BBQ Turkey Sandwiches With Homemade Dipping Sauce

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These BBQ turkey sandwiches feature sliced turkey, Swiss cheese, avocado, red onion, and lettuce. Pair it with our homemade BBQ dipping sauce for the ultimate pairing of flavor!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These barbecue turkey sandwiches are our take on a popular dish at The Dodo Restaurant near Salt Lake City: The Smoked Turkey Sandwich. We have added a few of our own touches as well—avocado, red onion, and crisp romaine lettuce. We also include a very easy homemade barbecue sauce.
This is an easy dinner that requires minimal prep time and cooking time. We love easy recipes!
This is a great recipe for turkey lovers and is a great way to use up any leftover turkey you might have on hand.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients shot for bbq turkey sandwiches

For the sandwiches

Ciabatta rolls - we recommend using ciabatta rolls for this recipe. They are a sturdier bread and crisp up nicely. We don't recommend using hamburger buns.
Sliced deli turkey - we like to use thin slices of turkey breasts for this recipe. Another option is to use leftover turkey, whether that includes dark meat or the light, lean meat.
Swiss cheese (optional)
Avocado
Red onion, thinly sliced
Lettuce

For the BBQ dipping sauce

While we recommend making this homemade barbecue sauce, you can always choose your favorite barbecue sauce from the grocery store to make this even easier to put together.

Honey
Ketchup
Bone broth
Apple cider vinegar (cup vinegar)
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Chili powder (teaspoons chili powder)
Kosher salt and black pepper (teaspoon salt)

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Equipment You’ll Need

Measuring cups and spoons
Small or medium saucepan
Bread knife
Cutting board and knives
Baking sheet with parchment paper
Small bowl

Step by Step Directions

For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Measure out all of the ingredients for the homemade barbecue sauce into a small to medium saucepan. Mix together well and warm over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes.

Turn the oven onto the broil setting. Line your sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut the ciabatta rolls in half so it has a top and a bottom. Place them cut side up on the sheet pan and put them in the oven to broil for 1-2 minutes (cook time may vary based on the oven—keep a close eye on the bread as it can burn quickly). Remove from the oven.

Next, place turkey slices on one half of the bread and a slice of cheese on the other half. Put the pan back into the oven to broil for another 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Overhead shot of open face bbq turkey sandwiches

Prepare the toppings—thinly slice the onion, wash the lettuce, and thinly slice the avocado or mash it into a small bowl. Place the toppings onto the turkey and place the top half of the ciabatta bread on top. Cut the sandwich in half if desired.

Pour some of the bbq sauce into a small bowl and dip your sandwich. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

These sandwiches would be great to serve with a side salad and a side of your favorite fruit!
Feel free to mix up the toppings on this sandwich with what sounds good to you. You can try a different type of cheese such as havarti or try adding some bacon to the sandwich.
If you don't want to make your own barbecue sauce, feel free to buy your favorite one from the grocery store. We like Stubb's BBQ sauce.
As mentioned in the directions, keep a very close eye on the sandwiches when they are broiling in the oven—the bread can burn very quickly!

FAQ

How should I store leftovers?

Store the BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you have leftover turkey bbq sandwiches, we recommend wrapping the bread with the cheese and turkey in tinfoil and storing in the refrigerator. Store toppings separately.

Is it (GF/DF)?

This recipe can be made gluten-free with the use of gluten-free bread. It can be dairy-free with the omission of the cheese.

If you like this recipe, check out these quick links to other easy sandwich recipes

If you make this BBQ turkey sandwiches recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished product—it makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!