Simple to Make Turkey and Bacon Panini
An easy, satisfying turkey and bacon panini that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weekday lunch or a light dinner. This sandwich combines lean sliced turkey, crisp bacon, fresh tomato and reduced-fat cheese on whole grain bread, then grills to golden, melty perfection. It’s a great option when you want a flavorful sandwich without a lot of fuss.
Pin Recipe
5 mins
6 mins
11 mins
Main Course
American
2
376 kcal
Ingredients
Adjustable servings available. Multiply ingredients as needed.
- 6 slices Oscar Mayer Center Cut Bacon or turkey bacon (see Shopping Tips)
- 4 slices Whole Grain Honey White Bread (or your favorite whole grain bread)
- 4 teaspoons reduced-fat butter or Smart Balance Heart Light
- 2 teaspoons spicy or yellow mustard
- 2 teaspoons Nancy’s Skinny Ranch Dressing or reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 4 ounces sliced cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
- 4 thin slices fresh tomato
- 2 slices reduced-fat cheese (Havarti, Swiss, or mozzarella)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Line a microwave-safe plate with two sheets of paper towels. Arrange 6 slices of bacon in a single layer on the towels, then cover with another sheet of paper towel. Microwave until crisp, about 4–5 minutes depending on your microwave. Drain and set aside on paper towels.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of butter on the outside of each of the 4 bread slices. Turn the slices over. On the inside of two slices spread 1 teaspoon of mustard each, and on the inside of the other two slices spread 1 teaspoon of ranch dressing or reduced-fat mayonnaise each.
- On the slices with ranch (butter side out), layer the turkey, tomato slices, cooked bacon and reduced-fat cheese. Arrange ingredients evenly so the sandwich presses together nicely.
- Top with the remaining bread slices so the mustard side is inside and the buttered sides are outside.
- Coat a nonstick pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high. Place sandwiches in the pan and grill until the outside is golden brown, about 3 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts and both sides are golden. If using a panini press, cook sandwiches 3–4 minutes until golden and heated through.
- Remove from heat, cut each sandwich in half, and serve warm. Good accompaniments include carrot sticks and a fruit cup for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
Notes & Tips
Shopping tip: choose a center-cut bacon or turkey bacon for a leaner option. Pick a whole grain bread you enjoy to boost fiber and flavor. If you prefer lower sodium, look for reduced-sodium turkey or bacon alternatives.
Make-ahead: cook the bacon in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in the microwave or skillet before assembling the panini. To save time, assemble sandwiches and store wrapped in the fridge for a few hours before grilling.
Variations: swap mustard for Dijon or honey mustard for a different flavor profile. Add baby spinach or arugula for extra greens, or substitute the cheese with provolone or a light cheddar. For a vegetarian alternative, replace turkey and bacon with grilled marinated tofu and roasted red pepper.