Name: Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz turkey breast; ¼ cup celery; 3 tbsp Hellman's light mayonnaise; 2 tbsp dried cranberries; 1 tbsp red onion; 4 multi-grain bread; 4 oz light Havarti cheese

Take the humble turkey sandwich to a new level with this open-faced turkey melt recipe. This is a nutritious and satisfying meal that combines the classic flavors of turkey, cranberries, and cheese. The addition of celery and red onion lends a pleasant crunch, while the melt-in-your-mouth Havarti cheese brings a touch of indulgence. This is a perfect dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner, and it's easy enough to whip up on a busy weekday.

Photos of Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe

While most of the ingredients for this open-faced turkey melt recipe are pantry staples, there are a couple that you might need to pick up from the supermarket. The Havarti cheese, known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, is a key ingredient that makes this dish delightfully cheesy. You might also need to get dried cranberries, which add a sweet-tart element that pairs well with turkey.

Ingredients for Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Turkey breast: Lean and protein-rich, this is the star of the dish.

Celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness.

Hellman's light mayonnaise: Used to mix the ingredients together, imparting a tangy flavor.

Dried cranberries: They bring a sweet contrast to the savory turkey.

Red onion: Gives a zesty kick.

Multi-grain bread: A healthy and hearty base for our open-faced sandwich.

Havarti cheese: This Danish cheese melts beautifully and has a mild, buttery flavor.

One reader, Hewitt Moy says:

This open-faced turkey melts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender turkey, tangy cranberries, and creamy havarti cheese is simply divine. It's a quick and easy meal that's perfect for a cozy night in. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!

Hewitt Moy

Techniques Required for Making Open-Faced Turkey Melts

How to prepare the turkey salad: Combine the turkey with celery, mayonnaise, cranberries, and red onion in a medium bowl and stir until well combined.

How to arrange the open-faced turkey melts: Place the toasted bread on a baking sheet and divide the turkey salad evenly among the slices, then top each with 1 ounce of cheese.

How to broil the open-faced turkey melts: Broil the assembled open-faced turkey melts about 6 inches from the flame until the cheese is golden and bubbling, for about 2 to 3 minutes.

How To Make Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Turn your leftover turkey into a hearty dish with these open-faced turkey melts made with celery, dried cranberries, and spices assembled in one sandwich.

Preparation: 5 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozturkey breast,chopped, cooked
¼cupcelery,sliced
3tbspHellman’s light mayonnaise
2tbspdried cranberries
1tbspred onion,chopped
4multi-grain bread,thinly sliced
4ozlight Havarti cheese,sliced

Instructions

Heat broiler over high with rack in the second position about 6 inches from the flame. Line a half-sheet pan with Reynolds non-stick foil.
In a medium bowl, combine the turkey with celery, mayonnaise, cranberries, and red onion then stir until combined.
Arrange the toasted bread on a baking sheet and divide the turkey salad evenly among slices, then top each with 1 ounce of cheese.
Broil about 6 inches from the flame until the cheese is golden and bubbling for about 2 to 3 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 1539.35kcal
Fat: 35.87g
Saturated Fat: 10.64g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.12g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 12.52g
Carbohydrates: 218.04g
Fiber: 36.77g
Sugar: 34.55g
Protein: 85.23g
Cholesterol: 65.77mg
Sodium: 2206.97mg
Calcium: 716.06mg
Potassium: 1334.86mg
Iron: 13.08mg
Vitamin A: 73.11µg
Vitamin C: 0.88mg

Helpful Technique for Making Open-Faced Turkey Melts

When broiling your open-faced turkey melts, keep a close eye on them as the cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in a matter of seconds. Also, toasting the multi-grain bread before adding the toppings helps to keep it from getting soggy. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices to the turkey mixture before broiling.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the turkey salad mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator, so when it's time to assemble the melts, all you have to do is spread it on the bread and broil.

Use pre-cooked turkey: Save time by using pre-cooked turkey breast, such as leftover roasted turkey or store-bought deli turkey, to skip the cooking step and speed up the recipe.

Substitute Ingredients For Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe

turkey breast - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for turkey breast in this recipe, providing a similar lean and tender texture.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can be used as a substitute for celery, adding a slightly sweet and aromatic flavor to the dish.
hellman's light mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, offering a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
dried cranberries - Substitute with raisins: Raisins can be used as a substitute for dried cranberries, providing a sweet and chewy element to the recipe.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for red onion, offering a milder and sweeter flavor to the dish.
multi-grain bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread can be used as a substitute for multi-grain bread, providing a nutty and hearty base for the turkey melts.
light havarti cheese - Substitute with swiss cheese: Swiss cheese can be used as a substitute for light havarti, offering a similar mild and nutty flavor with good melting properties.

Presenting Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Elevate the open-faced turkey melts: Arrange the open-faced turkey melts on a rectangular plate, ensuring that each melt is positioned at a slight angle to create visual interest.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the melts to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create an elegant design on the plate with a delicate drizzle of balsamic reduction, adding a sophisticated touch to the presentation.
Utilize microgreens: Carefully place a small bundle of vibrant microgreens on top of each open-faced turkey melt to enhance the visual appeal and provide a hint of earthy flavor.
Accent with edible flowers: Introduce a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, to the plate for a visually stunning and refined finishing touch.
Arrange on artisanal serving ware: Present the open-faced turkey melts on individual artisanal serving plates, elevating the overall dining experience and showcasing attention to detail.
Incorporate a side of pickled vegetables: Serve a small side of beautifully arranged pickled vegetables, such as radishes and carrots, to complement the open-faced turkey melts and add a burst of color to the presentation.
Utilize a slate serving board: For a modern and sophisticated presentation, arrange the open-faced turkey melts on a sleek slate serving board, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to stand out.

