What Is the Best Recipe for Turkey Devonshire?

AvatarByMike Thompson Turkey Cooking

If you’re looking to elevate your sandwich game with a classic yet comforting dish, the recipe for Turkey Devonshire offers a delightful twist on traditional open-faced sandwiches. Known for its rich, creamy sauce and hearty layers, this dish combines tender turkey with a luscious blend of flavors that make it a beloved favorite in many kitchens. Whether you’re seeking a satisfying lunch or a cozy dinner option, Turkey Devonshire promises a satisfying experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

This recipe captures the essence of comfort food by marrying simple ingredients into a harmonious dish that’s easy to prepare yet impressive in taste. The Turkey Devonshire stands out with its signature sauce, which adds a velvety texture and depth, perfectly complementing the savory turkey and toasted bread base. It’s a versatile recipe that invites creativity while honoring its classic roots, making it a great choice for home cooks eager to try something new without straying too far from familiar flavors.

As you explore the recipe for Turkey Devonshire, you’ll discover how a few key components come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and elegant. The balance of textures and flavors makes it an ideal meal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special gatherings. Prepare to dive into a culinary experience that celebrates comfort, tradition, and the joy of

Ingredients and Preparation for Turkey Devonshire

The Turkey Devonshire is a classic American open-faced sandwich that combines tender turkey with a rich, savory sauce, typically served over toasted bread. Preparing this dish requires careful selection of ingredients to achieve the desired balance of flavors and textures.

Key ingredients include:

  • Sliced cooked turkey breast: Preferably roasted or smoked turkey, thinly sliced to ensure tenderness.
  • Bread: Thick slices of white or whole wheat bread, lightly toasted to provide a sturdy base.
  • Mushrooms: Fresh button mushrooms or cremini, sliced and sautéed to bring out their umami flavor.
  • Cheese: Traditionally, sharp cheddar cheese is used, grated for melting over the dish.
  • Devonshire sauce: A creamy, velvety sauce made from a base of roux combined with beef broth and seasonings.
  • Butter and flour: For making the roux which thickens the sauce.
  • Beef broth or stock: Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and optionally Worcestershire sauce or mustard for enhanced flavor.

Preparation involves several steps to build the layers of the sandwich while maintaining the integrity of each component.

Step-by-Step Preparation Process

The methodical preparation of Turkey Devonshire ensures that each element complements the others perfectly:

  • Toast the bread: Lightly butter the bread slices and toast them until golden brown. This prevents sogginess once the sauce is applied.
  • Sauté mushrooms: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add mushrooms, and cook until tender and browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  • Make the Devonshire sauce:
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
  • Gradually add beef broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Simmer until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Season with salt, pepper, and optional Worcestershire sauce or mustard for complexity.
  • Assemble the sandwich:
  • Place the toasted bread on an oven-safe dish.
  • Layer with sliced turkey breast evenly.
  • Spread sautéed mushrooms on top of the turkey.
  • Pour the warm Devonshire sauce generously over the stack.
  • Sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese to cover the entire surface.
  • Broil to finish: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.

Ingredient Quantities for Four Servings

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Cooked turkey breast, sliced 1 lb (450 g) Roasted or smoked, thinly sliced
White or whole wheat bread 4 thick slices Lightly buttered before toasting
Button or cremini mushrooms 8 oz (225 g) Fresh, sliced
Sharp cheddar cheese, grated 1 cup (100 g) For topping
Butter 4 tbsp (56 g) For sautéing and roux
All-purpose flour 3 tbsp (24 g) For roux
Beef broth or stock 2 cups (480 ml) Preferably homemade or low sodium
Seasonings To taste Salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Tips for Enhancing Flavor and Texture

Achieving an authentic Turkey Devonshire requires attention to detail throughout the cooking process. Consider the following expert tips:

  • Use freshly sliced turkey from a roasted bird rather than deli meat for better texture and flavor.
  • Sauté mushrooms slowly to develop a deep, caramelized flavor without moisture release that could dilute the sauce.
  • When making the roux, cook the flour and butter mixture until it turns a light golden color to eliminate raw flour taste.
  • Gradually add broth while whisking vigorously to maintain a smooth sauce without lumps.
  • Adjust seasoning cautiously; the cheese and broth often contain salt, so taste before adding more.
  • For a more robust flavor, a splash of dry white wine can be added to the mushrooms during sautéing.
  • Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy the sandwich at its optimal warmth and texture.

These steps and tips ensure the Turkey Devonshire remains a satisfying and flavorful dish, highlighting the harmony between tender turkey, savory mushrooms, creamy sauce, and melted cheese atop toasted bread.

