a paper towel for a few minutes before assembling to absorb excess moisture.
Top the tomato with the fresh mozzarella slices, then close the sandwich with the other pesto-spread slice of bread.
Cook: Spread half the butter evenly over one outside slice of bread. Warm a large frying pan over medium heat and place the sandwich buttered side down. Cook 3–5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Spread the remaining butter on the top slice, flip the sandwich, and cook another 3–5 minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
When both sides are golden and the mozzarella is soft, remove the sandwich, slice, and serve immediately.
Substitutions
Make the sandwich your own with these swaps:
- Bread: Brioche, ciabatta, rye, whole grain, Texas toast, or rolls all work well.
- Protein: Roast chicken, leftover holiday turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian protein like grilled tofu.
- Pesto: Use basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or a nut-free version if you need to avoid tree nuts.
- Cheese: Provolone, shredded mozzarella, Havarti, goat cheese, or mild cheddar are tasty alternatives.
- Tomato: Substitute with roasted red peppers for a different flavor and less moisture.
- Spread for frying: Mayonnaise can be used instead of butter for a consistent golden crust.
What types of bread work best?
Sturdy breads like sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain hold up well to the sandwich fillings and grilling. For a softer bite, choose sandwich bread or brioche. If you prefer a lighter option, you can also assemble the ingredients in a wrap or pita.
Other cooking methods
If you don’t want to use a skillet, try these alternatives:
- Broil: Butter the sandwich, place it on a baking sheet, broil the top until golden, flip, and broil the other side until crisp.
- Panini press: Preheat the press, butter the bread, and grill until the bread is brown and the cheese melts.
- Air fryer: Place the buttered sandwich in the basket at 360°F (about 180°C) for 3–5 minutes per side until golden and melty.
Top tip
Match ingredient amounts to your bread size. Large sourdough slices handle more filling than standard sandwich bread. Pat tomato slices dry to prevent a soggy sandwich, and press gently while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
Nutrition (approximate)
Per sandwich (approximate): Calories 724 kcal; Carbohydrates 35 g; Protein 28 g; Fat 37 g; Saturated fat 17 g; Sodium 1695 mg; Fiber 2 g; Sugar 4 g. Values will vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
If you enjoy this turkey pesto mozzarella sandwich, tell me which simple recipes you’d like to see next or how you like to customize this one. It’s a quick, flavorful option that’s easy to adapt for whatever you have on hand.