Savory Stacked Delight: The Ultimate Turkey Club sandwich

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes

The Turkey Club Sandwich holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of weekend lunches at classic diners. It was always the towering, impressive sandwich on the menu! Recreating it at home brings back those nostalgic feelings and delivers a seriously delicious meal every time.

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

turkey club sandwich

 

Why Make turkey club sandwich?

Why settle for a boring lunch when you can easily build a spectacular Turkey Club Sandwich? It’s a fantastic combination of textures and flavors – savory turkey, smoky bacon, crisp veggies, and tangy mayo. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to assemble, customizable, and guaranteed to leave you feeling full and satisfied. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself!

Key Benefits

• • Classic Comfort: Enjoy the timeless appeal of a universally loved sandwich.
  • Quick Assembly: Goes from ingredients to delicious meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Flavor Packed: Layers of turkey, bacon, tomato, lettuce, and mayo create a taste explosion.
  • Satisfying Meal: Hearty enough to be a filling lunch or light dinner.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Get ready to elevate your lunch game with this definitive recipe for the classic Turkey Club Sandwich. Nothing quite beats the satisfying stack of perfectly toasted bread layered with juicy roasted turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and just the right amount of mayonnaise. This Turkey Club Sandwich recipe breaks down how to build this iconic triple-decker masterpiece for a delicious and visually impressive meal. Whether you’re packing a lunch or craving diner-style comfort, this Turkey Club Sandwich is the answer.

Ingredients

• • Sliced Bread: 6 slices (White, whole wheat, or sourdough work well)
  • Mayonnaise: 4-6 tablespoons (Adjust to your preference)
  • Cooked Turkey Breast: 8 oz (about 1/2 lb) (Thinly sliced deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey)
  • Bacon: 6-8 slices (Cooked until crisp)
  • Lettuce Leaves: 4-6 (Iceberg, romaine, or butter lettuce)
  • Tomato: 1 large (Thinly sliced)
  • Salt: Pinch (To taste, for tomatoes)
  • Black Pepper: Pinch (To taste, for tomatoes)
  • Frill Picks / Long Toothpicks: 4 (Optional, for securing the sandwich)

Instructions

Cook Bacon & Toast Bread

Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven until crispy. Drain on paper towels. While bacon cooks, toast the bread slices until golden brown and lightly crisp.

Pro Tip: For perfectly flat bacon, bake it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Prep Veggies & Mayo

Wash and dry lettuce leaves. Thinly slice the tomato and lightly season with salt and pepper. Lay out the toasted bread slices and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice.

Pro Tip: Pat the tomato slices gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture and prevent a soggy sandwich.

Assemble Layer 1

Place 2 slices of toast mayo-side up. On one slice, layer half of the lettuce, half of the sliced turkey, and half of the tomato slices. Place a second slice of toast on top, mayo-side down.

Pro Tip: Spread mayo edge-to-edge on the bread to ensure flavor in every bite.

Assemble Layer 2

Spread mayonnaise on the top side of the second slice of toast. Layer the crispy bacon and the remaining lettuce, turkey, and tomato. Top with the final slice of toast, mayo-side down.

Pro Tip: Criss-cross the bacon slices for better stability and distribution.

Secure and Slice

Gently press down on the sandwich. If desired, insert four frill picks or long toothpicks through the sandwich layers, typically near the corners. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice the sandwich diagonally into quarters (or halves).

Pro Tip: Use a gentle sawing motion with the serrated knife for clean cuts without squishing the sandwich.

Temperature & Timing Guide

Bacon Crispiness

Cook bacon to your desired level of crispiness. For oven baking, 400°F (200°C) is standard.

• • Chewy: Shorter cooking time, lower heat.
  • Crisp: Medium heat skillet or standard oven time.
  • Extra Crispy: Slightly longer cooking time, watch carefully to prevent burning.

Bread Toasting

Toast bread until golden brown and firm enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy.

• • Lightly Toasted: Minimal color, slight crispness.
  • Golden Brown: Ideal for structure and texture (Recommended).
  • Darkly Toasted: Very crisp, deeper flavor.

Variation Ideas

Add Cheese

Include a slice of Swiss, cheddar, or provolone cheese on one or both layers.

Spicy Club

Use pepper jack cheese and add a spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha or chipotle powder).

Avocado Club

Add slices of fresh avocado or a layer of guacamole.

California Club

Include avocado slices and use sprouts instead of or in addition to lettuce.

Different Protein

Swap the turkey for sliced chicken breast, ham, or roast beef.

Tips for Perfect Results

• • Use Quality Ingredients: Good quality turkey, flavorful bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lettuce make a difference.
  • Toast All Three Slices: Toasting provides structure and prevents sogginess from the mayo and tomato.
  • Layer Thoughtfully: Distribute ingredients evenly across the bread for balanced bites.
  • Secure Before Cutting: Toothpicks help hold the tall sandwich together for cleaner slicing.
  • Use a Serrated Knife: A sharp serrated knife cuts through the layers cleanly without compressing the sandwich.

Leftovers & Reheating

A Turkey Club Sandwich is best enjoyed fresh due to the lettuce and tomato. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The bread may soften. Reheating is not recommended as it will wilt the lettuce and warm the tomato and mayo. For best results, consider storing components separately and assembling just before eating.

Serving Suggestions

• • Classic Sides: Serve with potato chips, french fries, or a deli-style pickle spear.
  • Soup & Sandwich Combo: Pair with a cup of tomato soup or a light vegetable soup.
  • Salad Pairing: Accompany with a side salad, coleslaw, or potato salad.

Nutrition Information

Nutritional information is estimated based on ingredients listed and may vary depending on specific products used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

• • Calories: 680 kcal
  • Protein: 45g
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 1600mg

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes it a ‘Club’ sandwich?

A: The ‘Club’ typically refers to the triple-decker style (three slices of bread) and the combination of poultry (usually turkey or chicken) and bacon. Its exact origin is debated, often linked to gentlemen’s clubs or gambling clubs in New York.

Q: Do I have to use three slices of bread?

A: Traditionally, yes. But you can make a delicious ‘turkey bacon’ sandwich with just two slices if you prefer.

Q: Can I use different bread?

A: Absolutely! While white or whole wheat are classic, sourdough, rye, or even toasted brioche can add interesting flavor dimensions.

Q: How do you cut a club sandwich?

A: Typically, it’s cut diagonally into quarters, often secured with toothpicks before slicing to hold the layers together.

Q: Can I make a club sandwich ahead of time?

A: It’s best served fresh to avoid sogginess. You can prep the ingredients (cook bacon, slice veggies, toast bread) ahead and assemble just before serving.

Q: What’s the best turkey to use?

A: Good quality deli-sliced roasted turkey breast works great. Leftover Thanksgiving or roasted turkey is also excellent for flavor and texture.

Ready to Build Your Ultimate Club!?

Now you have all the tips and tricks to create a truly outstanding Turkey Club Sandwich right in your own kitchen. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s a satisfying, multi-layered experience. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Useful Resources

• • • How to Cook Bacon Perfectly Every Time – Serious Eats guide covering various methods for cooking bacon to perfection.
    • The History of the Club Sandwich – An article exploring the debated origins and evolution of the classic club sandwich.
    • A Guide to Sandwich Breads – King Arthur Baking blog post discussing different types of bread suitable for sandwiches.
    • Tips for Better Sandwiches – Bon Appétit offers general tips for improving your sandwich-making skills.