Name: Smoked Turkey Melt with Pepper Jack & Basil
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 slices sourdough bread; 4 squirts olive oil spray; 1 tablespoon mayo; 2 ounces thinly sliced Pepper Jack Cheese; 2 ounces thinly sliced smoked turkey; 1 small tomato; basil leaves

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Sneak Preview: This Smoked Turkey Melt is a golden, toasty sandwich packed with melty cheese, fresh basil, and juicy tomato—perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Smoked turkey melt sandwich on a plate with lettuce

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A crispy, melty sandwich inspired by Oprah’s “Love Sandwich.”

Ever had a sandwich that made you stop and savor every bite? This one just might. Inspired by Oprah’s famous “Love Sandwich,” this turkey melt is all about texture and bold flavors.

Smoked turkey adds rich depth, while pepper jack cheese melts into spicy, creamy perfection. Fresh basil brightens it up, and juicy tomato adds freshness—just make sure to pat it dry so your sandwich stays crispy!

The Backstory

As a farm girl in Indiana, my summer lunches were often bologna sandwiches eaten from the seat of a tractor. If one hit the ground, I had a personal “5-second rule” that kept me from going hungry.

Now that I get to choose my sandwiches, I prefer something warm, toasty, and actually exciting to eat—like this smoked turkey melt!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Sourdough Bread: Sturdy and crisps up beautifully. Try this easy sourdough recipe if you have starter in the house. Any hearty bread works!
Olive Oil Spray & Mayo: Helps toast the bread and adds flavor.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy and creamy! Swap for mild Cheddar or Muenster if preferred.
Smoked Turkey: A step up from regular deli turkey. Rotisserie chicken works, too.
Tomato: Brings freshness—just dry it well to avoid soggy bread.
Fresh Basil: The standout flavor! Spinach or arugula also work.

How to Make a Smoked Turkey Melt

1. Prep the Bread: Lightly spray one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Flip, then spread a thin layer of mayo on the other side.

2. Assemble the Sandwich: Layer cheese, smoked turkey, tomato (pat it dry!), basil, and another slice of cheese on the mayo-covered side. Top with the second slice of bread (mayo side facing out).

3. Toast the Sandwich:

Panini Press: Preheat and grill until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
Stovetop Method: Use a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place another pan on top to press it down. Flip after 2 minutes for even toasting.

4. Serve: Slice in half and enjoy immediately while the cheese is melty!

FAQ

What if I don’t have a panini press?

A heavy skillet works! Use medium heat and place another skillet on top to press it down. Flip after a couple of minutes for an evenly crisped sandwich.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Try mild Cheddar, Gouda, or Swiss if you prefer a less spicy bite.

Should I add the basil before or after grilling?

Either works! If you like a fresher basil flavor, add it after grilling.

Need help troubleshooting? Please email me: Paula at saladinajar.com–photos welcome!

Smoked Turkey Melt with Pepper Jack & Basil

By Paula Rhodes

This Smoked Turkey Melt is a crispy, cheesy sandwich loaded with smoked turkey, spicy pepper jack cheese, fresh basil, and juicy tomato—all toasted to golden perfection. Inspired by Oprah’s “Love Sandwich,” this quick and satisfying melt takes just 10 minutes to make. Use a panini press or a skillet to achieve that irresistible crunch. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep time: 5

Cook time: 5

Total time: 10

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread
4 squirts olive oil spray
1 tablespoon mayo
2 ounces (56 g) thinly sliced Pepper Jack Cheese
2 ounces (56 g) thinly sliced smoked turkey
1 small tomato
basil leaves

Instructions

Prep the Bread:

Lightly spray one side of each bread slice with olive oil. Flip, then spread a thin layer of mayo on the other side.
2 slices sourdough bread, 4 squirts olive oil spray, 1 tablespoon mayo

Assemble the Sandwich:

Layer cheese, smoked turkey, tomato (pat it dry!), basil, and another slice of cheese on the mayo-covered side. Top with the second slice of bread (mayo side facing out).
2 ounces (56 g) thinly sliced Pepper Jack Cheese, 2 ounces (56 g) thinly sliced smoked turkey, 1 small tomato, basil leaves

Toast the Sandwich:

Panini Press: Preheat and grill until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes).
Stovetop Method: Use a heavy skillet over medium heat. Place another pan on top to press it down. Flip after 2 minutes for even toasting.

Serve:

Slice in half and enjoy immediately while the cheese is melty!

Notes

If you prefer, add basil or spinach to sandwich after cooking.

Equipment

Non-Stick Frypan Set

Nutrition

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11 Comments

I am fine with the 5 second rule – so long, it’s on MY kitchen floor 😀

That panini looks droolicious and dare i say, better than the ones served in Panera Bread? 😀

I wish you would come make this for me right now. Smoked Turkey, pepper jack (maybe habanero jack?) with tomatoes- – -perfect for a panini.

How’d your quinoa experimenting turn out?

I am with you! I eat cold sandwiches pretty much when I have no time to eat lunch at work, but I LOVE paninis. Yours look fantastic 🙂

I still follow that 5 second rule sometimes, lol. I know, I know it doesn’t really work but it makes me feel better to think it does.

Yay! I still have basil! 🙂 This sandwich looks scrumptious. I don’t have a panini press, but I do have iron skillets in all shapes and sizes. I agree that a nice warm toasted sandwich is better than a cold one any day!

Wow, looks good. I believe Chris was talking about this only today – something about photo-op before eating??? :+)

Love all of this…panini’s are a favorite! Basil in a panini is a must too. The fall favorites on your side bar look amazing especially those pumpkin pancakes, I need to give those try.

My Thanksgiving turkey was roasted but some of the leftovers are still going to make it into this awesome looking sandwich.

Looks awesome! I’m grabbing my basil while I still can!

Paula says:

at

As a matter of fact, I moved the publication of this post up because of your last post about your basil and the impending frost. I need to make some serious pesto myself.

Reply

Love the Love Sandwich! I’ve tried it before, it’s a great one – I’m sure smoked turkey makes it even better. And thanks for the kind words about my blog (Panini Happy, actually :-))!

Paula Rhodes, owner

As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.