Ultimate Club Sandwich

Introduction

The classic club sandwich is a towering triple-decker delight, packed with layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise, all between slices of perfectly toasted bread. This recipe takes you step-by-step through creating the ultimate club sandwich, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• 9 slices of white or whole wheat bread
• 1/2 lb cooked turkey breast, thinly sliced
• 12 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy
• 4 leaves of romaine lettuce, washed and dried
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter for toasting
• Toothpicks

Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon slices until they are crispy. You can do this on the grill, in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

2. Prepare the Turkey: If using store-bought cooked turkey breast, ensure it’s thinly sliced. If cooking your own, roast the turkey breast seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest before slicing thinly.

3. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce leaves, ensuring they are crisp. Slice the tomatoes thinly and season with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.

Making the Mayonnaise Spread

4. Mix the Spread: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This mixture adds a tangy zest to the sandwich, balancing the rich flavors of the bacon and turkey.

Toasting the Bread

5. Toast the Bread: Lightly butter each slice of bread on one side. Toast the bread until golden brown and crisp. This can be done on a grill, in a toaster, or under a broiler. Toasting adds a crucial texture that holds the sandwich together and gives it a satisfying crunch.

Assembling the Sandwich

6. Layer the First Sandwich: Lay out three slices of toasted bread. Spread a generous amount of the mayonnaise mixture on one side of each slice.

   • On the first slice, place a layer of lettuce, followed by turkey slices, and then two slices of bacon.
   • Place the second slice of bread, mayo side down, on top of the bacon. Spread mayo on the top of this slice as well.
   • Add tomato slices, a piece of lettuce, and two more slices of bacon.

7. Add the Final Layer: Top with the third slice of bread, mayo side down. Press down gently to compact the sandwich slightly.

8. Repeat for More Sandwiches: Repeat the assembly process for the remaining sandwiches, creating three club sandwiches in total.

Serving

9. Secure and Slice: Secure each sandwich with toothpicks inserted at each corner. Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich diagonally into quarters, creating four triangular pieces.

10. Arrange and Serve: Arrange the sandwich quarters on a serving plate. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as potato chips, a pickle spear, or a small salad.

Tips

• Customize Your Club: Feel free to add slices of avocado or use different types of cheese for added variety.
• Perfecting the Toast: To ensure your toast stays crispy, let it cool slightly before assembling to avoid steam making it soggy.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the turkey and bacon with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant for a delightful vegetarian version.

Variations

1. Chicken Club Sandwich: Replace turkey with grilled or roasted chicken breast.
2. Ham and Cheese Club: Substitute turkey with thinly sliced ham and add Swiss cheese.
3. Vegetarian Club: Use grilled vegetables and a slice of tofu or tempeh.
4. Spicy Club: Add a layer of jalapenos or spread some spicy sriracha mayo.
5. Seafood Club: Include a layer of cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.

Best Pairings

• Side Dishes: Potato chips, French fries, or a small green salad.
• Beverages: Iced tea, lemonade, or a crisp white wine.
• Dessert: Fresh fruit salad or a light sorbet.

Conclusion

The ultimate club sandwich is a symphony of flavors and textures, perfect for a hearty lunch or a light dinner. Each layer contributes to a satisfying bite, making it a timeless favorite. With this detailed guide, you can craft the perfect club sandwich, tailored to your taste and sure to impress.