Turkey Sub Recipe is a straightforward sandwich made with oven-roasted turkey, Monterey Jack cheese, crisp lettuce, tomato, and your choice of mayonnaise or mustard. It takes only a few minutes to assemble, making it a practical option for lunch or a packed meal.
The combination of soft sub bread, savory turkey, creamy cheese, and fresh vegetables gives each bite a satisfying mix of textures. A simple layering technique also helps keep the sandwich from becoming soggy when you prepare it ahead.
Why This Turkey Sub Works
- Quick Assembly: There is no cooking required, so the sandwich comes together in minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: Turkey, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and bread form the foundation.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the cheese or adjust the condiments to suit your preference.
- Lunch-Friendly: The sandwich can be prepared ahead for a packed lunch.
- Fresh Vegetables: Lettuce and optional tomato add freshness and crunch.
- Two Servings: The recipe is designed to make two servings.
Pro Tip: If making the sub ahead, place the cheese between the turkey and tomato. This creates a barrier that helps keep moisture from the tomato away from the bread.
Turkey Sub Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Oval sub bread
- Mayonnaise Mustard Optional
- 2 oz Oven-roasted turkey
- 2 slices Monterey Jack cheese or your favorite
- 2 slices Tomato Optional
- 2 Green lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise and mustard on each half of the sub bread.
- Layer lettuce, oven-roasted turkey, cheese slices, and tomato (if using) on the mayonnaise side of the bread.
- Close the sandwich with the top half of the sub bread.
- Serve with fresh fruits and veggies if you like!
Notes
- Turkey pairs well with cheddar, Swiss, or any of your favorite sliced cheeses.
- If preparing ahead, place the cheese between the turkey and tomato to prevent the top half from getting soggy. Refrigerate until ready to pack in a lunch bag, with or without an ice pack.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 335 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 33mg |
| Sodium | 1325mg |
| Potassium | 246mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
How to Layer a Turkey Sub
The order of the ingredients matters when you’re preparing this sandwich ahead of time.
Start with the condiments on the bread, then add the lettuce, turkey, cheese, and tomato. The cheese sits between the turkey and tomato, creating a useful moisture barrier that helps protect the bread.
Once the fillings are layered, close the sandwich gently without pressing down too firmly. This keeps the ingredients in place while preserving the shape of the bread.
Best Cheese Choices for a Turkey Sub
Monterey Jack is the cheese specified in the recipe, but turkey works well with several other sliced cheeses.
- Monterey Jack: Mild and creamy.
- Cheddar: More pronounced and slightly sharper.
- Swiss: Nutty and mild.
- Provolone: Smooth with a subtle savory character.
- Colby Jack: Soft, mild, and easy to pair with turkey.
Easy Ways to Customize Your Sub
- Mustard-Only: Skip the mayonnaise and use mustard as the main condiment.
- Cheddar Version: Replace Monterey Jack with sliced cheddar.
- Swiss Turkey Sub: Use Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Tomato-Free: Leave out the tomato for a less moist sandwich.
- Extra Lettuce: Add more lettuce if you prefer a crunchier bite.
- Simple Turkey Melt: Warm the assembled turkey and cheese before adding the lettuce and tomato.
What to Serve With a Turkey Sub
- Fruit Salad: Apples, grapes, berries, or melon make an easy side.
- Raw Vegetables: Carrot sticks, cucumber, or bell pepper add a crisp contrast.
- Simple Salad: A green salad keeps the meal light.
- Chips: Add a crunchy side for a classic lunch combination.
- Pickles: Serve with dill or fried pickles for a tangy contrast.
- Soup: Pair the sub with tomato soup or vegetable soup when you want a warmer meal.
How to Keep a Turkey Sub Fresh
- Use the Cheese Barrier: Place cheese between the turkey and tomato to reduce moisture transfer.
- Refrigerate Ahead: Keep the prepared sandwich refrigerated until you’re ready to pack it.
- Pack Carefully: Place the sandwich in a suitable lunch container so the bread does not become compressed.
- Use an Ice Pack: The recipe notes that an ice pack can be used when packing the sandwich for lunch.
- Add Moist Ingredients Carefully: Tomato can release moisture, so keeping it separated from the bread is particularly helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. The recipe notes that cheddar, Swiss, or your favorite sliced cheese can be used instead of Monterey Jack. - Do I have to add tomato?
No. Tomato is listed as optional, so you can leave it out. - Do I need both mayonnaise and mustard?
No. Both are optional, so you can use either one or adjust the condiments to your preference. - How can I stop the bread from getting soggy?
When preparing the sandwich ahead, place the cheese between the turkey and tomato to help create a moisture barrier. - Can I make this turkey sub ahead of time?
Yes. The recipe notes that it can be refrigerated until you’re ready to pack it in a lunch bag. - How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe provides two servings. - What type of turkey works best?
The recipe specifies oven-roasted turkey, preferably sliced thinly enough to layer easily inside the sub.
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The Freshman Cook started as a place to keep track of recipes I wanted to make again. Somewhere along the way, it grew into a collection of meals that friends requested, desserts that disappeared too quickly, and weeknight dinners that made life a little easier.
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