Turkey Club Sandwich Layers

There was this tiny deli around the corner from my first apartment that made club sandwiches so tall you had to unhinge your jaw to take a bite. I became obsessed with reverse engineering their technique and eventually realized it comes down to thoughtful layering and not overstuffing any single layer.

Last summer my brother came over for lunch and I made these on the patio. We ended up sitting there for an hour just talking about how something so simple could taste so incredible when you take the time to toast the bread properly and actually crisp the bacon instead of letting it get rubbery.

Ingredients

• 4 slices turkey bacon: The turkey version crisps up beautifully and gives you that smoky crunch without the heaviness of pork bacon
• 6 oz sliced roasted turkey breast: Go for the good stuff from the deli counter, thinly sliced so it layers evenly
• 6 slices whole wheat or white sandwich bread: Whole wheat holds up better under all those layers but white works if that is your preference
• 2 leaves romaine lettuce: Iceberg is classic but romaine brings this nice fresh crunch and more nutrition
• 2 slices tomato: Get them as ripe as you can find and pat them dry so they do not make your bread soggy
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise: This is the glue that holds everything together so do not be shy with it
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Adds just the right tangy kick to cut through all the rich ingredients
• 2 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese: Swiss melts beautifully but cheddar gives you that classic sharp flavor

Instructions

Crisp the turkey bacon:

Lay the turkey bacon in a cold skillet and turn the heat to medium, letting it cook slowly so the fat renders out properly and you get these perfectly crisp strips that will not fall apart when you bite into the sandwich.

Toast your bread just right:

Get the bread golden brown but still with some softness to it because you want that crunch but not something so hard it scrapes the roof of your mouth.

Spread the condiments:

Mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together and spread it on every slice of bread because this prevents any layer from tasting dry and helps the ingredients stick together.

Build the first layer:

Start with lettuce touching the mayo side of the first bread slice, then layer your turkey breast so it covers the lettuce completely, and top with a slice of cheese.

Add the middle bread:

Place another slice bread on top, mayo side down, then add your crispy turkey bacon followed by tomato slices and avocado if you are using it.

Finish and cut:

Top with the final bread slice and press down gently but firmly, then cut the sandwich diagonally which somehow makes it taste better and is easier to eat.

Save

This sandwich became my go to for Sunday lunch because it feels like such a treat but comes together so quickly. My kids started calling it the daddy sandwich because they would always ask me to make extra for them to share.

Choosing Your Bread

The bread choice matters more than you might think because it needs to be sturdy enough to hold all those fillings but still soft enough to bite through easily. Whole wheat gives you more fiber and a nutty flavor but white bread is classic for a reason.

Make It Your Own

Once you have the basic structure down you can swap out ingredients based on what you have in the fridge or what your family likes best. Sometimes I use provolone cheese or add cucumber for extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions

A club sandwich deserves some good sides to make it a complete meal. The contrast between the rich sandwich and something fresh or crunchy makes the whole lunch feel more satisfying.

• Baked potato chips or sweet potato fries add that perfect salty crunch
• A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through all the rich layers
• A cold pickle on the side is basically mandatory for the full experience

Save

Perfect for lazy weekends or whenever you need a satisfying lunch that feels special without taking forever to make.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I get the turkey bacon crispy?

Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches a crisp texture. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.

→ Can I use different bread types?

Yes, whole wheat or white sandwich bread works well. Toasting the bread until golden brown adds a pleasant crunch.

→ What is the best way to layer the sandwich?

Start with a mayo-spread slice of bread, add lettuce, turkey breast, and cheese, then another mayo-spread slice topped with turkey bacon, tomato, and optional avocado. Finish with the last slice of bread spread with mayo.

→ Are there alternatives to mayonnaise?

Light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt can be used as lighter, creamy alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

→ How should I serve this sandwich?

Serve immediately after assembly, optionally pairing with baked chips, a pickle spear, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.