Whether you need to whip up a fast work-from-home lunch or you’re looking for a delicious Game Day bites, this Turkey Pesto Sandwich recipe is hearty, so full of flavor, and easy to adapt for many occasions!
Sometimes, you just want to make a big ol’ delicious and satisfying sandwich. One that maybe takes two hands to eat, and fuels you up for the rest of the workday.
This Turkey Pesto Sandwich recipe is so fast and easy. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for lunch, dinner, or to serve at parties!
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🌟 Why this recipe works
I’m pretty picky when it comes to sandwiches. That’s why, quite frankly, you won’t find a ton of different random sandwich recipes on this site. If I’m going to share a sandwich recipe with you, it’s got to be good – REALLY good. Like, amazing.
And this turkey pesto sandwich is worthy of sharing with the world!
- It’s easy to make and just takes about 10-15 minutes.
- You can use all store-bought ingredients for super fast assembly.
- Or, you can use your own homemade pesto and homemade bread, if you prefer.
- The sun-dried tomatoes and basil add a delicious Italian flavor to these panini sandwiches.
- You can make these with or without a panini press. See the FAQs below.
🛒 Ingredient notes
You’ll need the ingredients pictured above to make these sandwiches. Some notes on a few key ingredients:
Ciabatta – I’ve experimented a bit and found that ciabatta bread is the best bread for this turkey pesto sandwich. It has a nice crisp outer crust that gets nice and crispy when buttered up and placed in a panini press. But it’s not too thick that it’s a challenge to eat. You can use whatever your favorite sandwich bread is.
If you’re making these into turkey pesto sliders for Game Day or other party apps, use rolls like the ones in the upper right corner of the photo above.
Pesto – You can use store-bought jarred pesto or make your own! We always have a lot of herbs from the garden and pesto is one of our favorite ways to enjoy them. Try my Spinach Pesto, Mint Pesto, Avocado Pesto, or Carrot Top Pesto recipe.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
- Slice each ciabatta roll in half.
2. Spread half of the pesto on the bottom half of one and the other half of pesto on the bottom half of the other roll.
3. Top each of the bottom halves of sandwiches with 4-5 slices of turkey.
4. Top each with 2 slices of Provolone cheese.
5. Spoon about ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes onto each half sandwich.
6. Place 2 to 4 basil leaves on top of the sun-dried tomatoes on each half.
7. Top each with the remaining top of the ciabatta rolls. Brush melted butter over the tops of each sandwich roll.
8. Then brush the inside of a panini press with olive oil, or use cooking spray. Place one sandwich onto the press (or both if there is room), then press the top down and cook on medium-high for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.
Slice each sandwich in half and serve.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can! Place the sandwiches on a hot skillet over medium-high heat with a little bit of olive oil. Use another heavy bottom pot or pan to place on top of the sandwich to press down on it, similar to what a panini press would do. Watch the sandwiches carefully and cook just until the cheese starts to melt.
store leftovers in foil or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in an air fryer and air fry at 350°F for 2 minutes, just until the sandwich is heated through.
🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment
You will need a panini press to make these turkey pesto sandwiches.
I also use this large basting brush to brush the butter onto the tops of the sandwiches before pressing. It’s silicone, so easier to clean compared to bristle brushes.
🍽 Serving ideas
I like to make these for lunch. They’re hearty and satisfying, and delicious to fuel the rest of the work day. But they also make a great family dinner!
Serve sandwiches with a side of Air Fryer Broccoli or a Simple Fruit Salad.
Serving them for Game Day eats? Use the same ingredients except switch out cute little slider rolls for the ciabatta bread and make Turkey Pesto Sliders (see photo above for inspiration). Add some Air Fryer Corn Ribs, Buffalo Chicken Bites, chips with Dairy Free Creamy Queso Dip, and Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites.
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Turkey Pesto Sandwich
Equipment
- 1 panini press
Ingredients
- 2 rolls ciabatta bread, divided
- ½ cup pesto, divided
- 10 slices sliced turkey, divided
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained of their juices, divided
- 4 slices Provolone cheese, divided
- 4 to 8 basil leaves, divided
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Slice each ciabatta roll in half.
- Spread half of the pesto on the bottom half of one and the other half of pesto on the bottom half of the other roll.
- Top each of the bottom halves of sandwiches with 4-5 slices of turkey.
- Top each with 2 slices of Provolone cheese.
- Spoon about ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes onto each half sandwich.
- Place 2 to 4 basil leaves on top of the sun-dried tomatoes on each half.
- Top each with the remaining top of the ciabatta rolls.
- Brush melted butter over the tops of each sandwich roll.
- Then brush the inside of a panini press with olive oil, or use cooking spray. Place one sandwich onto the press (or both if there is room), then press the top down and cook on medium-high for about 4 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the tops are golden brown.
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
