You know that feeling when hunger hits and you need something filling fast? That’s where a good club sandwich really comes through for you. It’s one of those meals that’s super easy to throw together and works perfectly whether you’re craving a solid brunch, need a hearty breakfast, or want to pack something satisfying for lunch.

I can totally relate to those hectic mornings when you’re rushing out the door for work. Sometimes the best solution is just grabbing some bread, layering on the good stuff, and packing it up with a few cherry tomatoes and a boiled egg on the side. It’s simple, but it really does the job when you need to fill that empty stomach later in the day.

The great thing about club sandwiches is they’re just so reliable – no matter what time it is, you know that combination of crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh tomato, and lettuce is going to taste good and actually satisfy you. It’s the kind of meal that doesn’t require much planning but still feels like you’re treating yourself well.

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward and you probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.

Classic Club-Style Sandwich with Bacon, Cheese, and Tomato

Recipe by Salvia

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

A triple-decker sandwich layered with crispy bacon, melted cheese, fresh tomato, lettuce, and mayo on toasted bread slices.

Ingredients

Bread:
2-3 slices of whole grain or multi-seed bread, toasted to your preference. Using 3 slices will give you a traditional double-decker club.
Protein:
3-4 slices of cooked bacon (crispy is usually preferred for club sandwiches)
2-3 slices of deli ham or turkey (optional, for a more classic club)
Cheese:
2 slices of cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese like Swiss, provolone)
Vegetables:
2-3 slices of ripe tomato
2-3 pieces of fresh lettuce (like green leaf or butter lettuce, or mixed greens/arugula)
Condiments:
2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or aioli)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Garnish (optional):
A small handful of black olives
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt (e.g., pink Himalayan salt)

Directions

Prepare your ingredients:
Cook bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels.
Wash and dry lettuce and tomato. Slice tomato.
Toast the bread slices to your desired crispness.
Assemble the first layer (bottom slice of bread):
Spread one side of a toasted bread slice with about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise.
Layer with half of the lettuce and half of the tomato slices.
Add 1 slice of cheddar cheese.
Add half of the cooked bacon.
(If using ham/turkey, add half of it here.)
Add the middle layer (if making a double-decker):
Take a second slice of toasted bread and spread both sides with about 1/2 tablespoon of mayonnaise (and mustard if using).
Place this slice on top of the first layer, mayonnaise-side down.
Repeat the layers from step 2 on this middle slice: remaining lettuce, tomato, cheese, bacon, and (if using) ham/turkey.
Complete the sandwich (top slice of bread):
Take the third (or second, if making a single-decker) slice of toasted bread and spread one side with the remaining mayonnaise (and mustard if using).
Place this slice on top of the second layer, mayonnaise-side down.
Secure and cut:
Carefully press down on the sandwich.
Insert two long toothpicks or skewers through the sandwich, equally spaced, to hold the layers together.
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the sandwich in half diagonally, between the two toothpicks.
Serve:
Arrange the sandwich halves on a plate.
Serve immediately with optional sides like black olives and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. A glass of water is also a refreshing accompaniment!

Make It Your Own: Customizing the Perfect Club Sandwich

When it comes to making your club sandwich truly your own, there are so many delicious ways to switch things up!

You might want to try different breads like a hearty sourdough or maybe a flaky croissant for something special. For proteins, turkey and ham are classics, but grilled chicken or even a good tuna salad can be really satisfying too. Cheese-wise, you can go beyond cheddar with something like creamy brie or sharp Swiss.

Don’t forget about the little details that make a big difference – swapping regular mayo for avocado spread or adding some Dijon mustard gives great flavor. Fresh additions like cucumber slices, sprouts, or roasted red peppers can add nice crunch and color.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try grilling the whole sandwich panini-style for that perfect crispy exterior. The best part is experimenting to find what combination hits the spot for you – there’s really no wrong way to build a great sandwich!

Perfect Party Pairings for Your Club Sandwiches

When you’re hosting a party with club sandwiches as the star, you’ll want sides that complement without competing.

Crispy kettle chips or homemade potato wedges are always crowd-pleasers and give that satisfying crunch everyone loves. A fresh coleslaw or mixed green salad helps balance out the richness of the bacon and mayo, plus it adds some color to your spread.

For the sandwiches themselves, consider making mini clubs by cutting each sandwich half into two triangles for perfect bite-sized portions. This smart move makes them so much easier for guests to handle while chatting and mingling – no one has to worry about tackling a massive sandwich with a drink in one hand.

Plus, the smaller triangular pieces look really elegant arranged on a platter and mean people can try different variations without getting too full.

For drinks, iced tea, lemonade, or sodas work perfectly for casual gatherings, while beer or wine can elevate things for an adult crowd. Don’t forget some pickle spears on the side – they’re classic for a reason and cut through all those delicious flavors. If you want to go the extra mile, a fruit salad or vegetable platter with ranch dip gives your guests lighter options to munch on.

The beauty of this setup is that everything can be prepped ahead of time, so you can actually enjoy your own party instead of being stuck in the kitchen!