Community recipe
Honey-Mustard Turkey and Apple Cheddar Melts
Open-faced toasted sourdough layered with tangy honey-mustard spread, turkey, crisp apple, and bubbling sharp cheddar. A quick, satisfying lunch or light dinner with a sweet-savory twist.
- Serves
- 4
- Prep
- 12 min
- Cook
- 18 min
- Difficulty
- easy
Get ready
Ingredients
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 8 sourdough bread, sliced
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 0.25 tsp ground black pepper
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 12 oz sliced deli turkey
Make it
Instructions
- 01
Prepare the oven, pan, and apple
Heat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper rated for at least 400°F. Wash and dry 1 apple, core it, and cut it into thin slices, about ⅛ inch thick. Toss the slices with 1 tsp lemon juice in a small bowl; set aside. | Why: Lining the sheet prevents sticking, and a little acidity keeps the sliced apple bright.
- 02
Toast the bread
Arrange 8 slices sourdough bread in one layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 8 minutes, flipping each slice halfway through, until the surfaces feel dry and the edges turn lightly golden. Keep the oven on. | Why: Toasting first helps the melts stay crisp under the toppings.
- 03
Mix the seasoned spread
While the bread toasts, stir together 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp honey, and ¼ tsp ground black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. This tangy, peppery spread seasons the filling; the turkey and cheddar will add saltiness. | Why: Mixing the seasonings into the spread distributes flavor across every bite.
- 04
Build and bake the melts
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a heatproof surface. Grate 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese. Spread the seasoned mixture evenly over the toasted slices, then divide 12 oz sliced deli turkey and the prepared apple among them. Scatter the grated cheese evenly on top. Return the sheet to the 400°F (205°C) oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling and the turkey is steaming hot. | Why: Keeping the cheese on top holds the filling together as it melts.
- 05
Rest and serve
Transfer the baking sheet to a heatproof surface. Let the melts rest for 2 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to plates. Serve 2 open-faced melts per person while the cheese is warm and the bread is crisp. | Why: A brief rest lets the cheese settle so the toppings stay put.
