The Ultimate Homemade Classic Turkey Club Sandwich Recipe

Few dishes evoke such a strong sense of comfort and satisfaction as a perfectly crafted Classic Turkey Club Sandwich. It’s more than just a sandwich; it’s an icon, a culinary institution gracing menus from bustling California diners to quaint New York delis. For me, it holds a special place as an all-time favorite, a symphony of flavors and textures that simply cannot be beaten. While often enjoyed out, mastering this classic at home is incredibly rewarding, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. With the right ingredients and a little care, you’ll be assembling a Turkey Club Sandwich that rivals any restaurant in no time. The secret lies in fresh, high-quality components and a sturdy foundation of beautifully toasted bread.

What is a Classic Turkey Club Sandwich?

In the vast and wonderful world of sandwiches, the Club Sandwich stands tall as a true legend. Its origins are steeped in history, with common belief pointing to its birth in New York. Two venerable establishments, the Union Club of New York City and the Saratoga Club in Saratoga Springs, NY, are often credited with its invention. Early mentions of this delightful creation appear in menus as far back as 1899, an impressive testament to its enduring appeal. The initial version of the “Club” was a simpler affair, typically featuring two slices of bread, with poultry and ham, and served warm.

However, the Club Sandwich evolved into the iconic multi-decker masterpiece we adore today. The distinguishing feature of the modern Club, especially the Turkey Club, is that essential third slice of bread in the middle. This clever addition serves a dual purpose: it adds structural integrity to the towering creation and elegantly separates the crisp, fresh produce from the savory meats. While there are no rigid rules about which ingredients occupy each layer, the harmonious combination of flavors and textures is undeniably scrumptious. Indeed, it just wouldn’t be a true Club Sandwich without that crucial middle slice!

The quintessential Classic Turkey Club Sandwich is a celebration of simple, high-quality ingredients. It features tender, roasted turkey, perfectly crispy, thin-sliced bacon, fresh, vibrant lettuce, juicy, ripe tomato slices, and a generous slather of rich mayonnaise. All these delicious components are nestled between three slices of good, firm white bread, expertly toasted to a golden perfection. To keep this delightful stack together, a long toothpick is traditionally used, ensuring every bite is a perfect medley of flavors. While some variations incorporate a slice of cheese, many purists, myself included, prefer to keep it traditional, allowing the core flavors to shine. From this classic foundation, you can, of course, customize it to suit your personal preferences, but the basic formula is a winning one.

The Essential Ingredients for Your Turkey Club

Crafting the perfect Turkey Club begins with selecting the finest ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that harmonious balance of flavor and texture. The quantities listed below are for a single sandwich, but you can easily adjust them using the multiplier on the recipe card to create more.

• Bacon: 4-5 slices of thin-sliced bacon, cooked until wonderfully crispy. The crunch of the bacon is non-negotiable for a great club.
• Bread: Three slices of good, firm white bread. Opt for a hearty country white bread that can hold up to the layers without becoming soggy. Avoid overly airy breads like sourdough or those with large air pockets, as they won’t provide the necessary structure.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened. This is for toasting the bread, giving it a rich, golden crust and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: 2-4 tablespoons of good-quality mayonnaise. Don’t skimp here; the mayonnaise adds creamy richness and binds the flavors together. A high-quality mayo makes a noticeable difference.
• Turkey: 3 ounces of sliced turkey. Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is absolutely sublime for this, offering incredible flavor and moisture. As a fantastic second option, choose a high-quality, freshly sliced roast turkey from your deli. Avoid overly processed turkey if possible.
• Lettuce: 2 leaves of butter lettuce, washed and thoroughly dried. Tear them gently to approximately the size of your bread slices. Butter lettuce offers a delicate crunch and mild flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Tomato: 2-3 thick slices of ripe tomato. A firm, ripe tomato is crucial for its juiciness and slight acidity, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich meats.
• Seasoning: A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper for the tomato slices. This simple seasoning enhances the tomato’s natural sweetness and brightens the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How to Build a Turkey Club Sandwich

Assembling a Classic Turkey Club Sandwich is an art form, but one that is surprisingly easy to master. Follow these steps to create a beautifully layered and incredibly delicious sandwich:

