Club Sandwiches – A classic representation of the layered club sandwich, made with turkey, ham, and bacon between slices of toasted white bread.
Today’s recipe is another one that celebrates the food of my childhood. It’s funny how we tend to look back of memories of our childhood more when you start having kids. I’ve been doing that a lot as I watch Lucy grow.
The club sandwich was one of the first “fancy” sandwiches I ever ordered that wasn’t a grilled cheese or a plain ham and cheese. I can’t remember how I first learned about them but I do remember ordering them when we’d get room service at my dad’s hotel during our weekend visits. He’d be on-call at the front desk for the weekend so the family would join him at the hotel for a little staycation. My memories at that hotel are some of my favorite ones throughout my childhood.
And so, today’s recipe is a classic one for club sandwiches. The great thing about sandwiches, however, is that you can make them however you want. So this version is one that I consider simple yet incredible. In fact, after I made these for photographs, I ate club sandwiches all week long!
What is a club sandwich?
The origin of the club sandwich appears to be up for debate but the most I can gather is that it definitely originated in America. I find that to be a pretty cool fun fact, considering many of the foods Americans eat today came to us from other parts of the world.
A club sandwich is almost always served on white bread that’s been toasted. Out of all the components, that and its signature layers tend to be the most consistent. As far as the fillings go, those can vary from restaurant to restaurant. Here are the one’s I tend to see most often:
- Ham
- Turkey
- Bacon
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
Sometimes, I’ve seen roast beef in the sandwich or pickles or even Dijon mustard. But the truth is, you really don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this sandwich incredible. It’s just something about the toasted bread with mayo and fresh ingredients that makes it so wonderful.
My version of a club sandwich
When you order a club sandwich at a restaurant, you may get a sandwich that’s half a foot high, with the layers stacked so much that it’s almost impossible to take a bite. For my version, I wanted something more manageable and, well, realistic for enjoying at home.
For my layers, I split them into two halves: (1) meat and cheese and (2) toppings.
For my meat and cheese, I used ham and turkey to keep it simple. For my cheese, I used sharp cheddar so that it stood out. The worst thing you can do is put an ingredient in your club that you can’t even taste. What a waste!
For my toppings, tomato was a no-brainer. Tomato adds a little moisture to this otherwise dry sandwich. When it mixes with the mayo, the flavor just bursts in your mouth. Yum!!
Next, comes the lettuce, which adds some freshness. And finally, the bacon is added for some depth and crunch.
Once the sandwich is assembled, toothpicks or skewers are inserted to hold it all together before the sandwich is cut into half or triangle quarters. I love the look of the triangles, I think because that’s what I remember about the sandwiches growing up. But you can make them into squares, too.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t underestimate the need for toothpicks for this sandwich. There are many layers to it so the toothpicks are absolutely necessary to keep everything together.
- This is not a sandwich that can be made in advance, at least not while it’s assembled. The tomatoes will drip into the bread and make it soggy and the lettuce will wilt. Also, the toast will soften if refrigerated. If you are serving these for an event and want to save time, you can prepare the bacon, slice the tomatoes and lettuce, and toast the bread ahead of time. No more than an hour before serving, you can assemble the sandwiches.
Club Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 6 slices thin white bread
- 2-4 tablespoons mayo
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 6 slices thinly sliced ham
- 6 slices thinly sliced turkey bread
- ½ tomato
- 1 leaf romaine
- 4 strips cooked bacon
Instructions
- Toast all 6 slices of bread so they are lightly golden brown. Spread one slice with a thin layer of mayo. Fold 3 slices of ham so they fit within the slice of bread and don't hang over the edges. Top with 3 slices of turkey, also making sure none hangs over the edge. Top with 1 slice of cheddar cheese.
- Take another slice of toasted bread and spread mayo on one side. Place the toasted bread on top of the slice of cheddar cheese, mayo side down. Spread a little more mayo on the top side of the toasted bread. Add a thin slice of tomato on top, follow by a piece of the romaine leaf and the two strips of bacon.
- Top the bacon with the final slice of toasted bread. Cut sandwich in half or into quarters. Traditionally, club sandwiches are cut into 4 triangle wedges but I also like cutting them into squares. Use toothpicks or small wooden skewers to keep the sandwich from falling apart. Serve immediately.
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They look so delicious. SO fun too. My boys love to snack while watching the movies. I will definitely save these sandwiches and make them for our next family movie night.
This was quick to make and perfect for a quick lunch. You’re right, the tomatos are key and so good!
I miss going to restaurants, and at lunch I often got the club. This recipe reminds me that it’s so easy to make at home, and probably better (I can add more bacon and cheese). And yes, you definitely need toothpicks!
What a fo nd memory of your stay at the hotel. Love thise stories. My uncle had a hotel, lived staying there because it meant charbroiled cheese burgers and delicious fries. I was introduced to the club sandwich at a place my mom shopped. It had a Diner in it and all the Diner food you could imagine! Love you club sandwich. Loads of meat cheese mayo totally yummy!
Well done!
These sandwiches came out great. They couldn’t have been easier to throw together, and everyone is our house gobbled them up. Thanks for sharing!
Love club sandwich for both lunch and dinner. This looks delicious. I would love to make one soon.
OMG! This brings back memories. These triangles sandwiches that were sold in the cafeteria at school or at work always grabbed my attention. Having them bite-sized like yours make them even more perfect.
Club sandwiches are my comfort food. I can’t have enough of them. Always order and never make, so this is my chance! Your recipe is terrific; I am definitely saving it and making it asap.
Club sandwiches are a classic and DELICIOUS.
Now, these are the yummiest looking club sandwiches I’ve seen! Perfect for a lunchtime spread for the family.
They look so cute with their little sticks! I’m sure my daughter would love something like this 🙂
A true classic! Will give this take a try!
This is my favourite sandwich to order in a cafe – so it’s great I’ve found a detailed post on making my own.
This was really a huge hit at my house! Can’t wait to make it again!
This really is such a classic – and for good reason! I love your tip about “Don’t underestimate the need for toothpicks for this sandwich.” LOL – so true!!
I agree – toothpicks are key!
This is so good! Love a big club sandwich for…. well, anytime. Lunch or dinner.
Ahhhh! This is a classic! It looks so appealing to me – would love to have my hands on this yummy club sandwich!
I love club sandwiches and never think to make them! This recipe inspired me – can’t wait to enjoy these again!
Club sandwiches are one of my main comfort foods! This one seems delicious.
OMG this sounds so yummy! I need to make it
I love club sandwiches! They are such an easy go-to recipe, especially for hot summer days! I need to make these this weekend!
We made these club sandwiches for lunch today, and they were so delicious! I think this will be a new weekend lunch staple here 🙂
that must have been fun as a kid hanging out at a hotel. Club sandwich is my go to diner food and I absolutely love this homemade version. You are making me miss it now as its been ages since I had it. I think I’m gonna make this sandwich for lunch this week.
Oh my gosh I grew up on these, I love your little bite sized versions!
The best kind of sandwiches! This just hits the spot any lunch break and kids love them too