Classic Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipes

PESTO-TURKEY LAYERED LOAF

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. Cut the top fourth off loaf of bread. Carefully hollow out the bottom, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. (Discard removed bread or save for another use.) Spread pesto on the inside of top and bottom of bread. Set top aside., In bottom of bread, layer the turkey, cheese, zucchini, tomatoes and onion. Gently press the layers together. Replace bread top and wrap tightly in foil. , Place on a baking sheet. Bake 25-30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

TURKEY PESTO SUBS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey; cook until no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan., In same pan, heat remaining oil. Add pepper and onion; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Return turkey to pan; stir in pesto. Remove from heat., Place buns on a baking sheet, cut side up. Top with turkey mixture and cheese. Broil 2-3 in. from heat until cheese is melted, 1-2 minutes.

TURKEY, CRANBERRY, AND PESTO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Build the sandwich by first spreading pesto on both sides of the bread.
• Layer turkey, lettuce, tomatoes, cranberries, and cheese on to the bottom piece of bread. Add the top. Slice into 6-8 little sandwiches.
• Serve and enjoy with your favorite sparkling wine cocktail at a luncheon. You can also Bake for a few minutes until the cheese melts and serve hot with some warm apple cider in the winter time.
• Note1: I like to prepare fresh pesto straight from my garden the traditional way using lots of fresh basil, lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Olive Oil, and salt/pepper.
• Note2: When preparing the turkey, tomatoes, lettuce, and cheese, ensure the sizes fit the size of your bread. For a small baguette, they need to be fairly small.
• Note3: Place the Cranberries directly on the Pesto. They will stick into the sandwich better this way.
• Note 4: It is important to use good quality turkey. I prefer to roast my own after soaking in a basic brine for 24-48 hours. If you don't have the time to do this, use your favorite good quality deli cut.