Turkey Club Sandwich

My dad used to make these towering sandwiches on Sunday afternoons when we'd watch old movies. He'd insist on building them so tall they were almost impossible to eat without making a mess, which was somehow part of the charm. The smell of bacon wafting through the house still takes me back to those lazy weekends.

Last summer, I made these for my nieces when they came to stay for the weekend. At first they were intimidated by the height of the sandwich, but after I showed them how to squish it down just right and take that first bite, they were absolutely obsessed. Now they request them every single time they visit.

Ingredients

• Turkey breast: Slicing it thin makes such a difference in how easily you can bite through all those layers
• Bacon: Go for thick cut if you can find it, extra crispy is the way to go here
• Sandwich bread: White bread gives that classic diner vibe but whole wheat holds up better if youre loading it up
• Mayonnaise: This is the glue that holds everything together, dont be shy with it
• Romaine lettuce: Iceberg has that satisfying crunch but romaine adds a nice fresh flavor
• Tomato: Choose one thats ripe but still firm so it doesnt make everything soggy
• Salt and pepper: A light seasoning brings out all the flavors

Instructions

Get your bread ready:

Toast all six slices until theyre golden brown with some crunch but not rock hard

Cook the bacon:

Fry it up in a skillet over medium heat until its crispy enough to shatter when you bite it

Start building:

Lay out three slices of toast and spread each with a thin layer of mayo

Add the first layer:

On your first slice, pile on half the lettuce followed by half the turkey and a tiny pinch of salt and pepper

Stack it up:

Place a second slice of toast on top with the mayo side down, then spread another layer of mayo on the exposed side

Finish the middle:

Add your tomato slices and bacon, then the rest of your lettuce and turkey

Complete the tower:

Top with the final slice of toast and press down gently to help everything settle

Serve it up:

Cut diagonally into quarters so you can see all those beautiful layers

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These sandwiches became a tradition during our weekly game nights. Everyone has their own way of building them, but the best part is watching someone take that first enormous bite and seeing their eyes light up.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in chicken breast when turkey isnt available, and honestly, it works beautifully. Sliced avocado adds this incredible creaminess that balances the crispy bacon perfectly.

The Perfect Sides

Theres something so complete about serving this with a handful of potato chips and a few dill pickles on the side. It just feels right, like the sandwich finally has its crew.

Getting the Texture Right

The magic really happens when you nail that contrast between the crispy bacon, the tender turkey, and the fresh crunch of lettuce. Every bite should give you all three.

• Dont skip the toasting step, it provides essential structure
• Slice your turkey against the grain for the most tender bites
• Let the bacon drain on paper towels so it stays crisp

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Hope these bring some Sunday afternoon comfort to your table just like they did to mine.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes a club sandwich different from regular sandwiches?

A club sandwich features three slices of toasted bread creating two distinct layers, traditionally stacked with turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. The triple-decker structure and specific ingredient combination set it apart from standard two-slice varieties.

→ Can I prepare the components ahead of time?

Cook the bacon and slice the turkey and vegetables several hours in advance. Store components separately in the refrigerator. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

→ What type of bread works best for this stack?

White sandwich bread creates the most traditional version, but whole wheat, sourdough, or multigrain add extra flavor and nutrition. Choose sturdy slices that can support multiple layers without tearing during assembly and cutting.

→ How do I prevent the sandwich from falling apart?

Spread mayonnaise evenly on each bread slice to help layers adhere. Insert cocktail sticks through all layers at each corner before cutting. Let the assembled stack rest for a few minutes before slicing diagonally with a sharp knife.

→ Can I use leftover turkey from a holiday meal?

Sliced leftover turkey works perfectly and often contains more flavor than deli meat. Ensure slices are thin but substantial enough to provide texture. Warm slightly before layering if the turkey has been refrigerated.

→ What sides pair well with this hearty sandwich?

Classic accompaniments include crispy potato chips, dill pickles, or coleslaw. For lighter options, serve with a fresh green salad or fruit. Potato salad and macaroni salad also complement the rich flavors traditionally.