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Ingredients
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Sandwiches
Like-to-have toppings & add-ons
Assorted bagels (served alongside)
Method
Sandwiches
Prepare condiments and bread
Spread 2 tablespoons mayonnaise evenly over 6 slices of rye bread. On the remaining 6 slices spread 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard on each (total 4 tablespoons). If toasting on a griddle, spread softened butter on the mustard-side of each slice for a golden exterior.
Assemble hot-toasted sandwiches (optional)
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place 3 mustard-and-buttered rye slices butter-side down onto the hot surface. Top each with 4 slices smoked turkey (about 4-5 oz per 2 sandwiches), then 1-2 slices Swiss cheese. Finish with the mayonnaise-spread rye slice, mayonnaise side down. Cook 3-4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese begins to melt, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes more until the second side is golden and cheese fully melted. Repeat for the remaining 3 sandwiches.
Assemble cold sandwiches (alternate)
If you prefer not toasted, take 6 rye slices with mayonnaise and top each with 4-6 slices smoked turkey, 1-2 swiss slices, lettuce leaf, 2-3 tomato slices, a few red onion rings, and pickle slices. Spread Dijon on the remaining 6 slices and close sandwiches. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Portioning
Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Each sandwich yields 12 halves total from 6 full sandwiches, serving 6–8 depending on appetite. Arrange on a platter and keep warm for toasted sandwiches or cover chilled sandwiches and refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.
Like-to-have toppings & add-ons
Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Slice tomato about 1/4" thick. Thinly slice half a red onion and separate rings. Have dill pickle slices ready. Place toppings in small bowls on a build-your-own sandwich station so guests can add to taste.
Season tomato slices lightly with a pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper just before assembling to prevent them from making bread soggy.
Assorted bagels (served alongside)
Warm bagels briefly in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 6-8 minutes if desired, or slice and toast to guest preference. Place cream cheese in a bowl with a butter knife and cold butter in another dish for spreading.
Arrange bagels and spreads beside the smoked turkey on rye sandwiches so guests can take a bagel as an additional option.