Turkey Club Triple-Decker Sandwich

Sunday afternbspin our house meant something specific: the sound of bacon sizzling and that particular aroma that made everyone drift toward the kitchen. My dad had this ritual where he would stand at the stove, flipping bacon with deliberate patience while explaining that the crisping process wasnapost something to rush. He would napost make these towering sandwiches often maybe once a month but when he did, it felt like an event. The turkey club wasnapost just lunch. It was architecture.

I remember bringing these to a park picnic years ago, wrapped in parchment paper with little flags sticking out. The friend who had napost believed a sandwich could be a proper meal took one bite and went quiet for a full thirty seconds. Sometimes the most straightforward combinations are the ones that stick with people longest.

Ingredients

• 200 g cooked turkey breast: Sliced thin rather than thick shavings, it folds beautifully between layers
• 4 slices bacon: The structural backbone that gives the sandwich its essential salty crunch
• 6 slices sandwich bread: White toasts up lighter but whole wheat holds up better under all those layers
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise: Spread generously on each slice, because dry bread is the enemy of a good club
• 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce: Iceberg adds that classic crunch while romaine brings a bit more green freshness
• 1 large tomato: Sliced somewhat thick, as thin tomato layers tend to disappear completely
• Salt and black pepper: Light seasoning between layers makes each tier feel intentional

Instructions

Get your foundations ready:

Toast all six bread slices until they are golden brown and firm to the touch, then set them on a cutting board. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it has reached your preferred level of crispiness and transfer it to paper towels to drain.

Build the first tier:

Lay out three slices of toast and spread each with about half a tablespoon of mayonnaise. On the first slice, arrange half the lettuce followed by half the turkey slices, then season very lightly with salt and pepper.

Add the middle layer:

Place a second slice of toast on top, mayonnaise side down, and spread another half tablespoon of mayo on its upper surface. Layer the tomato slices over the mayo, followed by the bacon and then the remaining lettuce and turkey.

Complete the tower:

Top with the final slice of toast, mayonnaise side facing inward, and press down gently but firmly. Secure each corner with a cocktail stick if you plan to transport or slice neatly, then cut diagonally into quarters.

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There is something genuinely satisfying about cutting into that third layer and seeing all the colors spill out. My nephew used to call it the sandwich skyscraper and honestly, he wasnapost wrong.

Getting the Layering Right

The secret is in the order. Put lettuce directly on the mayo so it clings, then protein, then tomato so it does not make the bread soggy. I learned this after a sad lunch where the bottom slice had basically dissolved.

Bacon Timing

Cook the bacon first and let it drain while you prep everything else. Warm bacon softens up quickly and you lose that crucial snap against the soft turkey and creamy mayonnaise.

Make It Your Own

This is one of those templates that rewards tinkering. Sometimes the smallest adjustments make it feel like a completely different sandwich.

• Swap turkey for roasted chicken if that is what you have on hand
• Add avocado slices for extra creaminess between the tomato and bacon
• Try whole grain mustard mixed into the mayonnaise for a sharp counterpoint

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Some days a sandwich is just lunch. Other days it is three layers of carefully stacked happiness on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

→ What bread types work best for this sandwich?

White or whole wheat sandwich bread both provide a sturdy base and toast well for a crisp texture.

→ Can I substitute the turkey with another protein?

Yes, cooked chicken breast makes a great alternative, providing a similar texture and flavor.

→ How can I add extra creaminess to the layers?

Adding sliced avocado or using a creamy mayonnaise enhances richness and smoothness.

→ What is the best way to achieve crispy bacon?

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, then drain excess fat on paper towels.

→ How should I assemble the sandwich for best results?

Layer ingredients evenly over toasted bread, seasoning between layers, then press gently and secure corners to hold it together.

→ Are there lighter options to make this sandwich healthier?

Using reduced-fat mayonnaise and whole-grain bread lowers calories and adds fiber while maintaining flavor.