This is my ALL-TIME FAVORITE, go-to deli-style sandwich. Smoked turkey, crispy turkey bacon, sharp white cheddar, sweet and crunchy Fuji apple, pickled red onion, creamy coleslaw, seasoned smashed avocado, and tangy mustard sauce stacked between soft and hearty whole grain bread. 
Turkey apple cheddar has been one of my mainstay lunches for as long as I can remember. In fact, this recipe was initially published on the site in November 2016. With all the tweaks to the formula over the years, a recipe update was long overdue. Just a few small enhancements have taken my simple, satisfying turkey apple sandwich to a whole new dimension of flavor, texture, and deliciousness.
breaking it down
- Turkey breast – Grab some freshly sliced smoked turkey breast from the deli for the best taste.
- Cheddar – Sharp white cheddar is my favorite here, but you can sub any number of semi-soft to firm cheeses.
- Bacon – Does it really make a difference? YES. A healthy and very convenient option is store-bought fully cooked turkey bacon such as Wellshire (no nitrites!). Just crisp up a slice on the stove or toaster oven for a few minutes, and it makes the perfect crispy and smoky addition to sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
- Apple – I’m a Fuji apple enthusiast. When in season, they have the ideal combination of sweetness, tanginess, juiciness, and crunch.
- Pickled red onion – Trust me, after you start pickling your red onion, you will never see it the same way. This is SO easy to do, and you can keep pickled red onion on-hand for infinite uses. Try this super simple recipe.
- Avocado – You can smash a scoop of ripe avocado right onto the bread with a fork.
- Coleslaw – This is another enhancement that is absolutely worthwhile. It adds satisfying creaminess, a veggie crunch, and extra tang. Try my favorite Southern buttermilk coleslaw recipe. Alternatively, you can sub any baby green you fancy.
- Dijon/mustard BBQ sauce – Simple country or whole-grain Dijon is perfect for this sandwich. But, if you really want to take it up a level, try subbing a Carolina Gold (mustard-based) BBQ sauce.
- Seasoning – My all-time favorite all-purpose seasoning is without question this Salty Wahine Hawaiian Rub. I HIGHLY recommend ordering some. (They don’t pay me to say this; I’ve just honestly never come across any seasoning that rivals it.) It’s a blend of paprika, sea salt, garlic, and herbs. Otherwise, everything seasoning + freshly ground black pepper is also perfect for this sandwich.
- Bread – A hearty, seeded, soft whole grain bread works beautifully for this sandwich. I love any of Dave’s varieties.
On the side are bottom-of-the-bag (still very delicious) cheddar Sun Chips.
The BEST Turkey Apple Cheddar Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices hearty whole grain bread (I love Dave's seeded varieties)
- 1-2 tsp country Dijon (or sub Carolina mustard BBQ sauce)
- sprinkle everything seasoning + ground black pepper (or sub all-purpose seasoning such as Hawaiian rub with garlic and paprika)
- 2 oz deli sliced smoked turkey
- 1 slice cooked turkey bacon (heated on stovetop or in toaster oven until crispy, then torn into small pieces)
- 1/2 - 1 oz sliced sharp white cheddar
- 1/4 - 1/3 Fuji apple, thinly sliced
- sliced pickled red onion
- 2-3 Tbsp prepared coleslaw (or sub baby greens)
- 1/2 - 1 oz ripe avocado
Instructions
- Spread Dijon/mustard sauce on one slice of bread. Smash avocado on the top slice. Sprinkle each with everything seasoning and pepper (or your favorite all-purpose seasoning). On top of the mustard slice, layer turkey, torn bacon, cheddar, apple, pickled onion, and slaw or greens. Top with the other slice of bread, avocado-side-down. Slice in half and enjoy!