• Prepare the Bacon: Begin by cooking your bacon until it reaches peak crispiness. Once it’s perfectly golden and crunchy, transfer the strips to a plate lined with paper towels. This crucial step allows the paper towels to absorb any excess bacon grease, ensuring your bacon remains crisp and your sandwich isn’t greasy. Once cooled, you can break the bacon strips in half if needed to fit your bread slices better.
• Toast the Bread: Preheat a skillet (a cast iron pan works exceptionally well for even toasting) over medium heat. Spread a thin, even layer of butter on one side of each bread slice. Place the buttered side down onto the hot skillet and toast until each slice is beautifully golden brown and warm. This gives the bread a delightful crunch and a hint of buttery flavor. Repeat this process for all three slices, ensuring they are evenly toasted.
• Layer 1 – The Base: Take your first slice of golden-toasted bread. Spread a generous amount of good-quality mayonnaise evenly across one side. This mayo layer is key for moisture and flavor.
• Add the Produce: On top of the mayonnaise, carefully layer the crisp butter lettuce leaves. Next, arrange the thick, ripe tomato slices on top of the lettuce.
• Season the Tomato: Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper onto the tomato slices. This simple seasoning will awaken the flavors of the tomato and complement the other ingredients.
• Layer 2 – The Middle Bread: Take your second slice of toasted bread. Spread mayonnaise generously on one side. Carefully place this bread slice, mayonnaise-side-down, directly onto the tomato layer. This middle slice acts as a barrier and a flavor enhancer.
• Prepare the Second Meat Layer: Now, spread mayonnaise on the exposed top side of your middle bread slice. This prepares it for the next set of ingredients.
• Add the Meats: Begin layering the thinly sliced turkey onto the mayonnaise. Arrange it evenly. Finally, add the crispy cooked bacon slices on top of the turkey. Ensure the bacon fits neatly within the perimeter of the bread slice.
• Layer 3 – The Top: Take your final piece of toasted bread. Spread more mayonnaise on one side and place it, mayonnaise-side-down, onto the bacon layer to complete your towering sandwich.
• Secure and Cut: For classic presentation and to keep all those delicious layers together, insert sandwich picks (about 1 inch in) into all four corners of the sandwich. With a sharp knife, carefully cut the sandwich into quarters, typically forming four triangles.
• Serve Immediately: Serve your magnificent Classic Turkey Club Sandwich warm, preferably with your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Perfect Turkey Club

Achieving Turkey Club perfection is all about attention to detail. Here are some extra tips to elevate your homemade sandwich:

• Quality Ingredients are Key: As mentioned, the better your ingredients, the better your sandwich. Invest in good quality deli turkey or use freshly roasted turkey. Don’t underestimate the power of a really good mayonnaise.
• Don’t Skimp on Toasting: Proper toasting provides structural integrity and a pleasant crunch. Ensure all three slices are golden brown, not just lightly warmed. Buttering the bread before toasting adds incredible flavor and helps achieve that perfect golden hue.
• Crispy Bacon is a Must: Soggy bacon is the enemy of a good club sandwich. Cook it until it’s truly crispy, then drain excess fat on paper towels.
• Dry Your Lettuce and Tomato: Excess moisture from lettuce or tomato can make your bread soggy. After washing, thoroughly dry your lettuce leaves. If tomatoes are very watery, you can gently dab them with a paper towel.
• Even Mayonnaise Spread: Ensure you spread the mayonnaise evenly to cover the entire surface of the bread. This ensures a consistent flavor and moisture in every bite.
• Layering Strategy: The order of layering can affect stability. Placing lettuce and tomato on the bottom layer first, then a bread slice, then meats on the top layer often works best to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
• Sharp Knife for Cutting: Use a long, sharp serrated knife to cut your sandwich. This prevents squishing the layers and ensures clean, attractive cuts.

