Satisfy your sandwich cravings with this Triple Decker Turkey Club. It stacks up to the challenge with layers of toasted bread, savory turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies. It's hearty, satisfying, and just a little bit retro in the best possible way.
This post was originally published in July 2020 and has been updated.
Think of this triple decker sandwich as the ultimate mashup of your favorite deli-style sandwich and a diner classic. And if you love a layered lunch situation like my Cold Cut Sub Sandwich or you're team BLT all the way (hi, Bagel BLT lovers!), then this triple-decker club is about to become your go-to.
We're talking crunchy, savory, salty, and fresh all in one epic bite. This is perfect for lunch or dinner when you just want to keep it casual.
Recipe Highlights
- Classic, crave-worthy flavors.
- Thick-sliced peppered bacon adds incredible flavor.
- Chive mayonnaise adds a layer of richness.
- Prepare the bacon in advance and assemble in minutes.
Jump to:
What is a Triple Decker or Club Sandwich?
A triple-decker club sandwich consists of three slices of bread, with two layers of ingredients, including turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Some versions may also include ham and/or cheese. These sandwiches are typically cut into triangular halves or quarters and secured with toothpicks.
Ingredient Notes
- Bread: Use thin-sliced sandwich bread such as white or sourdough. Wheat, rye, or pumpernickel can also be used. Avoid breads with a soft texture, such as Brioche.
- Turkey: Deli-sliced turkey (or chicken) is perfect in this sandwich. Leftover roasted turkey or chicken breast can also be used.
- Peppered Bacon: I like thick-cut bacon for a meaty bite, but any variety can be used. I love seasoning it with a healthy dose of black pepper before baking for extra flavor. This rosemary spiced bacon is also delicious on this sandwich.
- Lettuce: Crisp varieties, such as romaine or iceberg, work best in this sandwich.
- Tomatoes: Use thin slices of beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
Variations
- Classic club: Layer in ham and roast beef.
- Chicken club: Substitute chicken for turkey and swap ranch or Caesar dressing with anchovies for the mayo.
- Veggie: Layer hummus with avocado, cucumber, and microgreens.
- Breakfast: Layer eggs, cheese, bacon, and avocado or fresh spinach.
How to Make the Perfect Triple Decker Turkey Club Sandwich
Step 1: Arrange the bacon (I always make extra to keep on hand) on a sheet pan and season it with black pepper.
Step 2: Bake at 400℉ for 20-25 minutes until brown and crisp. (The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the bacon.) Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 3: Toast the bread. Combine the mayonnaise, chives, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Spread the mayo on one side of each slice of bread. On one slice, layer lettuce, turkey, tomato, and more lettuce.
Step 4: Top with the second slice of bread, with the mayonnaise side down. Spread mayo on the top of the second slice of bread.
Step 5: Assemble the second layer with lettuce, tomato, bacon, and more lettuce.
Step 6: Place the third slice of bread on top, with the mayonnaise side down. Slice in half or quarters and serve.
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How to Slice and Serve a Triple Decker Club Sandwich
Slice the sandwich in half diagonally. If desired, slice each half in half to form four triangular pieces. The small triangles are less cumbersome and much easier to eat.
Use bamboo skewers or toothpicks to hold each sandwich section together.
Serve in a parchment-lined basket or on a plate with potato chips and pickles. Pair with Miracle Whip coleslaw, cucumber canapés, or pasta salads.
For heartier appetites, pair this sandwich with loaded baked potato casserole.
Abbey's Top Tips
- Toasting the bread helps to prevent it from turning soggy and gives more stability to the sandwich.
- To minimize excess moisture, season the tomato slices with salt and drain them on a paper towel. Then, pat them dry before assembling the sandwich.
- Use thin-sliced bread. This is a big sandwich, so save the Texas toast for breakfast!
- If packing a lunch, secure each slice with a toothpick before placing it in a food storage container.
Recipe FAQs
For best results, it's best to assemble the sandwich right before serving. The bacon, however, can be cooked in advance.
Use toothpicks or skewers to secure each half or quarter. Also, toast the bread and layer the ingredients evenly to provide stability.
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📖 Recipe Card
Triple Decker Club Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 3 slices cooked bacon
- 3 slices white or sourdough bread
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chopped chives
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2-3 romaine lettuce leaves (cut in half crosswise)
- 3 slices deli-sliced turkey or chicken
- 1 large beefsteak or heirloom tomato (cut into 4-6 thin slices)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉. Place the bacon on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and season the bacon with black pepper. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes until brown and crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess fat.3 slices cooked bacon
- Toast the bread. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chives, and season with salt and pepper.3 slices white or sourdough bread, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, salt and pepper
- Spread one side of each slice of bread with the mayo.
- Top one slice of bread with lettuce, turkey, 2-3 slices of tomato, and another piece of lettuce. Top with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, and spread mayonnaise on the top.3 slices deli-sliced turkey or chicken
- Layer the second slice of bread with lettuce, 2-3 slices of tomato, bacon, and more lettuce. Top with the third slice of bread, mayonnaise side down.
- Cut in half diagonally and again into quarters, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use firm bread such as sourdough, rye, or pumpernickel. Avoid soft breads such as Brioche. Use thin-sliced bread for the best results.
- Toasting the bread is optional, but it adds texture and stability to the sandwich.
- Season the tomatoes with salt and drain them on paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the sandwich.
- Use skewers or toothpicks to secure the sandwich for serving.
- For best results, assemble the sandwich just before serving.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Denise says
Made this today for my son.
Excellent!!!!
Abbey says
Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed the recipe!