The Ultimate Homemade Club Sandwich Guide
Elevate your lunch with mouthwatering layers of meats, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Craving a sandwich that checks every box for flavor, texture, and visual wow-factor? The club sandwich is a stacked classic, making appearances on diner menus and home tables alike. This guide takes you through every step to recreating a mouthwatering, over-the-top club sandwich right in your own kitchen—no restaurant required.
Why Make Club Sandwiches at Home?
Club sandwiches are beloved for their generous layers, often featuring a combination of meats, cheeses, crispy bacon, creamy spreads, and fresh vegetables. While they are a staple in many restaurants and delis, making them at home lets you:
- Control ingredient quality and freshness
- Customize every layer to taste
- Save money (restaurant club sandwiches can be expensive)
- Experiment with creative add-ons and spreads
Essential Ingredients for the Killer Club Sandwich
The original club sandwich may vary slightly, but the following components are the foundation for the recipe inspired by Ree Drummond’s much-loved version:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwich bread | 12 slices | Fresh white, wheat, or multigrain; toasted |
| Bacon | 8 slices (halved) | Crispy, drained on paper towels |
| Mayonnaise | 4 tbsp (divided) | For mixing with pesto spreads |
| Basil pesto | 1 tbsp | Jarred or homemade |
| Sun-dried tomato pesto | 1 tbsp | Or pureed sun-dried tomatoes |
| Ham (shaved) | 1/2 lb | Choose your favorite deli ham |
| Turkey (shaved) | 1/2 lb | Sliced fresh or deli-style |
| Cheese slices | 4 slices | Swiss, mozzarella, or similar |
| Avocados | 4, peeled and sliced | Ripe, but not mushy |
| Lettuce | Romaine or green leaf | Crisp and fresh |
| Potato chips | For serving | Optional, as a crunchy side |
Step-by-Step Directions: Assembling the Ultimate Club Sandwich
- Toast the Bread
Toast all 12 slices of bread until lightly golden. Let them cool slightly to prevent steam from making them soggy as you build the layers.
- Prepare the Bacon
Fry bacon until just crisp. Set aside on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Create the Signature Spreads
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tbsp basil pesto.
- In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 2 tbsp mayonnaise with 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato pesto.
- Assemble Layer by Layer
- First layer:
- Spread basil pesto mayo on one side of 2 bread slices.
- On one, layer shaved ham and lettuce.
- On the other, arrange half an avocado (sliced) and top with bacon.
- Invert the avocado-bacon slice onto the ham-lettuce bread (ingredient sides facing each other).
- Second layer:
- Spread sun-dried tomato mayo atop the stacked bread.
- Top with shaved turkey and more lettuce.
- Spread sun-dried tomato mayo on one side of a third bread slice.
- On this bread, layer remaining avocado, add bacon strips, and place a slice of cheese on top.
- Invert this piece onto the turkey-lettuce stack (ingredient sides together).
- First layer:
- Press, Slice, and Serve
Gently press the finished sandwich, then use a very sharp knife to cut diagonally, then once more so you have four neat triangles. Secure each with a toothpick and serve alongside potato chips or your favorite side.
Tips and Tricks for Club Sandwich Perfection
- Ingredient Swaps: Substitute turkey or ham with roast chicken, grilled tofu, or even thinly sliced steak for a twist. Try baby spinach or arugula in place of romaine for added flavor and nutrition.
- Toasting Dos and Don’ts: Toast bread just until golden and firm, not too crisp, to prevent breakage when assembling and slicing.
- Spread Evenly: Ensure spreads are smoothed out to the edges of the bread for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Layer Order Matters: Stack moist ingredients like tomatoes or avocados away from the bread if you’re not serving immediately, to avoid sogginess.
- Secure with Picks: Toothpicks or sandwich picks help keep the towering layers intact for neat triangles.
- Serving Ideas: Classic potato chips add a crunchy counterpoint; pickles or a small salad are excellent sides.
Variations to Try
- Vegetarian Version: Skip meats and double up on cheeses, avocado, grilled veggies, and greens. Try hummus or a flavored cream cheese in place of the meat spreads.
- Spicy Kick: Add a layer of sliced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the mayo spreads.
- Deluxe Deli: Mix smoked turkey and pastrami, swap Swiss for provolone, or add thinly sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
- Breakfast Club Sandwich: Slip in a just-cooked fried egg and use breakfast ham and cheddar.
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving, Approximate)
| Calories | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550-700 | 28-38g | 40-55g | 28-38g | 7-10g |
Values will vary depending on the type and amount of meat, cheese, bread, and spreads used, as well as the size and ripeness of the avocados.
Creative Add-Ons
- Fresh Sliced Tomato: Adds sweetness and balance—ideal between cheese and meat layers.
- Pepperoncini or Pickled Onions: For a tangy, zesty bite.
- Baby Spinach or Arugula: Offers extra nutrition and a peppery twist.
- Roasted Red Peppers: Smoky-sweet flavor pairs well with turkey and cheese.
What others are reading
Common Club Sandwich Questions
Q: What makes a club sandwich different from a regular sandwich?
A: The club sandwich typically features three slices of bread and is layered with at least two types of meat (often turkey and ham), crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It is also defined by being quartered and held together with toothpicks.
Q: What bread is best for a club sandwich?
A: Classic club sandwiches use white sandwich bread; however, wheat, multigrain, or sourdough are excellent for heartier texture and flavor.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can pre-toast the bread and pre-cook bacon, but best results come from assembling just before serving to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess.
Q: Are there recommended sides for club sandwiches?
A: Potato chips, a tangy dill pickle, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad are great accompaniments.
Step-by-Step Photo Guidance
- Arrange all ingredients in front of you for easy access.
- Spread each slice with prepared mayo-pesto blends as outlined.
- Layer the ham, avocado, bacon, lettuce, turkey, and cheese just as described in previous steps. Don’t be afraid to pile them high!
- After each layer, gently press to stabilize the stack before adding the next slice.
- Once complete, slice at a diagonal and then once more for picture-perfect quarters. Insert picks to hold them together.
Pro Tips for Hosting a Club Sandwich Lunch
- Build-Your-Own Bar: Lay out all ingredients buffet-style so guests can assemble their ideal sandwich.
- Mini Club Sandwiches: Use cocktail bread or slider buns for bite-sized versions at parties or lunchboxes.
- Keep Bread Fresh: Toast just before assembly, and avoid over-toasting to prevent crumbling.
- Use a Serrated Knife: For clean, even cuts that keep layers intact.
Serving and Presentation
Arrange the sandwich quarters on a platter, garnish with fresh herbs or pickled skewers, and serve with sides for a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Don’t forget napkins—these sandwiches are delightfully messy!
Conclusion: Make It Your Own
The killer club sandwich is all about personalization, abundant layers, and irresistible flavors. With guidance from this recipe and technique, you’re ready to craft sandwiches that rival any restaurant offering—right in your kitchen.
References
- http://choodoris.blogspot.com/2013/08/killer-club-sandwich-ree-drummond.html
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11664/killer-club-sandwich/
- https://www.daveskillerbread.com/recipes/deli-style-club-sandwich
- https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/killer-club-sandwich/
- http://www.elizabethannsrecipebox.com/2011/06/killer-club-sandwich.html
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