Turkey and Swiss Panini with Mustard is a warm, savory, and satisfying sandwich that perfectly balances tender turkey, melted Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard. Pressed to perfection in a panini grill or skillet, it delivers a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, cheesy interior.

This easy-to-make sandwich is ideal for lunch, a quick dinner, or a portable meal. With its combination of rich flavors and crunchy texture, the panini transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with additional toppings or condiments to suit your personal taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is incredibly quick to assemble yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. The combination of lean turkey and nutty Swiss cheese melts together beautifully, while the mustard adds a zesty contrast that keeps each bite exciting.

The sandwich is warm, gooey, and crisp all at once, providing a satisfying texture and taste. It’s also highly versatile—pair it with pickles, tomatoes, or spinach, and it elevates a simple meal into a deliciously satisfying experience.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This panini is a must-try because it turns everyday sandwich ingredients into a gourmet treat. It is simple enough for a weekday lunch but impressive enough for entertaining.

The crisp, buttery bread, melted cheese, and savory turkey combined with tangy mustard create an irresistible flavor profile. It’s a balanced meal that offers protein, carbs, and fat in a delicious way. Whether served with soup, salad, or on its own, this panini delivers a satisfying, flavorful experience that everyone will enjoy.

Preparation Time

10 minutes

Cooking Time

8–10 minutes

Servings

2 servings

Calories

Approximately 450 calories per serving

Course

Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

For the Panini

• 4 slices of crusty bread (ciabatta, sourdough, or French bread)
• 6 ounces sliced deli turkey
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened
• Optional: sliced tomatoes, baby spinach, pickles, or caramelized onions

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat a panini press or skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread mustard on one side of each bread slice.
3. Layer turkey and Swiss cheese on two slices of bread. Add optional toppings if desired.
4. Top with remaining bread slices, mustard side down.
5. Brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with softened butter.
6. Place sandwiches in the panini press or skillet. Press gently and cook 4–5 minutes per side, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
7. Remove from heat, slice in half, and serve warm.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Bread

Choose a sturdy bread that can hold the fillings. Spread mustard evenly on one side of each slice.

Step 2: Assemble the Sandwich

Layer turkey and Swiss cheese on two slices of bread. Add optional ingredients like tomatoes or spinach for extra flavor and texture.

Step 3: Top and Butter

Place the remaining bread slices on top, mustard side down. Spread softened butter on the outside to create a golden, crispy crust.

Step 4: Cook the Panini

Use a panini press or skillet to grill the sandwiches. Cook 4–5 minutes on each side until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Press lightly to compact the sandwich.

Step 5: Serve

Remove from the heat, cut sandwiches in half, and serve immediately while warm.

How to Serve This Recipe

• Serve with a side salad or tomato soup for a classic combination.
• Pair with pickles, chips, or roasted vegetables.
• Slice in halves or quarters for smaller portions or sharing.
• Add a drizzle of honey mustard or aioli for extra flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use day-old bread for a crispier exterior.
• Butter the bread lightly to avoid sogginess.
• Layer cheese directly on turkey to help it melt evenly.
• Preheat the panini press or skillet to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overloading with toppings to prevent spilling during grilling.

Variations

Classic Ham and Swiss

Replace turkey with ham for a traditional flavor.

Turkey Pesto Panini

Add a layer of basil pesto under the turkey for herbal notes.

Apple and Brie Panini

Add thin apple slices and brie cheese for a sweet-savory twist.

Spicy Mustard Panini

Use a spicy brown mustard and add jalapeños or pickled peppers.

Veggie Panini

Replace turkey with roasted vegetables, using Swiss or mozzarella cheese.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

Store cooked panini in airtight containers for up to 1 day; best served fresh.

Freezer

Assembled sandwiches can be frozen ungrilled for up to 1 month. Wrap individually in foil or plastic wrap. Grill directly from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes of cooking time.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet, oven, or panini press until warm and cheese is melted.

Special Equipment Needed

• Panini press or skillet
• Spatula
• Knife for slicing
• Small brush for buttering (optional)

FAQ

Can I use different cheese?
Yes, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar work well.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, use roasted vegetables or plant-based deli slices instead of turkey.

What if I don’t have a panini press?
Cook in a skillet, pressing down with a spatula or another heavy pan.

Can I prepare ahead of time?
Assemble sandwiches and refrigerate for a few hours before grilling.

Can I add spreads or sauces?
Yes, mayo, pesto, or aioli can be added for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Turkey and Swiss Panini with Mustard is a quick, delicious, and satisfying sandwich that combines tender turkey, melted Swiss cheese, and zesty mustard in a crispy, golden package. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or an on-the-go meal, this recipe is easy to make, versatile, and highly customizable. Whether served with soup, salad, or chips, this panini is a timeless favorite that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. It is a recipe that belongs in any home cook’s repertoire for simple yet flavorful meals.