When you're short on time but craving a warm and satisfying meal, this avocado turkey panini recipe is just what you need. With creamy avocado, punchy red onion, melty cheese, and savory turkey, it's the perfect lunch or dinner option that can be whipped up in minutes. The secret to its speed? A quick cook time in the panini press!
For a quick and easy lunch or dinner idea that's both satisfying and delicious, look no further than this roasted turkey panini.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the panini press, you can have a hot and melty sandwich that's perfect for any occasion.
Not only is this recipe quick and easy, it's also incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy avocado, sweet and spicy red onion, and gooey cheese make for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Plus, using the panini press gives the bread a perfectly crispy texture while melting the cheese to perfection. It's a meal that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The whole family will love this turkey melt panini!
Ingredients
- Onion: Use red onion for this recipe, as the flavor is more mild and sweet compared to yellow or white onions. Slice the onion thinly for the best flavor.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar will impart a richer flavor than white vinegar, so be sure to use that here. You could also use balsamic vinegar.
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite mayo for this recipe. You can also substitute Greek yogurt if desired.
- Avocado: Choose an avocado that's just ripe, as overly ripe ones can turn mushy when warmed.
- Salt: We recommend using sea salt for this recipe for the best flavor.
- Bread: Use your favorite type of bread for making a panini. Ciabatta rolls, focaccia, or sturdy Italian bread work great!
- Oil: A good quality olive oil is the best option for this recipe, but you can also use melted butter.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is a great addition to this sandwich. It gives it an extra boost of healthy veggies and flavor.
- Turkey: Use deli turkey or cooked and sliced turkey for the panini. You can also use chicken if desired.
- Cheese: Sliced Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese are the best choices for a melty turkey avocado sandwich. Provolone is also a great option.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips & Tricks
- Start with quality ingredients: Use homemade turkey or a good quality deli turkey, ripe avocados, crusty bread, and your favorite type of cheese.
- Season the avocado: For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of spices like freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to the avocado mash before spreading it on the bread. For a spicy turkey avocado panini, use guacamole in place of the avocado and mayo.
- Press until golden brown: Cook the panini until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted to perfection.
- Don’t have a sturdy bread? Toast beforehand: If you are using super-soft bread (like white bread), toasting the bread beforehand will prevent the sandwich from getting soggy and will give it an extra crunch. Don't toast too long to avoid the bread getting burnt. (And no need to do this with sturdy bread.)
- Serve hot: Paninis are best served hot off the press, so enjoy this turkey panini sandwich recipe immediately after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This sandwich pairs nicely with a simple side salad of mixed greens and tomatoes, dressed lightly with balsamic vinaigrette. Or you can serve it alongside some crunchy air fryer garlic parmesan fries.
FAQs
What is the best bread for paninis?
The best bread for paninis is one that has a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. A classic Italian ciabatta works great, but you can also use a sourdough or focaccia. Just make sure to slice the bread thick enough so it doesn’t get too soggy when pressed in the panini press.
If you have an Aldi’s near you, I am obsessed with their Turano Pane Panini Bread, which is an Italian bread perfect for paninis.
Can I make this recipe without a panini press?
Yes, you can make this recipe without a panini press. To do so, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the sandwich in the skillet and place a smaller skillet on top to weight it down. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To do so, prepare the sandwiches as directed in the recipe and place them on a plate or baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator until ready to cook and serve. Because this recipe has avocado, don't prep it more than a few hours ahead to avoid it getting brown.
Can you use regular bread in a panini press?
Yes, you can use regular bread in a panini press, but plain white bread will not have quite the same texture as a sturdier bread. Make sure to slice it thick enough so it doesn’t get too soggy when pressed.
Tools
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- Panini Maker, Frying Pan or Grill Pan with Press, Sandwich Press
- Spatula
More Sandwich Recipes to Try
- When you need a quick meal that will please the entire family, this Chicken Philly Cheesesteak recipe is perfect!
- It is always great when you can make a restaurant favorite even better at home, and this Slow Cooker French Dip does just that!
- This Air Fryer Reuben is an easy-to-make weeknight meal the family will ask for again and again.
- For something truly spectacular, don't miss this Apple Brie Sandwich.
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Sliders are a family favorite that I know you will love too.
Turkey Avocado Panini
Equipment
- Panini Press
Ingredients
- ½ medium red onion sliced thin
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons mayonaise
- 1 avocado
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 8 slices bread
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 8 ounces deli turkey or cooked and sliced turkey
- 4 ounces sliced Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press.
- Place the onion in a shallow dish. Pour the vinegar over it and set aside.
- Place the mayonnaise in a separate dish. Peel and pit the avocado, and add it to the bowl. Sprinkle with the salt and mash with a fork until combined.
- Brush one side of each of the pieces of bread with oil and spread the avocado mixture on the other side.
- Place ¼ cup of the spinach on four of the slices of bread. Drain the onions and divide them between the sandwiches.
- Top with the turkey and sliced cheese and place the other slice of bread on top, avocado side down.
- Cook until the bread is toasted and crisp, about 5 minutes.
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