Stacked, savory, and satisfying, the Classic Club Sandwich is an all-time American favorite that combines layers of toasted bread with juicy chicken or turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise. Often served with a side of fries or potato chips, this triple-decker sandwich is the perfect choice for lunch, brunch, or a quick yet filling snack. Its balanced flavors and textures make it a staple in cafes, diners, and home kitchens worldwide.
Ingredient
| Sliced Sandwich Bread (e.g., white or wheat) | 6 slices |
|---|---|
| Thinly Sliced Deli Turkey Breast | 6-8 ounces (170-225g) |
| Beef Bacon or Turkey Bacon | 8 slices |
| Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce | 6-8 leaves |
| Ripe Tomatoes | 1 large |
| Mayonnaise | ¼ cup (60 ml) |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Black Pepper | A pinch |
Cooking Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon and Toppings
- Cook the beef bacon or turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it's crispy. This may take about 5-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Toast all 6 slices of bread until they are golden brown and crisp. This is crucial for a great club sandwich.
- Slice the tomato and season lightly with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Gather your lettuce leaves and turkey slices.
Step 2: Assemble the First Layer
- Place your first slice of toasted bread on a clean surface.
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the toasted side of the bread.
- Arrange lettuce leaves on top of the mayonnaise.
- Top the lettuce with a few slices of tomato.
- Finally, add half of the deli turkey (or chicken) slices.
Step 3: Assemble the Second Layer
- Take the second slice of toasted bread. Spread mayonnaise on both sides of this middle slice.
- Carefully place this mayonnaise-covered slice on top of the first layer.
- On this new slice, arrange more lettuce leaves and tomato slices.
- Add half of the crispy beef bacon or turkey bacon slices on top of the tomatoes.
Step 4: Assemble the Final Layer, Cut, and Serve
- Take the third slice of toasted bread and spread mayonnaise on one side.
- Place this final slice, mayonnaise-side down, on top of the bacon layer.
- To keep the sandwich stable, push two wooden skewers or long toothpicks through the sandwich, from top to bottom, one on each side.
- Carefully cut the sandwich into four triangles, from corner to corner. The skewers will help hold the layers together.
- Repeat the process to build the second sandwich.
Serve immediately, traditionally with French fries or potato chips.
Extra Tips for a Perfect Club Sandwich
- Toasting is Key: Don't skip toasting the bread. It provides the crucial structural integrity and satisfying crunch that defines a club sandwich.
- High-Quality Ingredients: The simplicity of a club sandwich means every ingredient's quality matters. Use a good, hearty bread, fresh deli meat, and ripe tomatoes.
- The Right Knife: A long, serrated knife is best for cutting the sandwich cleanly without squishing the layers.
- Don't Be Shy with Mayo: A generous spread of mayonnaise on each layer is part of the classic experience and keeps the sandwich from being too dry.
- Layering Order: While there's no single "correct" way, this layering ensures the wetter ingredients (tomato) are insulated between drier layers to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Nutritional Value
Approximate (per sandwich, based on two sandwiches)
| Calories | 600-800 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 30-40 grams |
| Fat | 35-50 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-50 grams |
| Fiber | 3-5 grams |
Benefits
- ✅ High in Protein: Packed with lean poultry and optional turkey bacon for extra flavor.
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
- ✅ Customizable Layers: Add cheese, avocado, or a fried egg for extra richness.
- ✅ Perfect for Lunch or Brunch: A satisfying, balanced meal on the go.
- ✅ Pairs with Many Sides: Fries, salad, or soup for a complete combo.
With its crispy toast, savory meats, and fresh veggies, the Classic Club Sandwich delivers a perfect combination of flavors in every bite. Ideal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a hearty snack, this iconic sandwich is easy to make and always satisfying.
Explore more classic sandwiches, quick lunch recipes, and American deli favorites on our site. Try this Club Sandwich recipe and bring a timeless cafe favorite to your home table.