A.l.l. Chicken Roast Turkey Melt Recipe

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and hot sauce. Whisk until smooth and uniform. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce to preference. Refrigerate while preparing the sandwich (can be made up to 3 days ahead).

Cook the bacon

Place bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium and cook, turning occasionally, until browned and crisp, about 8–10 minutes depending on thickness. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tsp bacon fat in the pan and discard remaining fat or save for other uses.

Prepare the bread

Butter one side of each bread slice evenly with the unsalted butter. The buttered sides will be the exterior that contacts the skillet.

Assemble sandwiches

Place two bread slices butter-side down on a clean work surface. Spread about 1 tablespoon of house sauce on each unbuttered side of both bottom slices. Divide the roast turkey evenly between the two sandwiches (about 4 oz per sandwich). Top turkey with 2 slices of cheddar per sandwich (arrange to cover turkey). Add 3 slices of cooked bacon per sandwich on top of the cheese. If using, add about 1/2 cup arugula or shredded lettuce per sandwich over the bacon. Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slice, butter-side up.

Grill the sandwiches

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat. When hot, place one sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid or a sheet pan to help cheese melt, pressing gently with a spatula. Cook 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. If the bread browns too quickly before the cheese melts, reduce heat to low, cover, and allow an extra 2–3 minutes. Repeat with the second sandwich.

Rest and serve

Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute, then cut each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately with extra house sauce on the side for dipping.