Essential Tools for Making This Recipe

Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and broiling foods in the oven.
Reynolds non-stick foil: Non-stick aluminum foil that prevents food from sticking to the pan.
Medium bowl: A bowl of moderate size used for mixing ingredients.
Half-sheet pan: A large, rimmed baking sheet typically used for baking and roasting.
Broiler: An oven compartment used for broiling, which is a cooking method that exposes food to direct radiant heat.
Mixing spoon: A utensil used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and broiling foods in the oven.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking and broiling foods in the oven.
Broiler: An oven compartment used for broiling, which is a cooking method that exposes food to direct radiant heat.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for This Recipe

To store leftover open-faced turkey melts, wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the open-faced turkey melts for later consumption, follow these steps:
1. Wrap each melt tightly in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
2. Place the wrapped melts in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag, labeling it with the date and contents.
3. Freeze the open-faced turkey melts for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat frozen open-faced turkey melts:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the desired number of melts from the freezer and unwrap them from the plastic wrap.
3. Place the frozen melts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Bake the melts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. If you prefer a crispier texture, you can broil the melts for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, but keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen open-faced turkey melts in the microwave:
1. Unwrap the desired number of melts and place them on a microwave-safe plate.
2. Microwave the melts on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
3. Keep in mind that microwaving may result in a softer texture compared to oven reheating.

How to Reheat Leftover Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover open-faced turkey melts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the melts loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a quicker option, use your microwave. Place the leftover melt on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the turkey is warm and the cheese is melted. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the bread to become soggy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat your open-faced turkey melt in it. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the melt directly on the rack. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a crispy texture, you can also reheat your leftover melt in a skillet. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil. Place the melt in the skillet, cheese side up, and cover with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bottom of the bread is crispy and the turkey is heated through.
If you want to freshen up your leftover open-faced turkey melt, consider adding some new toppings before reheating. Fresh tomato slices, avocado, or a sprinkle of herbs like basil or parsley can give your melt a new lease on life.

Interesting Fact About Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Turkey melts are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. They are a great way to use up leftover turkey and can be customized with various toppings and cheeses.

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this open-faced turkey melts recipe largely depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Turkey breast and havarti cheese can be moderately expensive, but the use of light mayonnaise and multi-grain bread can balance the cost. The recipe's versatility and potential for using leftover turkey make it a practical choice. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20. Overall, considering the nutritional value and taste, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its cost-effectiveness.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The open-faced turkey melts recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. Let's break it down:

Positives:

Turkey breast is a lean protein source
Multi-grain bread provides fiber and nutrients
Light mayonnaise and cheese reduce calorie and fat content
Celery and onion add crunch and flavor without many calories

Negatives:

The recipe lacks vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal
Dried cranberries contain added sugar
Depending on the bread, it may be high in sodium or processed ingredients

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Swap the multi-grain bread for a whole-grain variety to increase fiber content
Add a layer of fresh spinach or arugula to boost vegetable intake
Replace dried cranberries with fresh, diced tomatoes for a pop of color and nutrients without added sugar
Use a homemade mayonnaise made with olive oil to control ingredients and reduce processed additives
Experiment with different cheese varieties, such as goat cheese or feta, for a tangy twist and potential calorie reduction
Serve the open-faced melts with a side salad to round out the meal with more vegetables

By incorporating these changes, you can elevate the nutritional value of the dish while still enjoying the satisfying combination of turkey, cheese, and bread. Remember, moderation is key, and this recipe can be a part of a healthy, balanced diet when paired with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-dense foods.

Editor's Opinion on Open-Faced Turkey Melts

This open-faced turkey melts recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of turkey breast, celery, dried cranberries, and red onion creates a well-balanced and satisfying filling. The addition of light Havarti cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy element that complements the turkey salad perfectly. The use of multi-grain bread adds a nutty and wholesome base to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick and easy meal.

Enhance Your Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the open-faced turkey melts.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a refreshing side dish for the turkey melts.

Cranberry Walnut Spinach Salad: A vibrant salad with fresh spinach, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a zesty vinaigrette, a delightful accompaniment to the open-faced turkey melts.

Similar Recipes to Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: A creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful alfredo sauce.

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: A colorful and healthy dish that features a variety of fresh vegetables grilled to perfection and served on skewers.

Berry Cobbler: A delicious dessert made with a mixture of fresh berries topped with a sweet and buttery biscuit crust.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Open-Faced Turkey Melts

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by combining shredded zucchini with herbs, spices, and a touch of flour. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with a dollop of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping in this classic apple crisp dessert. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

Why trust this Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe:

This recipe is a delicious and satisfying choice for a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of turkey breast, celery, and dried cranberries creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The addition of light mayonnaise and light havarti cheese adds a creamy and indulgent element. The use of multi-grain bread provides a wholesome and nutritious base. With the careful selection of quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and wholesome dining experience.

Have you tried this delicious Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe? Share your thoughts and experiences in the Recipe Sharing forum section!

FAQ:

How long does it take to make the open-faced turkey melts?

It takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook the open-faced turkey melts.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.

Can I substitute the turkey with another type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the turkey with chicken, ham, or even roast beef for a different flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the turkey salad ahead of time and assemble the open-faced melts just before broiling.

How should I store any leftovers?

Store any leftover open-faced turkey melts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.