There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly stacked sandwichthe crunch of toasted bread, the smoky bacon, the cool crisp lettuce. A club sandwich recipe brings all those layers together in one hand-held masterpiece that feels nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
I’ve been photographing sandwiches in our test kitchen for eight years now, and I’ll never forget the first triple-decker I styledit collapsed twice before I learned the secret is a quick press and strategic toothpick placement. Once you nail the layering technique, this becomes the kind of lunch you crave on repeat.
Thomas Baker
Club Sandwich Recipe: Easy, Fresh, and Irresistible
This Club Sandwich Recipe offers a deliciously layered, hearty meal that’s perfect for any weeknight. Packed with turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh veggies, this classic American sandwich is simple to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Fry the bacon until it becomes crispy and drain it on paper towels.
Toast all the bread slices until golden and set aside.
Arrange the bread slices on your workspace in four rows of three slices each and lightly spread under a teaspoon of mayonnaise on each piece.
On the first slice of each row, add one slice of cheddar cheese, a quarter of the turkey, and a few tomato slices; place the middle slice of bread on top, mayonnaise side down.
Spread the rest of the mayonnaise on the exposed tops of the middle slices.
Layer bacon, lettuce, and ham on top of the middle slice.
Complete the sandwich with the third slice of bread, mayonnaise side down.
Secure the sandwich with toothpicks if desired and cut it into halves or quarters.
Serve right away for the best taste.
Notes
Nutrition facts are approximate and can vary with product brands. Use toothpicks to keep sandwiches intact if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Triple-Decker Classic
There’s a reason this club sandwich recipe has been a diner staple for decadesit delivers big on flavor without any fussy techniques. You get crispy bacon, savory deli meats, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese all tucked between toasted bread that holds up beautifully to every bite.
Seriously satisfying: The combination of turkey, ham, and bacon makes this feel like a full meal, not just a quick lunch.
Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have time to cook.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors and fun stacked presentation.
Easily customizable: Swap the cheddar for your favorite cheese or add extra lettuce for crunch.
What You’ll Need
Most of these ingredients are probably already in your fridge or pantry. I love using good quality white bread that toasts up golden and sturdyit makes all the difference when you’re stacking three layers high.
Ingredient
Why It Matters
Bacon
Adds smoky, crispy texturecook until truly crisp so it doesn’t go soggy
White bread
Toasting creates structure; soft bread will collapse under all those layers
Mayonnaise
Moisture and flavorspread thinly on every slice for balanced richness
Cheddar cheese
Melty, sharp flavor that pairs beautifully with the deli meats
Turkey & ham
Double protein punch; use deli-sliced for easy layering
Tomatoes & lettuce
Fresh crunch and brightness to balance the richness
Pro Tip: Pat your tomato slices with a paper towel before layering them init keeps the bread from getting soggy, especially if you’re packing these for lunch.
How to Build the Perfect Stack
The secret to a sturdy club sandwich recipe is methodical layering and a gentle press after each addition. After photographing dozens of these in our test kitchen, I learned that organization before you start makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step
What to Do
1. Cook bacon
Fry until crisp, drain on paper towels
2. Toast bread
Toast all 12 slices until golden
3. Spread mayo
Lightly coat each slice (about 1 tsp per slice)
4. First layer
Cheddar, turkey, tomatothen middle bread slice (mayo side down)
5. Second layer
Spread mayo on top of middle slice, add bacon, lettuce, ham
6. Top & slice
Place final bread slice mayo-side down, secure with toothpicks, cut in half or quarters
Note: Laying out all 12 slices in 4 rows of 3 makes assembly feel like a fun little production lineyou’ll breeze through it.
Swaps and Simple Tweaks
This sandwich is wonderfully flexible. If you’re out of cheddar, try Swiss or provolone. Whole wheat bread works great if you want a heartier flavor, and you can absolutely use turkey bacon if that’s what you have on hand.
Make it lighter: Use low-fat mayonnaise and skip the cheese, or swap half the mayo for mashed avocado.
Boost the veggies: Add cucumber slices or arugula for extra crunch and peppery bite.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free breadjust make sure it’s sturdy enough to toast well.
Serving and Storage Tips
These sandwiches are best served immediately while the bread is still warm and crispy. If you’re making them ahead for a picnic or lunchbox, wrap each one tightly in parchment paper to help hold the layers together.
Storage Method
How Long It Keeps
Refrigerator (wrapped)
Up to 4 hoursbread will soften but still tasty
Room temperature
Serve within 1 hour for best texture
Freezer
Not recommendedlettuce and tomatoes don’t freeze well
Pro Tip: If packing for lunch, keep the lettuce and tomato separate and add them right before eating. It keeps everything fresh and crisp.
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FAQs ( Club Sandwich Recipe )
What bread works best for this sandwich?
White or whole wheat sandwich bread toasted golden brown gives the best results. The toast provides structure to hold all the layers without getting soggy. I recommend medium-thick slices for the perfect bread-to-filling ratio.
How do you keep the layers from sliding around?
Use toothpicks in each quarter and press gently after stacking each layer. Pat the bacon and tomatoes dry with paper towels before adding them. A thin spread of mayo on each bread slice also helps ingredients stick together.
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best assembled fresh, but you can prep ingredients 2-3 hours ahead. Cook bacon, slice tomatoes, and wash lettuce separately. Store components in the fridge and assemble just before serving to prevent soggy bread.
What type of turkey and bacon should I use?
Sliced deli turkey breast works perfectly – aim for medium thickness. For bacon, regular-cut strips crisped until golden provide the ideal texture contrast. Avoid thick-cut bacon as it can make the sandwich too bulky to eat comfortably.
How do you cut and serve this properly?
Cut diagonally into quarters using a sharp knife while the toothpicks are still in place. Remove picks after cutting if desired. Serve immediately on individual plates with chips or pickles as classic accompaniments.
You’ll love how this club sandwich recipe turns outcrispy, golden toast, smoky bacon, and layers that hold together beautifully every single time. It takes about thirty minutes from start to finish, and the payoff is that satisfying crunch followed by juicy, flavorful bites that feel both comforting and indulgent. This is the kind of lunch that makes you slow down and actually enjoy eating, not just refueling on the go.
If you want to switch things up, try adding a smear of Dijon mustard for a little tang, or swap in avocado slices for extra creaminess. Leftovers hold up surprisingly well if you wrap them tightly in parchment and store in the fridgejust know the bread will soften a bit. A trick I picked up in our test kitchen: lightly toast the bread again in a dry skillet before serving if you’re reheating, and it brings back that fresh-from-the-toaster feel.
I’d love to see how yours turns outtag me if you snap a photo, or tell me what you added to make it your own. Did you grow up ordering club sandwiches at diners with your family, or is this a new favorite you’re discovering now? Either way, I hope this becomes one of those recipes you turn to again and again, maybe even passing it along to someone you love who could use a really good lunch.
