A delicious turkey sandwich deserves an equally delicious sauce to elevate its flavors and textures. With so many sauces out there, it might be overwhelming to choose which ones are the best to pair with turkey. Luckily, we’ve curated a list of the top sauces that will complement your turkey sandwich, taking it to new heights of flavor perfection.
From savory to spicy, and even a touch of sweetness, these sauces cater to everyone’s taste preferences. Regardless of whether you’re a fan of classics like mayonnaise and mustard, or adventurous with bold flavors like sriracha or chipotle, there’s a sauce for every turkey sandwich enthusiast. So, the next time you’re crafting that perfect sandwich, consider trying one of these sauces for a culinary experience you won’t forget.
Key Takeaways
Explore various sauces to find the perfect pairing for your turkey sandwich.
Learn different methods to apply and customize the sauces for maximum flavor impact.
Discover recipe suggestions to create sandwiches with unique and delicious flavor profiles.
Types of Sauces
When it comes to turkey sandwiches, the right sauce can elevate your meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This section will explore various types of sauces that pair well with turkey sandwiches.
Creamy Sauces
Creamy sauces provide a rich, smooth texture that adds depth to your sandwich. Some popular creamy sauces to consider are:
Mayonnaise: A classic choice, mayonnaise complements the flavors of turkey and provides a creamy texture. You can also use flavored mayonnaise, such as garlic or chipotle, for an added twist.
Honey Mustard: Combining the tanginess of mustard with the sweetness of honey, honey mustard creates a unique and satisfying contrast to the savory turkey.
Aioli: Similar to mayonnaise, aioli is a versatile sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks. You can customize it with various seasonings or herbs for a personalized touch.
Tangy Sauces
Tangy sauces bring zest and brightness to your turkey sandwich, cutting through the richness of the meat and other toppings. Some tangy sauces include:
Mustard: Whether it’s classic yellow, spicy brown, or rich whole grain, mustard offers a sharp and tangy flavor that pairs well with turkey.
Cranberry Sauce: A traditional BBQ choice, cranberry sauce adds a tangy-sweet element to your sandwich, reminiscent of Thanksgiving flavors.
Pickle Relish: For an extra tangy kick, consider adding some pickle relish to your sandwich. The sour and savoury taste will nicely balance the other ingredients.
Spicy Sauces
If you’re a fan of heat, spicy sauces can add a kick to your turkey sandwich. Consider the following options:
Sriracha: This popular hot sauce is made from chili peppers, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt. It adds both heat and flavor complexity to your sandwich.
Hot Mustard: A mix of mustard and hot spices, hot mustard provides both tanginess and warmth, making it a great choice for those who enjoy some heat with their turkey.
Chipotle Sauce: This smoky, spicy sauce is made from smoked jalapeño peppers and adds depth and warmth to your sandwich.
Sweet Sauces
For those with a sweet tooth, the following sauces add a touch of sweetness that complements the turkey’s natural flavor:
Cranberry Sauce: As mentioned earlier, cranberry sauce offers a sweet and tangy addition to your turkey sandwich, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
BBQ Sauce: With its sweet and smoky undertones, BBQ sauce is a fantastic choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your sandwich.
Honey: Drizzling some honey over your turkey can add a subtle sweetness that balances out savory ingredients, creating a well-rounded sandwich experience.
Experiment with these sauces and find the perfect match for your turkey sandwich. Remember, individual tastes vary, so feel free to mix and match or even create your own sauce to enjoy a tailor-made meal.
Choosing the Perfect Sauce
Flavor Balance
When selecting a sauce for your turkey sandwich, it’s crucial to find one that balances flavors. You want a sauce that complements the taste of the turkey without overpowering it. It’s also essential to consider the spices and other ingredients in your sandwich to ensure a harmonious combination of flavors. Consider choosing a healthy sauce with a hint of sweetness, tanginess, or spice to elevate your turkey sandwich.
Texture Enhancement
A good sauce should not only enhance the flavor but also improve the texture of your sandwich. If your turkey sandwich has soft textures, opt for a sauce that adds some contrast, such as a sauce with added spices or ingredients that provide a bit of crunch. On the other hand, if your sandwich is already full of texture, a smooth, creamy sauce like mayo might be a better choice.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of the sauce can impact your overall sandwich’s health profile. When looking for a sauce, consider the calories, protein, fiber, healthy fats, sugar, cholesterol, and vitamin C content. It’s essential to choose a sauce that contributes to a well-rounded and nutritious meal without compromising on flavor. Some healthier sauce options include:
Yogurt-based sauces: These tend to be lower in calories and fat than mayo or creamy sauces, while still providing protein and calcium.
