This Turkey Panini with Bacon and Guacamole is loaded with sliced turkey, creamy guacamole, Havarti cheese, bacon and tomatoes. It’s a delicious sandwich recipe that is easy to make and even better to eat!
I am a huge panini fan. Besides the golden bread and hearty ingredients, I like paninis because they’re the least messiest sandwich to eat when you’re at a restaurant.
You see, I get mad at my food when it falls apart. And I’m not even kidding. I love wraps, but I usually think twice before ordering them at a restaurant, because I don’t want it to fall apart. And if that happens, I get grouchy and silently curse my wrap that I now need to eat with a fork.
And club sandwiches? Forget those! I never order those out. Ever. The last time I did was about 15 years ago and I got upset because it fell apart. I just remember my mom shaking her head at me. It’s ok, you can call me a weirdo.
And whenever I think of a panini, my mind automatically goes to Panera. But the funny thing is, I usually order my staple dish for there: The you-pick-two french onion soup and a salad. Although, sometimes I cave and get one of their delicious paninis.
What Makes This Turkey Panini with Bacon and Guacamole So Great:
- It’s super fast to make – about 10 minutes and you’re done!
- It’s loaded with fresh ingredients and makes a delicious combination for those turkey, bacon and guac lovers out there.
- This panini will NOT fall apart when you eat it. I’ve made this several times and this is fail-proof.
I’m a little afraid to admit this, but making this Turkey Panini with Bacon and Guacamole was the first time that I used my panini press, which I got over two years ago for my wedding shower. Can you believe it?
But luckily, I’m now hooked on making my own sandwiches, so I’ve been experimenting with it more and more. Which means more sandwiches are coming your way soon…get excited!
Tips:
- If you don’t have a panini press, use a heavy skillet – a cast iron one is best if you have it.
- Don’t move the sandwich around as it cooks, otherwise some of the yummy ingredients could slide off.
- Make sure your butter is soft enough to spread, otherwise you may end up tearing the bread (which would not be good!)
Variations:
- Switch out the turkey for another meat, like chicken!
- Add in another sauce like dijon mustard or a garlic aoili.
- Change out the cheese for something different, like Swiss or Provolone.
The possibilities for this panini recipe are endless!
But whatever you do, be sure to make this turkey panini soon. Like right now. It’s too good to pass up and makes the perfect lunch or dinner (no mess included)!
How To Make This Turkey Panini with Bacon and Guacamole:
- Heat a skillet (preferably cast iron) or panini press to medium heat.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise onto each slice of bread, then repeat with guacamole, spreading 2 tablespoons onto each slice of bread.
- Add the turkey, cheese, bacon, and tomato to one slice of bread. Next, place the second slice of bread on top and spread softened butter over it.
- Place the sandwich, buttered side down, onto the panini press or skillet. Spread the remaining tablespoon of butter on top of the unbuttered bread.
- Press panini maker together and grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the bread is golden on the outside and melted on the inside. If using a skillet, take another heavy-bottomed skillet and press on top of the sandwich to brown the bread. Then flip over and brown the other side.
- Remove from the press or skillet and enjoy!
Looking for more sandwiches? I’ve got you covered!
- Smashed Chickpea and Avocado Sandwich
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini
- Turkey, Apple, and Brie Panini
- Tomato, Avocado, and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Did you make and love this recipe? Give it your review below and make sure to follow along with me on Facebook and Instagram to get other great recipe ideas!
Turkey, Bacon and Guacamole Panini
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise divided
- 4 tablespoons guacamole homemade or store-bought, divided
- 1 cup chopped or sliced fresh turkey
- 2 slices Havarti cheese
- 4 slices bacon cooked
- 2 slices tomato
- 2 tablespoons butter softened
Instructions
- Heat a skillet or panini press to medium heat.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise onto each slice of bread. Repeat with guacamole, spreading 2 tablespoons onto each slice of bread.
