BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Get ready to enjoy a delicious twist on a classic sandwich with these BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw. This easy-to-make recipe perfectly combines smoky, tender turkey with a refreshing, tangy coleslaw crunch that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing lunch, this sandwich delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures all in one hearty stack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: The recipe comes together fast, making it perfect for busy days when you want something tasty without fuss.
• Perfect Texture Balance: The creamy coleslaw adds a crisp crunch that complements the tender BBQ turkey beautifully.
• Versatile Meal Option: Great for lunchboxes, picnics, or casual dinners, this sandwich hits all the right spots.
• Healthy Protein Choice: Using turkey provides a leaner alternative to traditional BBQ meats without sacrificing flavor.
• Bright and Flavorful: The tangy slaw and smoky sauce blend for a delightful medley of tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, creating a sandwich layer that’s bursting with flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays a distinct role, whether it’s the juicy protein or the crisp, refreshing slaw.

• Cooked Turkey: Preferably shredded or thinly sliced, this is the smoky BBQ star of the sandwich.
• BBQ Sauce: A good-quality sauce brings that rich, tangy sweetness that ties the sandwich together.
• Coleslaw Mix: A blend of shredded cabbage and carrots for fresh, crisp texture.
• Coleslaw Dressing: Creamy and tangy, this dressing adds moisture and zing to the crunch.
• Sandwich Buns: Soft sandwich buns or rolls that hold everything without overpowering the flavors.
• Optional Extras: Pickles, red onions, or fresh herbs for added bite and freshness.

Variations for BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s incredibly adaptable, so whether you want extra spice, a vegetarian option, or a different crunch, there’s a way to make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey for heat lovers.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace turkey with grilled mushrooms or smoked tofu for a plant-based twist.
• Cheesy Boost: Melt your favorite cheese on top of the turkey before assembling for extra richness.
• Different Bread: Use ciabatta or pretzel rolls for a heartier or more artisan feel.
• Slaw Variations: Try adding apple slices, red cabbage, or fennel to the coleslaw for unique flavors.

How to Make BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Turkey

Start by warming your cooked turkey in a skillet or microwave, then toss it gently with your favorite BBQ sauce until well coated and heated through. This ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Make the Coleslaw

In a bowl, combine your shredded cabbage and carrots with coleslaw dressing. Mix well to coat all the vegetables evenly, giving you that perfect balance of creamy tang and crunchy freshness.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

Lightly toast your sandwich buns to add a bit of texture and warmth, which helps hold the sandwich fillings without getting soggy.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

On the bottom half of each bun, layer a generous helping of BBQ turkey, then top with a mound of your creamy coleslaw. Add any extras like pickles or onions, then finish with the top bun.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately while the turkey is warm and the coleslaw is cool and crisp for the best taste experience.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw

• Use Day-Old Turkey: Leftover turkey works perfectly and soaks up the BBQ sauce better.
• Make Slaw Ahead: Prepare coleslaw a few hours in advance to let flavors meld and enhance the crunch.
• Keep Sauce Separate: Add BBQ sauce to the meat, not directly on buns, to prevent sogginess.
• Choose the Right Bun: Soft but sturdy buns like brioche or potato rolls hold up best without falling apart.
• Serve Fresh: Assemble sandwiches just before serving to maintain the perfect texture contrast.

How to Serve BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, a few pickles, or extra pepper flakes add bright color and flavor to your sandwich presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair with classic potato chips, baked beans, or even a light cucumber salad to complement the hearty sandwich beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the sandwich open-faced or as sliders on mini buns for parties, or prepare a BBQ turkey and coleslaw platter where guests can build their own sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep turkey and coleslaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

Freeze cooked turkey with BBQ sauce in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, but it’s best to keep coleslaw fresh and prepare it after thawing.

Reheating

Gently reheat BBQ turkey in the microwave or oven, and add coleslaw cold when assembling the sandwich to keep its crispness.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought coleslaw?

Absolutely! Store-bought coleslaw works well and is a great time saver, but homemade coleslaw offers a fresher flavor and customizable texture.

What type of BBQ sauce is best?

Choose a BBQ sauce that suits your taste—sweet, smoky, or spicy—since it’s a key flavor component for the turkey.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free buns or wraps and ensure your BBQ sauce and coleslaw dressing are gluten-free.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the turkey with grilled vegetables, tempeh, or a meat alternative for a tasty vegetarian option.

How do I keep the coleslaw from making the sandwich soggy?

Drain excess dressing and add coleslaw right before serving to maintain its crunch and prevent sogginess.

Final Thoughts

If you want a sandwich that’s quick, flavorful, and packed with contrasting textures, these BBQ Turkey Sandwiches with Coleslaw are exactly what you need. Easy to whip up and endlessly customizable, they’re a fantastic addition to any meal rotation. Give it a try soon and watch it become your new favorite go-to dish!

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