Regional Turkey Sandwich Variations

Whether you love the local delicatessen’s cold turkey sandwich or enjoy whipping up a simple, hot grilled one at home, this protein is one of the classics for a sandwich filling. Turkey has somewhat of a mild flavor, balanced with saltiness and a touch of sweetness, making it very versatile when it comes to pairing. The traditional turkey deli slices are not the only choice – don’t forget about leftover Thanksgiving turkey, roasted and smoked meat, or turkey bacon to star in your sandwich.

At any sub sandwich shop, grocery store deli, or traditional delicatessen, you’ll surely spot a turkey sandwich on the menu. But depending on where you are in the U.S., each region will have its own spin on the sandwich. Regional ingredients, bread choices, cheese variety, and condiments are what make each variation unique – and here are some of the top variations you should know about:

Regional Turkey Sandwiches in the United States

1. Kentucky Hot Brown – As the name details, this hot sandwich was invented in Louisville, Kentucky. It’s served open-faced on two slices of Texas toast, with thick slices of turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and Mornay sauce, a bechamel sauce with grated cheese.

2. Turkey Devonshire – Similar to the Kentucky Hot Brown, but with origins in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and a few variations. It’s also served up open-faced and hot but uses cheddar cheese sauce and served on white bread toast; bacon and tomatoes are also used as toppings.

3. Turkey Club - The oldest published recipe for this classic sandwich can be traced back to 1903, this one can be found consistently throughout the United States. The standard version hasn’t changed much in the past 100+ years, and typically features six core ingredients, including mayo, tomato, lettuce, bacon, and turkey, served up in your bread of choice. This sandwich takes well to variations and customization, and at Fat Sal’s, we use oven-roasted turkey breast and add avocado for a West Coast spin.

4. California Turkey Sandwich – It’s not a California sandwich without avocado. This fresh sandwich features sliced avocado, sprouts, mustard, sliced cucumber, tomato, and possibly a drizzle of light dressing, typically served up on sourdough or wheat bread.

5. Applejack Turkey Sandwich – With Midwest origins, this sandwich is served up hot, incorporating grilled peppers, turkey, melted cheddar cheese, and apple. There are a few variations; sometimes apple slices are layered into the sandwich, or instead, the bread is spread with apple butter.

6. Albuquerque Turkey Sandwich – Inspired by the Southwest’s bounty of green chiles, this turkey sandwich brings a bit more of a kick than the others. It uses white bread for the base, like ciabatta or sourdough. To maximize your pepper usage, go for a jalapeño bun. For the fillings, roasted turkey is complemented by strips of roasted green chiles, chipotle mayo, and white cheese, like Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack cheese.

7. Leftover Thanksgiving Turkey Sandwich - While this one isn’t necessarily tied to a specific region of the nation, it deserves a spot on the list. At the minimum, it’s loaded with generous chunks of leftover Thanksgiving turkey, cranberry sauce, and any vegetable side dish, but a dollop of mashed potato or stuffing is also welcome. Or, try a non-traditional Turkey Reuben with the leftovers.

The strategy of building a regional turkey sandwich

Anyone can make their own turkey sandwich with a regional spin. When it comes to bread, turkey’s lighter flavor – and thinner texture, if using deli slices – means it will get lost in something hearty like pumpernickel. White and crusty is good, and whole wheat works too. Use local bread or Hawaiian rolls for a twist on the base.

For the rest of the ingredients, consider what is a specialty ingredient where you live. Hot pepper jelly? Pimiento cheese? Sauerkraut or slaw? Guacamole or fig jam? Maybe don’t pair all these together, but remember that turkey is very versatile, pairing nicely with savory or sweet flavors.

If you enjoyed reading about turkey sandwiches, check out our guide to iconic sandwiches from around the world.