Waffle Iron Turkey & Smoked Gouda Panini

Thick slices of turkey, creamy smoked gouda, sliced avocado, and crispy bacon get warm and melty in between two pieces of toasty bread. This melty, toasty sandwich comes together in 5 short minutes, and the magic happens in a waffle iron.

I found a new obsession, you guys… Waffle iron sandwiches! If you want to get technical, it’s a panini, only it’s pressed and toasted in a waffle iron instead of a panini press. Genius, right?

I thought so.

The thing is, there is not a stitch of space left in my kitchen for one more electronic gadget–not a single, solitary space. No vacancy, if you will.

Not only that, but I’d rather not spend a mini fortune on a panini press. What works just like a panini press that you most likely all ready have handy and costs about $24? A waffle iron! I love waffles, but don’t use it nearly enough as I should. Well, that problem is solved. After discovering that I can make a hot, gooey, toasted sandwich melts using my waffle iron, it hasn’t left the counter. I’ve been making this Waffle Iron Turkey & Smoked Gouda Panini on the daily.

It’s pretty epic, if I do say so myself.

I’ve been super busy lately, so quick meals that come together quickly and easily are a must these days. This panini is perfect for busy weeknights, and it makes for a delicious and easy weekend lunch. Add a side of chips or crispy french fries, and you’re good to go.

You can use any combination of meat, cheese, and toppings, but I happen to love this sweet and smoky combination. I topped it with my new favorite Sweet Golden Mustard Barbecue Sauce by Sweet Baby Ray’s.

Sweet Baby Ray’s has always been my go-to barbecue sauce. I ALWAYS have several bottles stocked in my pantry, but their Sweet Golden Mustard is my current obsession. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and smoky, which is precisely why I chose it for this recipe.

You can use your favorite bread. I had a loaf of potato bread handy, so I went with that. The key to a crispy waffle iron panini is greasing the waffle iron, and the easiest way to that is to spray the iron with canola oil. Load up the bread with your toppings and drizzle on the sauce. Place the sandwich in the pre-heated waffle press and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasty. I like to gently press down on the waffle iron while the sandwich toasts.

That’s it! A few short minutes, and you’re ready to eat.

Print Recipe

Waffle Iron Turkey & Smoked Gouda Panini

Yield: 1 panini

Total Time: 5 minutes

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 slices bread (your favorite)
• 4 slices smoked turkey breast
• 2 slices crispy bacon
• 2 slices smoked Gouda
• 4 slices avocado
• 1/4 cup spring mix
• 2 tablespoons Sweet Golden Mustard Barbecue Sauce
• nonstick cooking spray

 

Directions:

1. Preheat a waffle iron set to high. 
2. Assemble the sandwich by layering the turkey, smoked Gouda, bacon, avocado, and spring mix on one slice of bread. Spread the mustard on the other slice of bread and place it spread side down on the sandwich.
3. Spray the pre-heated waffle iron with cooking spray. Place the sandwich on the waffle iron and close the iron. Press down firmly on the waffle iron to help flatten the sandwich. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown. 

All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.

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Disclosure: This recipe was developed for the lovely folks at Sweet Baby Ray’s. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting my recipes and site while I work with brands I adore.