Classic Club Sandwich
A quintessential triple-decker sandwich featuring layers of tender turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato, all nestled between perfectly toasted bread and slathered with creamy mayonnaise. Originally invented at the Saratoga Club.
🧂 Ingredients
- 12 slices White bread(Slightly stale bread toasts better and holds up to the fillings.)
- 1 lb Deli-style turkey breast(Thinly sliced, good quality turkey breast.)
- 12 strips Bacon(Regular cut bacon works best for crispiness.)
- 4-6 leaves Iceberg or Romaine lettuce(Washed and dried thoroughly.)
- 2 medium Ripe tomatoes(Sliced about 1/4-inch thick. Roma or beefsteak tomatoes are good choices.)
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise(Full-fat mayonnaise for best flavor and texture.)
- 8-12 pieces Optional: Toothpicks or decorative skewers(For securing the sandwich layers.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until deeply golden brown and very crispy. This should take about 10-15 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease and achieve maximum crispness. Set aside.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Toast the bread: While the bacon cooks, toast all 12 slices of bread until golden brown and firm. You can use a toaster, broiler, or grill. Ensure the toast is sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy. Let the toast cool slightly.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Assemble the first layer: Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on one side of 4 slices of toast. Place these mayo-side up on your work surface. Layer the turkey breast evenly over the mayonnaise. Top the turkey with 3 strips of crispy bacon.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 4
Add the middle layer: Take another 4 slices of toast and spread mayonnaise on one side. Place these mayo-side down on top of the bacon. Spread mayonnaise on the top side of these middle slices. Arrange the lettuce leaves and tomato slices over the mayonnaise.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 5
Complete the sandwich: Spread mayonnaise on one side of the remaining 4 slices of toast. Place these mayo-side down on top of the tomato and lettuce. You should now have a triple-decker sandwich.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 6
Secure and slice: Gently press down on the top of each sandwich. Insert toothpicks or skewers through all layers of each sandwich to hold them together. Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully cut each sandwich diagonally into two or three triangles. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the crispiest bacon, start it in a cold pan and cook over medium heat.
- ✓Ensure your toast is well-toasted and firm; this is crucial for preventing a soggy sandwich.
- ✓Don't skimp on the mayonnaise; it acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- ✓Using toothpicks or skewers is essential for keeping the three layers of the club sandwich intact during cutting and eating.
- ✓For an even more stable sandwich, you can lightly toast the inside of each bread slice as well.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Substitute turkey with grilled chicken breast.
- Add a thin slice of cheese (like cheddar or Swiss) to one of the layers.
- Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or whole wheat.
- For an open-faced version, omit the top layer of bread and serve as a double-decker.