Some sandwiches are the ideal lazy weekend option: Bread, protein, and condiments slapped together, maybe a couple of vegetables for good measure. Quick and easy. Lunch.
This towering construction is the Skyscraper of Sandwiches. And like any impressive edifice, it demands a careful attention to detail and a deep understanding of architecture. The ingredients themselves are simple: Turkey, bacon, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato—along with three pieces of toasted bread. But when executed properly, it transforms into a perfectly balanced combination of crunchy and creamy, savory and refreshing.
But thats not what happens most of the time. Every day, countless club sandwiches are transformed into bloated, overstuffed messes, stacked so high so as to be virtually inedible.
It doesnt have to be that way. Anyone can make the club sandwich the way it was meant to be. Because weve got Sandwich Theory.
The turkey club sandwich is an American classic that has been enjoyed for generations. But what exactly makes up this iconic triple-decker sandwich? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key ingredients and construction that go into making a delicious turkey club.
A Brief History of the Turkey Club
While the exact origins are debated, the turkey club sandwich likely emerged in the early 1900s. One legend claims it was invented at the Saratoga Club House in New York in the late 19th century The sandwich grew in popularity through the early 20th century and became a lunch staple across America
The classic combination of turkey, bacon lettuce and tomato stacked on toasted bread has stood the test of time. Over the years, a few tweaks and variations have emerged, but the framework remains largely unchanged.
The Essential Ingredients
A true turkey club showcases a harmony of flavors and textures. Here are the key ingredients that come together to create this iconic sandwich:
Toasted Bread
Sliced white or wheat bread provides the base of a turkey club. The bread should be lightly toasted, which gives it more structure and flavor. Avoid using flimsy sandwich bread, as it won’t hold up to the heft of the fillings.
Bacon
Smoky, salty bacon is essential for flavor and texture contrast. The bacon should be cooked until nice and crispy. Center-cut bacon works well, providing the right balance of meaty and fat.
Sliced Turkey
High-quality sliced turkey breast is the star ingredient. Look for premium deli turkey with thin slices for easy eating. Folding the slices makes them easier to contain.
Lettuce
Crisp lettuce like iceberg, romaine, or green leaf provides freshness. Shredded or chopped lettuce ensures you get nice even distribution of texture with each bite.
Tomato
Fresh tomato slices or halved cherry tomatoes provide moisture, flavor, and contrast. Make sure slices are thick enough to avoid a soggy sandwich.
Mayo or Aioli
A creamy spread provides moisture and brings the flavors together. Regular mayo or flavored aioli work nicely. Use just enough to flavor without overpowering.
Cheese (Optional)
While not critical, sliced cheese like cheddar or pepper jack can provide another layer of flavor. Place the cheese along with the turkey for melting.
The Art of Assembly
Constructing a turkey club is almost as important as the fillings themselves. Here are some tips for properly assembling this triple-decker beauty:
-
Lightly toast the sandwich bread to provide structure.
-
Spread a thin layer of mayo or aioli on one side of each bread slice.
-
On the bottom slice, layer half the lettuce, 2-3 tomato slices, 2-3 folded turkey slices, 2 half slices of bacon.
-
Place the middle slice of bread on top, mayo-side down.
-
Repeat the lettuce, tomato, turkey, and bacon layer.
-
Finish with the top slice of bread, mayo-side down.
-
Secure with frilly toothpicks piercing all layers.
-
Use a serrated knife to cut across or diagonally into halves or quarters.
Proper stacking ensures all the components work in perfect harmony. Take care when cutting to keep the fillings neatly contained.
Customizations and Variations
While the classic ingredients make a perfect turkey club, there are endless ways to put your own spin on it:
-
Swap out the turkey for sliced chicken or ham
-
Add avocado, sprouts, or peppery arugula
-
Use crispy prosciutto instead of bacon
-
Spread pesto or hummus instead of mayo
-
Add sliced cheese like provolone or Swiss
-
Use a flavored aioli or mustard sauce
Feel free to customize with your favorite ingredients, but try to maintain the flavor and texture balance.
Turkey Club Alternatives
For meatless options, the classic turkey can be substituted with plant-based ingredients:
-
Grilled or fried tofu slices
-
Thinly sliced seitan or tempeh
-
Portobello mushroom bacon
-
Smashed chickpea salad or egg salad
Vegans can hold the mayo and use hummus or mashed avocado instead. There are so many possibilities for plant-forward twists on this sandwich.