- Add turkey, cheese, bacon, and tomato to one slice of bread. Place second slice of bread on top and spread softened butter over it.
- Place sandwich, buttered side down, onto panini press or skillet. Spread remaining tablespoon of butter on top.
- Press panini maker together and grill for 3-4 minutes, or until bread is golden on the outside and melted on the inside. If using a skillet, take another heavy-bottomed skillet and press on top to brown the bread. Then flip over and brown the other side.
- Remove from press or skillet and enjoy!
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
We’re big fans of panini around here, too! I love, love, love my over-priced panini press! 🙂 And you just can’t beat the combo of bacon and avocados…delicious!
Gayle says
Thank you, Blair! Avocados steal my heart, just love them on anything! 🙂
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Oh my goodness. You just reminded me that I haven’t had a panini in so long. Now, my mouth is watering and I’ll be dreaming of these sandwiches all day long. 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks for the panini love, Erin!
Mir says
Nothing better than a good panini, especially on TGIF!! This one would get rid of those hunger pangs super fast!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mir!
Ashlyn // Dollop Of Yum says
Ever since I bought my panini maker I’ve been obsessed! There’s truly nothing better than the golden brown crunchy bread. I love all the flavors you used, especially the havarti!
Gayle says
Thank you, Ashlyn! I agree, golden and crunchy bread is the best, especially with cheese!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
A good panini is so satisfying! I love your combination of ingredients and the addition of bacon is perfection! It’s looking like I need to pull my panini maker out of storage! Thanks for the reminder!
Gayle says
Thank you, Annie! Now that I finally used my panini press, I’m hooked!
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
You totally read my mind. I’ve been seriously craving a really good turkey panini! This looks amazing. 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Jennifer!
Amanda says
Now my panini press is calling not my name! There really is nothing like a panini. I love going to quaint little coffee houses and ordering them. Yum. And the turkey/havarti/guacamole combo sound soooo good!
Gayle says
Thanks for the panini love, Amanda!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
I do love a good sandwich that doesn’t fall apart. You are so right about the club! This turkey guacamole panini sounds fantastic! I love the guacamole in here and I’m wishing right now that I had a panini press!
Gayle says
Guacamole makes everything better! 🙂 Thanks, Rachelle!
mira says
Now I need to make this panini asap! I’m a huge panini fan and get obsessed at times! Great combination! Pinning!
Gayle says
Thanks, Mira!
Manali@CookWithManali says
Love the guac in here! Love panini, they make such great lunches or breakfast!
Gayle says
Thanks, Manali!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Bacon AND Guacamole! This is my dream sandwich!!
Gayle says
Thanks, Christin!
Aria says
A panini is my favorite sandwich! This one looks soo good – anything with bacon in it, right? I like a plain processed cheese on sourdough panini, but now I’m going to have to get a panini maker and try this one!
Gayle says
Thanks, Aria! And yes to everything with bacon! 🙂
Neeli says
Gayle, this sandwich looks so good. A few years ago, I discovered Harvarti cheese and my family and I love it. This panini sandwich is perfect for the summer when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen. I’m pinning this so I can try one day.
Gayle says
Thank you for the kind words and pin, Neeli! I just recently started to buy harvarti cheese and I love it!
Mary Frances says
Love the addition of guacamole to this. Yum!!
Gayle says
Thank you, Mary Frances!
marcie says
I love paninis but have not bought a press….YET. This sandwich is making me want to change that — it sounds amazing with the turkey, bacon, and the guacamole is a great touch! I could really use this for lunch right about now. 🙂
Gayle says
Thanks, Marcie! I’m kicking myself for not using my panini press earlier…but better late than never! 🙂
Jackie Bolen says
Ummmm….you totally had me at guac and bacon! That looks like a seriously delicious sandwich. Going to give it a try for lunch tomorrow.
Gayle says
Thanks for the kind words and for stopping by, Jackie! Hope you love this if you try it!