Turkey Club Sandwich

My college roommate's dad worked at a deli and taught us that a proper club sandwich needs three layers or it doesn't count as a club at all. We'd make these on Sunday afternoons while watching football, arguing over whether the tomato belonged on the turkey layer or the bacon layer. The messier the sandwich, the better it tasted, though we learned the hard way about securing those corners before cutting.

Last summer, I made a batch of these for my kids' pool party and accidentally used four slices of bread per sandwich because I miscounted the loaf. They disappeared faster than the regular ones, and now my seven-year-old claims four-decker clubs are the only way to eat them. Sometimes mistakes become family traditions.

Ingredients

• 200 g cooked turkey breast: Slice it thin against the grain so every bite is tender, not chewy
• 4 slices bacon: Thick-cut holds up better in the stack and gives you that satisfying crunch
• 6 slices sandwich bread: White bread toasts up lighter but whole wheat adds nutty flavor to balance the richness
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise: Room temperature spreads easier without tearing the toast
• 4 leaves romaine lettuce: Romaine stays crisp longer than iceberg and has better structural integrity
• 1 large tomato: Slightly underripe tomatoes won't turn your bread into a soggy mess
• Salt and pepper: Light seasoning between layers brings everything together

Instructions

Get your components ready:

Toast all six bread slices until golden and cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels so excess fat doesn't make the sandwich heavy.

Build the foundation:

Lay out three toast slices and spread each with half a tablespoon of mayonnaise, right to the edges so every bite gets that creaminess.

Layer the first tier:

On the bottom slice, arrange half the lettuce, then half the turkey slices, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add the middle deck:

Place a second slice of toast mayonnaise side down, spread another half tablespoon of mayo on top, then layer tomato slices, bacon, and remaining lettuce.

Complete the tower:

Layer on the remaining turkey, top with the final slice of toast, press gently to settle everything, then insert cocktail sticks in each corner before cutting.

Serve it up:

Cut diagonally into quarters so you can see those beautiful layers, and serve immediately while the toast is still warm.

Save

These showed up at every family vacation lunch during my childhood, usually packed in a cooler with sandy towels and wet bathing suits. My dad would insist on cutting them exactly the same way, claiming uneven quarters ruined the eating experience. Now I find myself doing the same thing with my own kids.

Bread Selection Matters

I used whatever was on sale for years until I tried potato bread from the bakery section. The slight sweetness and softer texture transformed the whole sandwich, though standard sandwich bread still works perfectly fine for a quick lunch.

Making It Ahead

These travel surprisingly well if you wrap them tightly in wax paper and keep them cool. The wax paper lets the bread breathe slightly instead of steaming like plastic wrap does.

Easy Variations

Sometimes simplicity hits the spot, but other days you want to switch things up based on what's in the fridge.

• Swap turkey for leftover rotisserie chicken when that is what you have on hand
• Add avocado slices on the bacon layer for extra creaminess that complements the crisp lettuce
• Try pesto instead of mayonnaise for an entirely different flavor profile

Save

Some recipes are just perfect exactly as they are, no fancy twists needed. This is one of those.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes a club sandwich different from regular sandwiches?

A club sandwich is distinguished by its triple-decker structure using three slices of toasted bread, creating two distinct layers. It traditionally includes specific ingredients like turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, cut diagonally into quarters for easy eating.

→ Can I make this turkey club sandwich ahead of time?

For best results, assemble the sandwich just before serving to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. You can cook the bacon and slice the ingredients beforehand, then toast the bread and layer everything together when ready to eat.

→ What type of bread works best for a turkey club?

White or whole wheat sandwich bread are traditional choices. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold multiple layers without tearing, yet thin enough to toast evenly. Slightly sturdy bakery-style sandwich bread works exceptionally well.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart?

Toast the bread until golden to create a firm foundation, spread mayonnaise on each slice to help ingredients adhere, and press gently after assembling. Use cocktail sticks in each corner if needed, and cut carefully with a sharp serrated knife.

→ What sides pair well with a turkey club sandwich?

Classic accompaniments include potato chips, pickles, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. The sandwich itself is quite filling, so lighter sides work well. A cup of soup also makes for a complete meal.

→ Can I use other meats instead of turkey?

Yes, sliced chicken breast makes an excellent substitute and is commonly used. Ham or roast beef can also work, though the flavor profile will change from the traditional turkey club combination.