How to Create a Classic Turkey Club Sandwich: Step-by-Step Guide
The turkey club sandwich is a tried-and-true classic that people have loved for generations. It combines fresh ingredients, savory turkey, crispy bacon, and creamy mayo between layers of toasted bread. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, the turkey club sandwich is satisfying and simple to prepare. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a perfect turkey club sandwich step by step using simple, everyday ingredients.
What Is a Turkey Club Sandwich?
A turkey club sandwich, often shortened to just “club sandwich,” typically consists of three slices of toasted bread stacked with layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It’s a double-decker sandwich, meaning it has two layers of fillings separated by a slice of bread in the middle. The sandwich is cut into triangles, often secured with toothpicks, and sometimes served with chips or fries on the side.
The beauty of the turkey club sandwich lies in its balance of textures and flavors: the crunch of fresh vegetables, the savory richness of bacon and turkey, and the creaminess of mayo—all tied together by perfectly toasted bread. Let’s dive into how to create one step by step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic turkey club sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bread (3 slices per sandwich): White, wheat, or sourdough works well—choose your favorite!
- Sliced turkey: Deli turkey or leftover roasted turkey works. You’ll need about 4–6 slices for one sandwich.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy. Use about 2–4 strips per sandwich.
- Lettuce: Crisp green lettuce, like iceberg or romaine.
- Tomato: Sliced—not too thin, not too thick.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and ties the flavors together.
- Salt and Pepper: Optional, for seasoning your tomato slices.
- Butter (optional): To spread on your bread before toasting.
Tools You’ll Need
- A skillet or frying pan (for cooking bacon)
- A toaster or toaster oven
- A knife (for slicing and cutting the sandwich)
- Toothpicks (optional, to hold the sandwich together)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Toast the Bread
Start by toasting three slices of bread for each sandwich. Toasting gives the bread a golden-brown finish and a crispy texture that holds up well against the fillings. If you like buttery toast, lightly spread a thin layer of butter on each slice before toasting.
Once the bread is done, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
If your bacon isn’t already cooked, fry it in a skillet until it’s crispy. Crispy bacon adds a crunchy texture and savory flavor to the sandwich. Once done, place the bacon strips on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
Cooking tip: If you want less mess, you can bake the bacon in the oven instead of frying it.
Step 3: Slice the Tomato
Wash your tomato, then slice it into thin, even rounds. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the tomato slices for extra flavor. Set these aside along with your lettuce leaves.
Step 4: Assemble the First Layer
Lay one slice of toasted bread on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on one side of the toast.
Next, add your lettuce leaf on top of the mayo as the base. Then, layer 2–3 slices of turkey on top of the lettuce. Place one or two slices of tomato atop the turkey.
Step 5: Add the Second Slice of Bread
Take the second slice of bread and spread mayonnaise on one side. Lay it mayo-side down on top of the first layer of fillings.
Spread another thin layer of mayonnaise on the top of this second slice of bread (the top side).
Step 6: Assemble the Second Layer
Now, add your crispy bacon slices on top of the second slice of bread. Use 2–4 strips depending on how much bacon you prefer. Add another lettuce leaf and another slice or two of tomato. If you have more turkey slices left, you can add those too.
Step 7: Finish with the Final Slice of Bread
Top the sandwich off with the third slice of toasted bread. Spread mayonnaise on one side before placing it mayo-side down to complete the sandwich.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Carefully press down on the sandwich to hold the layers together, but don’t squash it. Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich into triangles or halves. For the classic look, cut it into quarters diagonally and secure each section with a toothpick.
Serve your turkey club sandwich with chips, fries, or a pickle on the side. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Turkey Club Sandwich
- Use fresh ingredients: Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and fresh turkey make a big difference in flavor.
- Customize it: Feel free to add avocado, cheese, or a fried egg for extra flavor.
- Keep it balanced: Don’t overload the fillings, or the sandwich might fall apart.
- Toast just right: Avoid overtoasting the bread so it stays crunchy without being too hard to bite into.
Conclusion
Making a turkey club sandwich is simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and easy steps, you can create a restaurant-quality sandwich right at home. The combination of toasted bread, savory turkey, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and creamy mayo is truly a classic. Once you try making it yourself, you’ll see why this sandwich has stood the test of time. Give it a try today—the perfect turkey club sandwich is only a few steps away!
