5 Turkey Sandwiches Kids Will Love

Pro: The end of the constant “What are we doing today?” Con: As if meal prepping for yourself wasn’t hard enough, now you’ve got the kids’ lunches to add to the list.

While we’re hardly morning drill sergeants, we can help with the food question. Even better, we know that by sticking to certain core ingredients — think Applegate Organics^® Oven Roasted Turkey Breast, Applegate Naturals^® American-Style Colby Cheese and whole-grain bread — you can actually whip up a week’s worth of different, equally kid-pleasing sandwiches with minimal trouble. Be forewarned, however: You may want to make extras for yourself.

Turkey in the Club

Match a small person’s appetite by serving one tall half sandwich. It’s much closer to the heft of a typical sandwich, as opposed to a traditional double-decker club.

Instructions: Toast two slices of bread and cut each into two triangles. Save one triangle for another sandwich. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on each of the remaining three triangles. Top one triangle with a layer of lettuce, a tomato slice, a layer of ham and a layer of turkey. Tack on the next bread triangle. Add another layer of lettuce, another tomato slice and a few small strips of bacon. Close the sandwich with the remaining bread triangle.

Thanksgiving Every Day

Why wait for November to experience one of Thanksgiving’s best foods? Yes, we’re talking about cranberry sauce.

Instructions: Spread a thin to medium layer of cream cheese on two slices of bread. Add a layer of your favorite cranberry sauce — homemade or store-bought. Top with turkey. If desired, add sliced cheese, lettuce and tomato. Close the sandwich.

Don’t Be a Pest-o

There’s a reason the punny saying “pesto is the best-o” resonates: The pine nut-based concoction is good on almost anything, including sandwiches.

Instructions: Spread an even layer of pesto on two slices of bread. Cover one side with turkey. If desired, add roasted veggies such as red peppers, tomatoes or squash. Close the sandwich and, if you own a panini press, insert the sandwich into it. Alternatively, place the sandwich on a skillet over medium heat and use a spatula to press the sandwich. Flip once and repeat.

Caesar the Day

For many kids, chicken Caesar wraps serve as an introduction to salad. Push the boundaries just a tad by swapping in turkey.

Instructions: Lay flat the wrap of your choice. Spread an even layer of Caesar dressing. Layer on turkey, chopped tomatoes and lettuce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Roll up the wrap, tucking in the sides to secure it.

You’re Gonna Make Me Melt

Tuna’s a little too fishy for a lot of kids, which is what makes this turkey melt a clever take on the old diner favorite.

Instructions: Spread a thin layer of butter on one slice of bread. Top with turkey, American-style Colby cheese and a few tomato slices. Spread a thin layer of mustard on another slice of bread. Close the sandwich and, if you own a panini press, insert the sandwich into it. Alternatively, place the sandwich on a skillet over medium heat and use a spatula to press the sandwich. Flip once and repeat.