This turkey focaccia sandwich features layers of turkey, provolone cheese, spinach, & basil pesto. It’s super easy and great for appetizer trays, hikes, and picnics.
I’ve been making this turkey focaccia sandwich almost monthly since Tim and I got married 20 years ago. I’ll admit — I stole this recipe from a friend, but I promise, she doesn’t mind that I share it with you all!
After I make focaccia bread or sourdough focaccia, I look for a good sandwich to make with the focaccia bread. This one always comes to mind. I love how easy it is to make and how flavorful it is. It’s really easy to change it up every time depending on what meats or veggies I have on hand. After traveling to Italy more than five times now, it also brings me back to the delicious Italian cuisine (even though it may not be “traditionally” Italian).
Hot tip: You can use store-bought focaccia bread as a shortcut (Trader Joe’s has a really good one!).
Assembling this Easy Focaccia Bread Sandwich
All this turkey sandwich requires is five minutes of prep time and some super light assembly.
- Prepare the focaccia: Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally. Spread the mayonnaise on the top half of the focaccia and the fresh basil pesto on the other side.
- Assemble the sandwich: On the bottom piece of the focaccia, lay the turkey slices in a single layer. Top with the cheese slices, spinach, and another layer of turkey. Lay the top piece of focaccia on and press down to secure the ingredients inside.
- Slice the sandwich: Slice the sandwich into small squares and keep them together with a toothpick. Enjoy!
Toasty sando tip: Slice the focaccia in half and lay it on a baking sheet. Drizzle it with olive oil and sprinkle on a little salt and pepper. Toast it at 350°F until golden brown. You can also do this with the cheese on for melty goodness.
Turkey Focaccia Sandwich Tips & Tricks
This focaccia sandwich recipe takes only five minutes, but here are still a couple quick tips and tricks to help you make it deli-worthy.
- Assemble the sandwich in the right order: Always spread the sauce on the bread and build from there. Typically, the best order is spread, meat, cheese, then veggies. Not only does this lend the best bite, but it also keeps your sandwich from falling apart.
- Press the sandwich down to secure the ingredients: After assembling your sandwich, give the top a nice, firm press. This helps secure the ingredients inside so they don’t squeeze out of the sides when you cut or chomp down.
- Use a serrated knife to slice the sandwich: When slicing your focaccia sandwich, use a serrated knife in a slow sawing motion to avoid squeezing out the sandwich filling.
Storing Turkey Focaccia Sandwiches
This focaccia sandwich is best eaten the day of assembly. Keep it fresh by storing it in a ziploc bag or an airtight container. Wrap each piece in parchment paper, plastic wrap, or foil to keep it from separating.
Hot tip: Feel free to eat the sandwich cold or hot — it’s up to you! If you want it warm, toast the bread, assemble the sandwich, and eat it immediately. Otherwise, store and eat the sandwich cold whenever you want it.
Sandwich Variations
Want to customize this sandwich to your specific taste buds (and ingredients currently in your fridge)? Easily swap out any of the ingredients you want.
- Spread: I recommend you keep the mayo and pesto as the main spreads for this sandwich, but you can also add more garlic flavor by mixing the mayo with some pressed garlic.
- Vegetables: Add fresh slices of tomato, red onions, or avocado. Feel free to swap the spinach with arugula or any other leafy green. Sun-dried tomatoes add a strong sweet, tangy flavor!
- Cheese: Swap the provolone with slices of cheddar, gouda, havarti, or any other kind of cheese you love.
- Marinated vegetables: For a pop of tang, add on some marinated tomatoes, marinated mushrooms, or pickled onions.
- Meats: Swap the turkey out for another lean meat like deli ham, roast beef, or chicken. Prosciutto and bacon are also super great!
Hot tip: If you’re looking for a side to serve with the sandwich, I recommend olivier salad (Slavic-style potato salad) and air fryer potato chips. Or, pair the sandwich with tomato basil soup. Yumm!
More Tasty Sandwich Recipes
- Easy Philly Cheesesteak Recipe (The Ultimate Guide) – Slices of beef, peppers, and provolone cheese
- Panera Bread Tuna Sandwich – A copycat of the beloved Panera classic
- The BEST Cuban Pork Sandwich – Roast pork combined with melted Swiss cheese
- Egg Salad Sandwich – A protein-rich, meatless lunch option
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 loaf focaccia bread
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp basil pesto
- 8 oz turkey sliced
- 8 oz provolone cheese sliced
- 1 cup spinach
Instructions
- Slice the focaccia bread in half horizontally. On one side, spread the mayo and on the other side spread the basil pesto.
- On the bottom piece of focaccia, place the turkey slices in a single layer. Top with the cheese, spinach, and more turkey slices.
- Cover the sandwich with the top slice of bread. Press down on the sandwich firmly to secure all the ingredients inside. Cut the sandwich into small squares. Enjoy!
I am obsessed with these focaccia sandwiches! I'll be making them again soon!
Glad you enjoyed them, Anna! Focaccia makes such a delicious sammy!
Homemade focaccia really makes this sandwich shine! Thanks for the idea for an easy, delicious lunch!
You're welcome, Dana!
This was super tasty and delicious! Great for an easy lunch!
Hi April! Thanks for the feedback. And I so agree- easy lunch is where it's at!