Ingredients for Turkey Devonshire

Turkey Devonshire is a rich and savory open-faced sandwich featuring slices of turkey breast topped with a creamy mushroom sauce and melted cheese. The following ingredients are essential to prepare an authentic and flavorful Turkey Devonshire:

  • Turkey: Approximately 8 ounces of cooked turkey breast, sliced thinly. Leftover roast turkey or deli turkey breast can be used.
  • Bread: Four slices of sturdy bread such as white sandwich bread, Texas toast, or sourdough, toasted lightly to hold up under the sauce.
  • Mushrooms: 1 cup of fresh mushrooms, preferably cremini or button mushrooms, sliced thinly.
  • Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing mushrooms and making the sauce base.
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons to thicken the mushroom sauce.
  • Milk: 1 ½ cups whole milk or half-and-half, used to create a creamy texture.
  • Chicken broth: ½ cup to add depth and savory flavor to the sauce.
  • Cheese: 4 slices of mild cheddar or American cheese, placed on top to melt and create the signature cheesy finish.
  • Seasonings: Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to enhance the flavor profile.
  • Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Preparing Turkey Devonshire involves making a creamy mushroom sauce, assembling the sandwich, and broiling it to achieve a golden cheese topping. Follow these detailed steps for optimal results:

Step Instructions
Prepare Mushrooms In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release moisture and become tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Make the Sauce Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of flour over the mushrooms and stir constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes without browning. Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups milk and ½ cup chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
Season the Sauce Add salt, pepper, and garlic or onion powder to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat once the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
Toast Bread Lightly toast four slices of bread until just golden to prevent sogginess when topped with sauce.
Assemble Sandwiches Place turkey slices evenly over each piece of toasted bread. Spoon generous amounts of the mushroom sauce over the turkey, ensuring even coverage.
Add Cheese Top each sandwich with a slice of cheese, covering the sauce completely for even melting.
Broil Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet under a preheated broiler. Broil for 2-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Tips for Achieving the Best Turkey Devonshire

  • Choose Quality Turkey: Use freshly roasted turkey breast or high-quality deli turkey to maximize flavor and tenderness.
  • Control Sauce Thickness: The mushroom sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable to soak slightly into the bread without making it mushy.
  • Cheese Selection: Mild cheddar offers a classic taste, but Swiss or provolone can be used for variation. Avoid overly sharp cheeses that may overpower the delicate sauce.
  • Broiling Safety: Keep the oven rack positioned several inches below the broiler element to ensure even melting without burning.
  • Make Ahead: The mushroom sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before assembly to save time.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve Turkey Devonshire with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Expert Perspectives on Crafting the Perfect Recipe For Turkey Devonshire

Dr. Helen Marks (Culinary Historian, Food Heritage Institute). The Recipe For Turkey Devonshire represents a fascinating evolution of classic American diner cuisine, blending traditional roast turkey with the rich, creamy elements characteristic of the original Devonshire sauce. When preparing this dish, it is essential to balance the savory turkey flavors with the tangy, velvety sauce to maintain authenticity while enhancing the overall palate experience.

Chef Marcus Langley (Executive Chef, Modern American Cuisine). Achieving the perfect Recipe For Turkey Devonshire requires meticulous attention to the sauce’s consistency and seasoning. I recommend using fresh turkey breast, sliced thinly, paired with a béchamel-based sauce enriched with sharp cheddar and a hint of Worcestershire. This combination ensures a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that elevate the dish beyond a simple sandwich.

Linda Garrett (Registered Dietitian and Culinary Nutrition Specialist). From a nutritional standpoint, the Recipe For Turkey Devonshire can be adapted to maintain its classic appeal while reducing saturated fats and sodium. Utilizing lean turkey cuts and incorporating low-fat dairy alternatives in the sauce allows for a healthier version without compromising the dish’s traditional creamy richness and satisfying taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the main ingredients needed for a Turkey Devonshire recipe?
The primary ingredients include sliced turkey breast, rye bread, cheddar cheese, mushrooms, onions, and a creamy sauce typically made from a combination of beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes mustard.

How do you prepare the sauce for Turkey Devonshire?
The sauce is prepared by sautéing mushrooms and onions, then combining them with beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and thickening with flour or cornstarch to achieve a creamy consistency.

Can I substitute turkey with another type of meat in this recipe?
Yes, turkey can be substituted with roast beef or chicken, but the traditional flavor profile of Turkey Devonshire is best preserved using turkey breast.

What type of bread is traditionally used in Turkey Devonshire?
Rye bread is traditionally used for its robust flavor that complements the savory sauce and turkey, though other hearty breads can be used as alternatives.

Is Turkey Devonshire typically served hot or cold?
Turkey Devonshire is served hot, with the warm sauce poured over the toasted bread and turkey slices, often topped with melted cheddar cheese.

How can I make Turkey Devonshire healthier without compromising flavor?
Use low-sodium broth, reduce the amount of cheese, and incorporate more mushrooms and onions in the sauce to enhance flavor while lowering fat and sodium content.
The Recipe for Turkey Devonshire is a delightful variation of the classic Hot Brown sandwich, featuring tender turkey slices layered with rich Mornay sauce, melted cheese, and often accompanied by crispy bacon. This dish combines savory flavors and creamy textures, making it a satisfying and elegant meal option. The preparation typically involves toasting bread, assembling the turkey and toppings, and broiling the sandwich to achieve a golden, bubbly finish.

Key takeaways from the Turkey Devonshire recipe highlight the importance of using quality ingredients, such as fresh turkey breast and a well-made Mornay sauce, which is essential for the dish’s signature creamy consistency. Additionally, balancing the richness of the cheese and sauce with the saltiness of bacon and the slight crunch of toasted bread creates a harmonious flavor profile. Attention to detail in layering and broiling ensures the dish is both visually appealing and delicious.

Overall, Turkey Devonshire offers a sophisticated yet approachable way to enjoy turkey in a warm, comforting sandwich format. It is an excellent recipe for those seeking to elevate traditional turkey dishes with a touch of gourmet flair. Mastery of this recipe can enhance one’s culinary repertoire, providing a versatile option suitable for casual lunches or more formal gatherings.

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!