Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe

I absolutely love this Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe because it’s one of those quick, satisfying meals that feels both comforting and a little fancy. You get the savory turkey combined with the creamy chew of Havarti cheese and a pop of dried cranberries—it just works so well together. I first made this when I had leftover turkey and wanted something fresh but easy, and now it’s become a go-to for lazy weeknights or even a quick lunch.

What makes this recipe special is that you don’t need a ton of ingredients or time, yet it feels like you’re treating yourself. Whether you’re serving it as a light dinner or want to impress a casual crowd, you’ll find that the Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. Plus, the combo of crunchy toasted bread with melted cheese on top? Pure magic.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe plays an important role—from the crunch of celery to the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries. Using freshly toasted bread really elevates the whole melt experience, so I recommend getting good-quality multigrain or gluten-free slices for the best results.

• Chopped cooked turkey breast: Leftover turkey works wonderfully here, or grab pre-cooked deli-style turkey to save time.
• Celery (sliced): Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy cheese and mayo.
• Hellman’s Light mayonnaise: Keeps it creamy without being heavy—don’t skip it!
• Dried cranberries: A little sweet burst that brightens the flavor and adds texture.
• Red onion (chopped): Just a touch gives a nice savory zing without overpowering.
• Multi-grain bread or gluten-free bread: Toasted to add a sturdy base and great crunch.
• Light Havarti cheese (sliced): Melts beautifully and makes every bite creamy and gooey.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to swap out ingredients to match what you have on hand or your taste preferences—this recipe is forgiving and so adaptable!

• Cheese swap: I’ve tried Swiss or provolone, and each brings a slightly different melt and flavor profile that’s delicious.
• Make it vegetarian: Swap turkey for grilled mushrooms or a bean-based salad for a veggie twist.
• Dressing twist: Sometimes I stir in a little Dijon mustard or Greek yogurt with mayo for a tangier turkey salad.
• Seasonal add-ins: Try chopped apples instead of cranberries for a fall version, or fresh herbs like thyme for extra flavor.

How to Make Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Broiler & Toast Bread

First things first, preheat your broiler to high and place the oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source—typically the second position from the top works well. While it warms up, lightly toast your bread slices so they’re just crisp enough to hold the toppings without getting soggy later. I like to use a toaster or a quick under-the-broiler toast so it’s evenly done.

Step 2: Make the Turkey Salad Mix

In a medium bowl, combine your chopped cooked turkey breast, sliced celery, mayonnaise, dried cranberries, and chopped red onion. Stir everything together gently but well—this creates the base flavor for your melt and balances creaminess with crunch and a touch of sweetness. Taste and adjust if you want a little more mayo or cranberries; sometimes I add extra cranberries because I love that punch.

Step 3: Assemble & Broil

Arrange the toasted bread slices evenly on a lined baking sheet. Divide the turkey salad mixture so each slice gets a generous, even scoop. Then top each slice with a couple of slices of the light Havarti cheese—roughly an ounce per slice. Now comes the fun part: broil them for about 2 to 3 minutes, watching very closely. You want the cheese golden and bubbling but not burnt, so keep an eye on it—broilers can be tricky!

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Once the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly, pull these beauties out and serve immediately. I love these with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper or a bit of fresh parsley on top for color and brightness. You’re gonna love how well everything melds together.

How to Serve Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top my melts with some freshly ground black pepper and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a few extra dried cranberries on top for sweetness and visual appeal. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders to contrast the creamy cheese.

Side Dishes

To keep things light and balanced, I love pairing these melts with a crisp salad like mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. If you want something heartier, roasted sweet potatoes or a bowl of soup (tomato or butternut squash) make perfect autumn companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive lunch, I like to cut the melts into smaller bite-sized squares and serve them on a wooden board with a few small bowls of olives and pickles. It’s a great way to share with friends while keeping it casual yet impressive. On cozy nights, layering the melts on a plate with fresh herb sprigs adds a lovely rustic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store any leftover turkey salad and toasted bread separately in airtight containers in the fridge. That way, you avoid soggy bread and keep the turkey salad fresh. The salad stays good for about 2-3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches during the week.

Freezing

While I don’t recommend freezing the assembled melts because the bread and cheese don’t thaw well, you can freeze the turkey salad mixture solo. Freeze it in an airtight container, and defrost overnight in the fridge before using. This way, you have a quick way to whip up melts whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I toast fresh slices of bread, warm the turkey salad gently in the microwave (just 20-30 seconds so it doesn’t dry out), then assemble and broil quickly just to melt the cheese again. This technique keeps the flavors fresh and the bread crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Open-Faced Turkey Melts Recipe a try because it’s genuinely one of those quick, easy meals that feels special without much fuss. I’ve made it countless times when I needed a fast lunch or a crowd-pleasing snack, and every time it delivers that perfect combo of comfort and flavor. Trust me—you’re going to love how simple ingredients come together to make something so satisfying. Grab your leftovers and give it a go, I think you’ll be hooked!

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