Turkey pepper jack paninis are the perfect solution for a quick and easy 10-minute lunch or dinner during the busy holiday season. Whether you’re traveling or hosting a house full of guests, these paninis are simple to transport and a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
They’re paired with a spicy mayo that enhances the kick of the pepper jack cheese. I like to serve them with a side salad for a healthy dinner option, and they also work great in my husband’s lunches for a convenient meal on the go.
10-Minute Turkey Pepper Jack Paninis: A Quick and Delicious Meal
10-minute turkey pepper jack paninis are the perfect go-to meal when you need something fast, flavorful, and easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a sandwich that’s both satisfying and versatile, whether it’s for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic.
Step 1: Make the Spicy Mayo for Turkey Pepper Jack Paninis
The best turkey pepper jack paninis start with a flavorful spicy spread that gives the sandwich a little heat. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of light mayo, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and a couple of squirts of your favorite hot sauce. For extra kick, I like to use either Tapitio or Tabasco sauce.
Stir the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well blended. This spread will add a delicious tangy and spicy layer to your sandwich.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Take your freshly made spicy mayo and generously spread it across both halves of your Ciabatta buns. I love using Ciabatta bread for my turkey pepper jack paninis because it’s sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients and doesn’t get soggy, even in the panini maker. The bread also toasts beautifully, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior with a soft, airy inside.
Step 3: Add the Turkey and Cheese
Now it’s time to layer on the turkey and pepper jack cheese. For a heartier sandwich, you can add extra slices of turkey. The pepper jack cheese brings just the right amount of spice and creaminess, pairing perfectly with the spicy mayo. If you’ve got leftover turkey from Thanksgiving, this is the ideal recipe to put it to good use while still feeling fresh and exciting!
Step 4: Grill the Sandwiches
Top the turkey pepper jack paninis with the other piece of bread and spray each side with cooking spray so that it doesn’t burn. Pull down the lid on the panini maker and heat the sandwiches until the cheese begins to melt about 5 minutes. If you don’t have a panini maker, you can always use a grill pan or sauté pan with another sauté pan pressed down on top. You will just have to flip the sandwich to grill both sides.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
When the turkey pepper jack paninis have cooled enough to handle, add in the lettuce, tomato, or any other fixings you might like.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with fresh fruit and kettle chips. Turkey pepper jack paninis are so easy to make that we have them at both lunch and dinner time. I have even taken them on a picnic, and they taste delicious. Sometimes, it’s nice to have the crunchy top to the sandwich, even if the inside isn’t warm.
When I make this for dinner, I sometimes serve it with my cranberry and candied pecan salad or my apple blue cheese salad. It makes for a healthy and quick meal that looks and tastes amazing. For more quick meal ideas, visit my recipe index or follow my 30-minute Meal Madness board on Pinterest. Happy cooking, y’all!