Delicious Variations on the Turkey Club Sandwich

While the classic Turkey Club is perfect as is, it also serves as a fantastic canvas for creative additions. I rarely stray from the traditional recipe, but when I do, it’s usually for the irresistible creaminess of avocado. Here are some popular and delightful variations to customize your Classic Turkey Club Sandwich:

• Avocado: A fantastic addition that introduces a creamy texture and rich, earthy flavor, pairing perfectly with turkey and bacon.
• Pickles: For those who enjoy a tangy, briny crunch, thin pickle slices can add a wonderful zing to your club sandwich.
• Ham: Elevate your club by adding thinly sliced ham alongside the roasted turkey for an even richer, more complex flavor profile. This creates a true “club” experience, reminiscent of its original form.
• Roast Chicken: Swap out the roast turkey for tender, flavorful roast chicken for a different poultry twist that’s equally delicious.
• Mustard: Introduce a touch of zest with your favorite mustard. Yellow mustard for a classic diner feel, Dijon for a sophisticated tang, or whole grain for added texture and a mild bite. (Dijon is my personal favorite!)
• Swiss Cheese: Sliced Swiss cheese is a common and welcome addition to many club sandwiches, offering a nutty, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Provolone or cheddar are also excellent choices.
• Lobster Club: For an ultra-decadent and luxurious treat, replace the turkey or ham with succulent lobster meat. This transforms the classic into an extraordinary culinary experience. Check out a recipe like this one for a Lobster Club Sandwich.
• Crab Club: Another incredible and delicious seafood option, fresh crab meat can bring a sweet, delicate flavor to your multi-layered sandwich.

Best Side Dishes to Pair with Your Club

The Classic Turkey Club Sandwich is incredibly versatile, but it truly shines when paired with equally classic and satisfying side dishes. These pairings enhance the experience and complete your meal effortlessly.

• Crispy French Fries: The ultimate companion! Their salty crunch provides a fantastic contrast to the rich, layered sandwich.
• Potato Chips: A simple, easy, and undeniably satisfying choice. Grab your favorite flavor for an extra burst of taste.
• Potato Salad: For a heartier, creamier option, a classic potato salad is a perfect match, offering a cool and savory balance.
• Coleslaw: The crisp, tangy freshness of coleslaw can cut through the richness of the club, providing a delightful palate cleanser.
• Side Salad: For a lighter meal, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing and healthy complement.

We truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this incredible Classic Turkey Club Sandwich. If you tried this recipe, please help other readers by commenting below and sharing some stars! We 🫶🏼 appreciate you!

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

Classic Turkey Club Sandwich

Ana | Claudia’s Table

June 21, 2024

This iconic triple-decker sandwich, a favorite on California restaurant menus, is now easy to master at home.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Calories 1350 kcal

Equipment

• cast iron skillet

Ingredients

  

• 4-5 slices of thin-sliced bacon cooked crispy.
• 3 slices hearty white bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2-4 tablespoons of good-quality mayonnaise
• 3 ounces of sliced turkey Leftover Thanksgiving turkey is the best for this! A good-quality deli-sliced roast turkey is a second option.
• 2 leaves butter lettuce washed and thoroughly dried. Torn close to the size of the bread.
• 2-3 slices of ripe tomato thick sliced
• salt and pepper

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Instructions

 

• Start by cooking the bacon until crispy. Once the bacon is crisp-cooked, place it on paper towels so the paper towels absorb the excess bacon grease. You can break the strips in half when the bacon has cooled off if necessary.
• Preheat the skillet over medium heat. Spread some butter onto a slice of bread, add to a hot cast iron pan, and toast until the bread is golden brown. The bread should be warm and golden when done. Repeat for all three slices.
• Next, spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on a slice of toasted bread.
• Layer butter lettuce leaves first, next tomato slices.
• Sprinkle salt and pepper onto the tomato slices.
• Spread mayonnaise on the second slice of bread and place it mayonnaise side towards the tomato slices.
• Add mayonnaise to another side of toasted bread.
• Layer in layers of turkey and, finally, the cooked bacon slices. The bacon should fit within the size of the slice of bread.
• Add more mayonnaise to the last piece of toasted bread to finish the sandwich.
• Add sandwich picks to four corners of the sandwich (about 1 inch in) and cut into quarters.
• Serve warm

Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 1350kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword classic sandwich recipe, club sandwich recipe, turkey club, turkey club sandwich recipe

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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