Mustard: A low-calorie, low-sugar option that offers a tangy flavor, mustard contains vitamin C, making it a healthier choice for your turkey sandwich.
Hummus: This protein and fiber-rich sauce option adds texture and flavor to your sandwich while also being a source of healthy fats.
Remember to keep track of the sauce portion size, as it can significantly impact the nutritional profile of your sandwich. By considering the flavor balance, texture enhancement, and nutritional value of your chosen sauce, you can create a tastier and healthier turkey sandwich experience.
Methods to Apply Sauces
When it comes to enjoying your turkey sandwich, there are several ways to apply sauces that can enhance the overall flavor. In this section, we’ll explore three popular methods: spreading, dipping, and drizzling.
Spreading
Spreading is a simple and effective way to incorporate sauce into your sandwich. To do this, select a sauce that has a thicker consistency, like mayonnaise, mustard, or aioli. Using a butter knife or spreader, apply a thin layer onto your choice of bread, whether it be rye, whole wheat, or a soft roll. Make sure to cover the bread evenly to distribute the flavor throughout the sandwich. Here are a few spread ideas:
Mayonnaise: Classic, garlic, or flavored with herbs
Mustard: Dijon, honey, or spicy brown
Aioli: Pesto, sriracha, or chipotle
Dipping
Dipping your turkey sandwich in sauce is another delicious way to enjoy this popular dish. Consider a sauce with a looser consistency, such as au jus or gravy. To make it easy to dip, serve the sauce in a small bowl or ramekin on the side of your sandwich. Here’s a table to guide you through some dipping sauce options:
Sauce
Description
Bread Pairing
Au Jus
Savory, beef-based sauce
Rye, Baguette
Gravy
Rich, turkey or chicken-based
White, Rye
Tzatziki
Cool, yogurt and cucumber-based
Pita, Multigrain
Drizzling
For a more artistic presentation, drizzling sauce over your sandwich provides an elegant touch. Drizzle a thinner sauce, like balsamic glaze or a light vinaigrette, directly onto the turkey or over the top of your sandwich. This method brings out the flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients. Here are a few drizzle ideas:
Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, reduced balsamic vinegar
Vinaigrette: Herbed, lemon, or dijon-based
As you can see, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to applying sauces to your turkey sandwiches. By exploring different methods like spreading, dipping, and drizzling, you can elevate your sandwich experience and discover new and exciting flavor combinations.
Customizing Sauces
When creating the perfect sauce for your turkey sandwich, customizing it according to your preferences is key. In this section, we’ll explore various ways to enhance your sauce by adding heat, incorporating sweetness, mixing for creaminess, and infusing tanginess.
Adding Heat
To add some heat to your sauce, consider incorporating spices such as cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce. Start with a small amount and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You can also add minced garlic or onion for an extra kick.
Incorporating Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter sauce, try adding a touch of sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust the sweetness to your taste and remember to balance it with other flavors in the sauce. For a more subtle flavor enhancement, you can incorporate fruity ingredients like pineapple or mango.
Mixing for Creaminess
Achieving a creamy texture in your sauce is easy when you mix in ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or yogurt. These additions not only make your sauce smooth and velvety but also provide a rich flavor. For a healthier alternative, you can try using Greek yogurt or avocado as a base for your sauce.
Infusing Tanginess
To give your sauce a tangy kick that complements the turkey, experiment with adding lemon juice, lime juice, or apple cider vinegar. Start with a modest amount and adjust according to your taste preferences. Incorporating pickled ingredients, such as pickles, capers, or pickled jalapeños, can also infuse tanginess to elevate your sauce.
Combining Sauces with Other Ingredients
Pairing with Bread
When deciding on a sauce for your turkey sandwich, it’s essential to consider the type of bread you’re using. For a hearty, whole-grain bread, opt for a bold, flavorful sauce like spicy mustard or chipotle mayo. If you’re using a softer, white bread, you may prefer a lighter, creamier sauce like ranch dressing or aioli.
Complementing Cheese
The right sauce can also enhance the flavor of the cheese in your turkey sandwich. For a sharp cheddar or blue cheese, you might want to pair it with a tangy barbecue sauce or a zesty Italian dressing. On the other hand, if you’re using a milder cheese like provolone or mozzarella, a smooth and creamy avocado spread or pesto may be a better match.