Why It’s a Go-To Classic
The turkey club has remained popular because it combines so many crave-worthy components in one handheld package. The cool crunch of lettuce and tomato, smoky bacon, salty mayo, and tender turkey deliver a medley of flavors and textures with each satisfying bite.
While new sandwich trends come and go, the turkey club stands the test of time. It’s easy to throw together for lunch or picnics, and appeals to meat-eaters and vegetarians alike. As long as quality ingredients are used and it’s assembled with care, it’s hard to go wrong with this American classic.
So next time you’re craving a delicious sandwich, give the iconic turkey club a try. Feel free to customize it to make it your own. And relish in each crunchy, creamy, savory bite of this forever-enjoyable triple-decker.
THEORY: ICEBERG IS KING
Iceberg doesnt have a place in many sandwiches—its flavor can best be described as, well, watery. But its crunchy texture is essential to breaking up those evenly distributed layers. And that high water content? It brings some much needed lightness to an ingredient lineup of meat, more meat, and bread.
Most critically—and, perhaps, controversially—you must shred the iceberg lettuce. Shredded lettuce provides voluminosity without introducing the issue of TML (Too Much Lettuce). You dont want TML.
THEORY: DON’T OVERDO IT ON THE MEAT
So thats a lot of layering going on, right? With that in mind, a few precautions: Namely, if youre the type of sandwich maker that likes to load up on the meat—maybe you opt for double protein at Subway—refrain when it comes to the club. Dont go all Katzs Deli on the thing and turn the sandwich into a carbo-loaded Leaning Tower of Pisa. Theres no need to go overboard on the meat, because youll be adding another layer. So remember: Load up each layer with just two slices of turkey (about half the number of slices youd normally use in your sandwich), for four slices of turkey total.
How to Make a Classic Club Sandwich | My Take on a Turkey Club!
FAQ
What is usually on a turkey club?
Stack the following ingredients in order on the first slice of bread, lettuce, tomato, Monterey Jack Cheese, turkey, bacon and a slice of white bread.
What is on a turkey club at Subway?
… of our tender sliced turkey breast, sliced roast beef and savory sliced smoked turkey with your choice of fresh vegetables and fat-free condiments …
Are turkey clubs good for you?
Packed with protein from the turkey and healthy fats from the bacon, it offers a satisfying crunch and burst of flavor. While it can be indulgent, you can easily make it lighter by opting for whole grain bread and plenty of veggies.
What’s the difference between a turkey BLT and a turkey club?
What is in a BLT sandwich? A classic BLT sandwich has bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Unlike the turkey club sandwich which has three pieces of toasted bread, lots of mayonnaise, oven roasted turkey breast, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, the BLT sandwich is a pretty no fuss sandwich.
What is on each side of a turkey club sandwich?
There is no hard-pressed rule on what is on each side of the bread, but we agree that the combo is scrumptious. It’s just not a club sandwich without the third piece of bread! The classic Turkey Club consists of roasted turkey, cooked thin-sliced bacon, crispy lettuce, ripe tomato, and mayonnaise.
What do you eat at a turkey club?
The classic Turkey Club consists of roasted turkey, cooked thin-sliced bacon, crispy lettuce, ripe tomato, and mayonnaise. Good, firm white bread, toasted, is used, and of course, the long toothpick keeps all the deliciousness together. Some variations include sliced cheese, but I keep mine traditional.
How do you make a turkey club sandwich?
The essential ingredients for a turkey club sandwich include sliced turkey breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and toasted bread—typically white or whole grain. You may also want to add mayonnaise or other condiments to enhance the flavors. Choosing quality ingredients is crucial, as this will dictate the overall taste of your sandwich.
What goes well with a turkey club sandwich?
A turkey club sandwich pairs well with various sides that complement its flavors. Classic options include crispy potato chips or French fries for that satisfying crunch. Alternatively, you could serve a simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to add freshness to your meal.
What type of bacon is best for a turkey club sandwich?
When it comes to bacon for a turkey club sandwich, thick-cut bacon is often considered the best choice. This type of bacon offers a satisfying crunch and a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich.