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Classic Club Sandwich

Featured in: Tasty and Easy Sandwich Recipes

This American-style layered sandwich is quick to assemble and full of flavor. Toast layers spread with mayo hold chicken, crispy bacon, Emmental, lettuce, and tomatoes. Cut into neat triangles for a satisfying anytime meal. Makes 4 layered sandwiches (16 small portions) ready in 15 minutes. Pair it with fries, chips, or a salad for a crowd-pleaser.
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Updated on Sun, 16 Mar 2025 17:47:48 GMT
A layered toasted sandwich with chicken and bacon. Pin it
A layered toasted sandwich with chicken and bacon. | yummygusto.com

The American Club Sandwich brings together amazing textures and tastes in each mouthful. This standout triple-decker combines three slices of toasted bread with juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, and garden-fresh veggies, making a filling meal that totally hits the spot. First showing up in fancy New York clubs during the late 1800s, this food legend has stayed popular across generations for a very good reason.

I made my first club sandwiches during a Sunday get-together with pals. The mix of warm toast slathered with mayo, paper-thin chicken, and super crispy bacon got such happy reactions around the table that it's now my go-to dish when friends drop by.

Top-Notch Ingredient Guide

  • White or wholegrain bread: Works as your base—cut off crusts for a fancy touch and toast until it's nice and golden.
  • Full fat mayonnaise: Makes a rich foundation for building up flavors.
  • Thinly sliced chicken breast: Keeps layers even without taking over the other tastes.
  • Crisp bacon strips: Adds that smoky taste and satisfying crunch.
  • Shredded lettuce: Brings in a cool, crisp element and color contrast.
  • Swiss Emmental cheese: Adds a slight nutty flavor that works great with both the chicken and bacon.
  • Vine ripened tomatoes: Cut thin and lightly salted for juicy brightness.

Expert Building Steps

Bread Prep:
Toast bread until golden and let it cool fully on a rack.
Base Layer:
Spread mayo all over one side of your first bread slice to keep moisture out.
First Meat Layer:
Put thin chicken slices on the mayo, fluffing them up a bit for better texture.
Veggie Addition:
Scatter lettuce evenly over the chicken, then add a cheese slice on top.
Middle Section:
Place second bread slice mayo-side down onto the cheese. Add mayo to the top side.
Second Meat Layer:
Lay bacon strips next to each other with a bit of overlap for full coverage.
Last Veggie Layer:
Add thin tomato slices with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Top Layer:
Finish with the last bread slice, mayo-side down.
Cutting Step:
Use a sharp serrated knife to cut diagonally into four triangles. Stick in fancy toothpicks to hold everything together.

My grandma always told me to use bread that's a day old for club sandwiches. The slightly drier texture holds up better when toasted and makes the perfect base for all those yummy layers.

Two sandwiches with lettuce and tomato. Pin it
Two sandwiches with lettuce and tomato. | yummygusto.com

Fantastic Side Dish Ideas

Round out your club sandwich with just the right sides. Try homemade potato chips with sea salt for extra crunch or a simple cucumber salad with vinegar and dill for a fresh zing. If you want something more filling, a classic potato salad with tangy mustard dressing works perfectly with the sandwich.

Fun Twists On The Classic

Switch things up with easy changes. Try swapping chicken for roast beef and using horseradish mayo for a kick. Make a Mediterranean version with prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, and green pesto. For veggie lovers, grilled portobello mushrooms and sweet roasted red peppers make a great meat-free option.

Keeping It Fresh

You can make these up to four hours ahead. Wrap them in parchment paper then foil and keep in the fridge. If you want them for tomorrow, store all parts separately and put together just before eating.

Using Up Leftovers

Don't waste leftover sandwich fixings. Chop everything up for a quick salad, mix into a tasty spread, or throw into your morning eggs for a breakfast upgrade.

Two sandwiches on a table. Pin it
Two sandwiches on a table. | yummygusto.com

I love adding avocado slices with a squeeze of lemon juice right above the bacon. The creamy richness takes this sandwich from great to mind-blowing. Whether it's just a quick lunch or you're feeding friends, this American favorite always makes people happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What sets a club sandwich apart?
It's all about the triple bread slices, each stacked with bacon, chicken, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. The triangle cuts topped with toothpicks make it iconic.
→ Is turkey a good swap for chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey slices are a great alternative. Just use thin slices like you would with chicken.
→ How do I slice it neatly without messing it up?
Grab a sharp knife and press lightly on the top. Saw gently from edge to edge instead of pressing down, and secure each piece with a toothpick!
→ Why cool the toast before building the sandwich?
Cooling keeps the veggies crisp and fresh. If it's hot, lettuce and tomato might go limp.
→ What goes well on the side?
Pair with chips, fries, coleslaw, pickles, or even a light side salad for a balanced plate.

Classic Club Sandwich

This stacked sandwich combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce between slices of golden toast. It's a classic you'll love.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sandra

Category: Sandwich Creations

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (16 triangle sandwiches)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Bread & Spreads

01 12 pieces of toast, crusts off (optional)
02 16 teaspoons of mayo

→ Proteins

03 8 cooked bacon strips, crispy
04 4 slices of Emmental (or any cheese you like)
05 12 thin chicken slices, deli style

→ Fresh Ingredients

06 Thinly sliced tomato
07 Lettuce, finely shredded
08 Season with a little black pepper and salt

Instructions

Step 01

Put a piece of toast on your counter. Spread a teaspoon of mayo over the top. Lay down thin slices of chicken, gently bunching them for a nice stacked look. Sprinkle lettuce on top, then add a slice of cheese (cut to match the toast if needed).

Step 02

Grab another piece of toast. Spread one side with mayo, then place it mayo-side down onto the cheese. Slather the top with more mayo. Lay bacon across it in one layer (break strips if needed). Follow with slices of tomato and sprinkle on salt and pepper. Add shredded lettuce to finish.

Step 03

Smear mayo on a final slice of bread and press it mayo-side down onto the lettuce. Gently slice the stack into four triangles using a sharp bread knife. Press lightly to keep things neat while cutting. Pierce each triangle with a toothpick to secure, and enjoy them fresh with fries or pickles.

Notes

  1. This iconic NYC Club stack packs layers of thin-cut chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and mayo on lightly toasted bread without crusts.
  2. For clean triangles, use a sharp knife and saw back and forth lightly instead of pressing down hard.
  3. Let your bread cool fully after toasting—this keeps the greens crisp and fresh during assembly.

Tools You'll Need

  • 16 toothpicks or small skewers
  • Sharp knife for cutting bread

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes gluten (from bread)
  • Contains dairy products (cheese)
  • Includes eggs (from mayo)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 618
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 41 g
  • Protein: 19 g