Balancing with Vegetables
Don’t forget to consider how your chosen sauce will mesh with the vegetables in your turkey sandwich. Lettuce and tomatoes go well with nearly any sauce, but for crunchier vegetables like cucumbers, onions, peppers, and pickles, you might want to choose a sauce with more acidity or spice to balance their flavors. For example, a combination of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise can provide a tangy counterpoint to the crisp vegetables, making your turkey sandwich even more satisfying.
Remember, the key is to experiment and find what works best for your taste buds. Feel free to mix and match sauces and ingredients to create your own unique and delicious turkey sandwich.
Recipe Suggestions
Simple Sauce Recipes
1. Easy Mayo-Mustard Sauce: Combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard in a small bowl. Apply a thin layer to both sides of your turkey sandwich or club sandwich for added tanginess.
2. Zesty Cranberry Spread: Mix 1/3 cup cranberry sauce, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, and 1 tablespoon of honey together for a delicious spread that complements your turkey salad or turkey sandwich perfectly.
Advanced Sauce Recipes
1. Chipotle Mayo:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 pressed garlic cloves
3 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. This sauce gives a spicy kick that is perfect for any turkey sandwich or lunch recipe.
2. Cilantro Pesto Aioli:
1/2 cup packed cilantro leaves
1/2 cup packed parsley leaves
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup pine nuts
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
In a food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, parmesan, olive oil, pine nuts, and garlic. Process until smooth. Mix in mayonnaise and season with salt and pepper. This aioli pairs wonderfully with dinner turkey sandwiches and other lunch options.
With these recipe suggestions, elevate your turkey sandwiches from good to amazing and enjoy a delightful meal any time of the day.
Conclusion
In summary, a variety of sauces can elevate your turkey sandwiches to new heights. Choosing the right sauce can enhance the flavors of your sandwich and create a memorable meal. Here are some sauces to consider when making your next turkey sandwich:
Mayonnaise: A classic choice that adds creaminess and moisture to your sandwich. You can also opt for flavored mayonnaises such as garlic or chipotle to add an extra kick.
Mustard: Another popular choice, with many different varieties available. Choose a spicy mustard for some heat or a honey mustard for a touch of sweetness.
Pesto: This Italian sauce, made from basil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, pairs wonderfully with turkey and adds a unique, fresh flavor.
Cranberry sauce: Perfect for a Thanksgiving-inspired sandwich, cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory turkey.
Aioli: A garlic-infused mayonnaise which can be customized with additional flavors and spices like lemon, rosemary, or chipotle.
Barbecue sauce: For a southern twist, try adding a smoky, tangy barbecue sauce to your turkey sandwich.
Hummus: A great option for those looking for a healthier alternative, hummus adds a creamy, flavorful element to your sandwich without the extra calories.
Remember, the key is to experiment and find the best combination of ingredients to suit your personal taste. So next time you’re making a turkey sandwich, consider these sauce options to elevate your meal and keep it interesting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular condiments for turkey sandwiches?
Some popular choices for turkey sandwiches include mayonnaise, mustard, cranberry sauce, and avocado spread. You can also try adding flavorful spreads like pesto, sun-dried tomato paste, or garlic aioli to enhance your sandwich.
Which sauces complement smoked salmon sandwiches?
For smoked salmon sandwiches, cream cheese, capers, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon are classic accompaniments. Consider a dill sauce, horseradish sauce, or tzatziki for additional flavor options that pair well with smoked salmon.
What are some healthy sauce options for turkey sandwiches?
To make your turkey sandwich healthier, opt for low-fat or fat-free versions of condiments such as mustard, hummus, and yogurt-based spreads. You can also use mashed avocado or a flavorful salsa as a spread for a more nutritious yet delicious option.
What is a good panini sauce for turkey sandwiches?
For a scrumptious panini sauce in your turkey sandwich, try a balsamic reduction or a sun-dried tomato pesto. Other options include a basil pesto or even a tangy chipotle mayo.
What are some must-try store-bought sauces for sandwiches?
There are several store-bought sauces that can elevate your sandwich experience. Some options include Sir Kensington’s Chipotle Mayo, Trader Joe’s Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto, Boar’s Head Delicatessen Mustard, and even Stonewall Kitchen’s Basil Pesto Aioli.
Is ranch a good choice for turkey sandwiches?
Yes, ranch dressing can be a tasty addition to your turkey sandwich, providing a creamy and tangy flavor. However, be mindful of portion sizes as it tends to be high in calories and fat. You can also opt for a light or fat-free version to keep it healthier.
Best Sauces to Serve with Turkey Sandwiches
There are many different sauces that can be used for a turkey sandwich, depending on personal preference. Here are some popular options:
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
