Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe

Crafting these turkey pesto melts feels like a cozy hug from Italy wrapped in flavorful vibes and a touch of spice—perfect for when you want something deliciously simple yet extraordinary!

Change the lunchtime routine with my Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich. I love how the creamy pesto sauce pairs with thinly sliced deli turkey breast, while the provolone cheese adds a rich, savory, unforgettable flavor.

And of course, the kick I get from pickled jalapeños and roasted red peppers makes this a sandwich I should hope I never forget.

Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe Ingredients

• Deli Turkey Breast: A lean protein, low in fat and calories, perfect for sandwiches.
• Pesto Sauce: Rich in healthy fats and antioxidants from nuts and basil.
• Provolone Cheese: Provides creamy texture and adds calcium for bone health.
• Roasted Red Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, offering sweet, smoky flavor.
• Pickled Jalapeños: Adds spicy kick, contains capsaicin which may boost metabolism.

Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 2 Italian sandwich rolls or hoagie rolls
• 1/2 pound deli turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup pesto sauce
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, drained and sliced
• 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)

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How to Make this Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe

1. Set your oven to an initial temperature of 350°F. That’s 175°C if you’re using the metric system.

2. Cut the Italian sandwich rolls in half horizontally and lay them open-faced on a baking sheet.

3. With olive oil, brush the inside of each roll; then, with salt and pepper, lightly season.

4. Apply a thick coat of pesto sauce to the bases of each of the rolls.

5. Distribute evenly the turkey breast that has been sliced over the halves that have been spread with pesto.

6. On each sandwich, layer two slices of provolone cheese onto the turkey.

7. Equally distribute the sliced roasted red peppers and the pickled jalapeños over the cheese.

8. When using, place several fresh basil leaves on top of the jalapeños.

9. Top each sandwich with the remaining roll halves and Gentle press down.

10. Put the sandwiches in the oven for approximately 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the rolls are a little crisp. Serve right away.

Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Pastry brush (for applying olive oil)
6. Measuring cups (for pesto sauce, roasted red peppers, and pickled jalapeños)
7. Measuring spoons (for olive oil)
8. Serving plates

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of bread?Indeed, any robust sandwich roll will do as a substitute, such as ciabatta or a baguette.
• Is there an alternative to roasted red peppers?You can use fresh tomato slices or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
• What can I use instead of provolone cheese?Excellent substitutes for mozzarella or fontina cheese when making a dish with pesto and turkey are
• How do I make the sandwich less spicy?Less pickled jalapeños. Nickel-and-dime them if necessary. For added juiciness and a milder flavor, more cheese. It helps. And don’t forget two things: The cheese should be of the meltable kind, and use double the amount if adding cheese.
• Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?Ideally, prepare it fresh, but you can gather everything in advance and toast the sandwich before serving.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this sandwich?Replace turkey with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian alternative.

Spicy Italian Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Turkey breast from the deli: Use chicken breast in its place or opt for thinly sliced roast beef for a more distinct flavor.
Pesto sauce: Swap out for sun-dried tomato pesto for a different flavor profile or opt for hummus for a creamier texture.
Mild provolone cheese: Substitute with mozzarella or Swiss cheese. Why: Provolone’s flavor ranges from mild to sharp, and when aged, it can taste quite spicy. If you want a straightforward, easy-melting cheese to work with, Mozzarella is your best bet. And if you want a cheese with more character, but still mild and melting, go with Swiss.
Red peppers, roasted: For a crunchier texture, use fresh bell peppers cut into strips. For a different flavor profile, substitute with artichoke hearts.
Jalapeños in brine: Substitute banana peppers for a milder, less spicy flavor, or use crushed red pepper flakes for a more intense flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Toast for Texture To enhance the texture, lightly toast the tops and bottoms of the sandwich rolls separately in the oven for a few minutes before assembling. This will give you a delightful crunch.

2. Pesto Premiere Make your own fresh pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil for a more vibrant and personalized flavor.

3. Roast Red Peppers Fresh Try roasting fresh red peppers at home to taste the difference. Simply broil or grill whole red peppers until their skins are blackened, then peel and slice.

4. Jalapeño Adjustment If you want a milder heat, rinse the pickled jalapeños under cold water briefly to remove some of their heat while retaining flavor.

5. Herbal Infusion Mix a few fresh basil leaves directly into the pesto sauce before spreading it on the rolls for an added hint of herbal freshness throughout the sandwich.