The Memphian Sandwich from Jason's Deli features smoked turkey, tangy barbecue sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy onion straws layered on a toasted hoagie roll, delivering a savory and smoky flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Equipments
- Oven or toaster oven
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese slicer or grater
- Sauce brush or spoon
- Skillet or frying pan
- Tongs or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack
- Mixing bowl (for onion straws)
- Deep fryer or deep pot with oil (for onion straws)
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) smoked turkey breast
- 4 hoagie rolls
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Smoked turkey breast is essential to achieve the authentic smoky flavor of the Memphian Sandwich, so using high-quality, pre-sliced smoked turkey will enhance your results. Fresh yellow onions are necessary for the crispy onion straws; soak and coat them well in buttermilk and seasoned flour for optimal crunch. Barbecue sauce should be tangy but balanced to complement the smoky turkey without overpowering it. Toasting the hoagie rolls adds texture and prevents sogginess when assembling your sandwich. Your homemade Memphian Sandwich from Jason's Deli copycat menu will deliver the same savory, smoky taste and satisfying crunch as the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice hoagie rolls using bread knife on cutting board.
- Slice or grate cheddar cheese.
- Peel and thinly slice yellow onion.
- In mixing bowl, soak onion slices in buttermilk.
- In another bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Dredge soaked onion slices in flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or deep pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry coated onion slices in batches until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Place smoked turkey slices on baking sheet.
- Top turkey with cheddar cheese slices.
- Warm turkey and cheese in oven until cheese melts.
- Toast hoagie rolls on wire rack in oven until golden.
- Use sauce brush or spoon to spread barbecue sauce on both sides of rolls.
- Layer melted cheddar-topped turkey onto bottom halves of rolls.
- Add crispy onion straws on top of turkey.
- Close sandwiches with top halves of rolls.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Memphian Sandwich from Jason's Deli copycat menu combines smoky turkey, cheddar cheese, tangy barbecue sauce, and crispy onion straws on a toasted hoagie roll for an authentic flavor experience. If smoked turkey is unavailable, you can substitute it with smoked chicken or ham to retain a similar smoky profile. For a healthier alternative, consider baking the onion straws instead of deep frying, ensuring they still provide a satisfying crunch. Use a skillet or frying pan if a deep fryer or deep pot is not accessible, adjusting the quantity of oil for shallow frying. You can brush the barbecue sauce on the bread or drizzle it directly over the turkey to customize your sandwich's moisture level to your liking.
Tips
Make sure your vegetable oil stays steadily at 350degF (175degC) for perfectly crispy onion straws without absorbing too much oil. When soaking onion slices in buttermilk, ensure they are fully coated to help the flour mixture adhere evenly, resulting in a better crust. You can use a sauce brush for even application of barbecue sauce, preventing soggy bread and balancing flavors. Warm the turkey and cheese just until the cheese melts to keep the sandwich moist without drying out the smoked turkey.
Nutritions
The Memphian Sandwich provides a rich source of protein from the 8 oz of smoked turkey breast, offering approximately 48 grams per serving. Cheddar cheese contributes around 20 grams of fat and 14 grams of protein, along with calcium. The fried onion straws add carbohydrates and fats due to flour breading and vegetable oil frying, impacting overall calorie content. Your meal combines savory proteins and fats with crunchy textures, making it both satisfying and nutritionally balanced when eaten in appropriate portions.
Storage
Store any leftover Memphian Sandwich components separately to maintain optimal texture and flavor. Keep smoked turkey and melted cheddar cheese wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store crispy onion straws in a paper towel-lined container at room temperature to prevent sogginess, but consume within 1 day for best crunch; to reheat, warm the turkey and cheese in an oven or toaster oven at 350degF (175degC) and toast the hoagie rolls fresh before assembling your sandwich again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap smoked turkey with smoked chicken breast or pulled pork for a different smoky flavor profile. Try using pepper jack or smoked gouda cheese to add a spicy or creamy twist to the sandwich. For a healthier variation, bake onion slices coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs instead of frying to achieve a crunchy texture with less oil. Consider adding pickled jalapenos or sliced avocado to enhance the sandwich's flavor complexity and richness.
Allergies
The Memphian Sandwich contains common allergens such as dairy from the cheddar cheese and buttermilk, as well as gluten from the hoagie rolls and all-purpose flour used for the onion straws. Smoked turkey generally poses low allergenic risk, but individuals with a poultry allergy should avoid this sandwich. You should carefully check each ingredient label and consult with your healthcare provider if you have food sensitivities or allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Memphian Sandwich at Jason's Deli boasts a unique blend of smoked turkey, ham, and melted cheese, layered with fresh lettuce and tomato on a toasted hoagie roll, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal. Its perfect balance of smoky and savory tastes makes it a standout option for sandwich lovers seeking a hearty, delicious lunch. The use of high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures a superior texture and taste, making it a popular choice among customers. You'll find that replicating this sandwich at home allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences.