A club sandwich is a delicious and iconic sandwich that has been popular for over 100 years. But what exactly makes a sandwich a true club sandwich? There are actually very specific ingredients and preparation methods that go into making this stacked, double-decker sandwich.
Origin of the Club Sandwich
The club sandwich is believed to have originated in American country clubs in the late 19th or early 20th century. One common story is that it was invented at the Saratoga Club House in Saratoga Springs, New York in 1894. The sandwich was a convenient finger food for gamblers who didn’t want to get their cards dirty while eating. The exact origins are debated, but it clearly rose to popularity in upscale country clubs.
Traditional Ingredients
A traditional club sandwich consists of three layers of toast, separated by two layers of filling. Here are the key ingredients:
- Bread – Sliced white toast, often toasted.
- Lettuce – Crisp iceberg or romaine lettuce leaves.
- Tomato – Sliced tomato.
- Bacon – Cooked crispy bacon.
- Turkey or Chicken – Sliced turkey or chicken breast.
- Cheese – Sliced cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss or American.
- Mayonnaise or Salad Dressing – Spread between layers.
Some modern versions may add ingredients like ham, avocado, or roast beef. But the traditional club sandwich contains turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato as the staple ingredients.
Arrangement of Ingredients
A club sandwich must be stacked in a specific order. From bottom to top, the layers are:
- Toast
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Bacon
- Turkey or Chicken
- Cheese
- Toast
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Turkey
- Bacon
- Toast
Mayonnaise or salad dressing is spread on each layer of toast to help hold the sandwich together. The crisp lettuce and tomato provide contrasting texture and moisture. The protein and cheese are sandwiched between the toast layers. And the top and bottom slices of toast hold it all together.
Cut Diagonally into Quarters
A finished club sandwich is always cut diagonally into four triangular quarters. This distinguishes it from a regular sandwich and allows for easy eating. The quarters make the layers visible and prevent the filling from spilling out the sides. Cutting diagonally also allows for a better presentation.
Accompaniments
Club sandwiches are often served with accompaniments like French fries, potato chips or coleslaw. The sandwich itself provides a hearty and filling meal. But the crunchy, salty side dishes complement it perfectly. Pickles can also make an excellent accompaniment to cut through the richness.
Popular Variations
There are some popular variations on the traditional club sandwich recipe:
- Roast beef club – Roast beef instead of turkey.
- Ham club – Ham instead of turkey or chicken.
- Bacon club – Extra bacon slices.
- Three-decker club – An additional layer of toast, filling and condiments.
- BLT club – Only bacon, lettuce, tomato (no turkey).
- Vegetarian club – Vegetables instead of meats.
- California club – Avocado and alfalfa sprouts added.
Despite these creative variations, the turkey club remains the standard. Customizing with different meats or additional ingredients deviates from the classic.
Club vs. Deli Sandwich
A club sandwich looks similar to a deli or lunch meat sandwich. But there are some important differences that distinguish it:
| Club Sandwich | Deli/Lunch Meat Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Double decker with 3 layers of bread | Single sandwich with 2 slices of bread |
| Includes bacon | Typically no bacon |
| Turkey and cheese | Can have various meats and cheese |
| Crisp lettuce and tomato | Optional vegetables |
| Cut diagonally into quarters | Not always cut or served in quarters |
While a deli sandwich can have a wide variety of ingredients and styles, a club sandwich follows specific conventions.
Ordering at Restaurants
Club sandwiches are commonly found on the menus of restaurants, cafes, diners and country clubs. When ordering a club sandwich in a restaurant, you can expect to receive the traditional sliced turkey, bacon, lettuce and tomato on toast. It will likely come with fries or chips without having to order any sides separately.
There are often deluxe club sandwiches with extra ingredients like ham or avocado added. If you want to stick to the classic, traditional club, ordering the simple “club sandwich” off the menu is your best bet. Some restaurants do put their own unique spin on the sandwich, so checking the description can avoid surprises.
Pre-Made and Frozen Club Sandwiches
Pre-made, frozen club sandwiches are also available at many supermarkets and convenience stores. Brands like Healthy Choice, Lean Cuisine and Weight Watchers sell ready-to-heat club sandwiches for a quick meal. While convenient, these frozen varieties tend to be smaller and lower quality than a fresh club sandwich from a deli or restaurant. They also have added preservatives and sodium, so homemade is healthier.
How to Make at Home
It’s easy to DIY a club sandwich at home with fresh ingredients. Here is a simple club sandwich recipe:
Ingredients:
- 6 slices white bread
- 4 bacon strips
- 4 oz sliced turkey
- 2 oz Swiss cheese
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 2 tomato slices
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp butter, softened
Steps:
- Cook bacon until crispy; drain on paper towel.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- On unbuttered sides of 3 slices, layer lettuce, tomato, turkey, bacon and cheese.
- Complete stacks with remaining bread, buttered side up.
- Spread mayonnaise over tops of each sandwich.
- Cut sandwiches diagonally into quarters.
This easy recipe lets you enjoy a fresh, homemade club sandwich any time. Adjust ingredients to taste, adding ham or roast beef if you like. Serve with potato chips, fries or a salad on the side.
Nutrition Information
The traditional club sandwich offers a hearty stack of protein, vegetables and carbs. Here is the approximate nutrition information for a standard turkey club sandwich:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 |
| Fat | 24g |
| Carbs | 34g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Sodium | 1040mg |
This provides a substantial portion of healthy fats, carbs and protein. The sodium is a bit high, coming mostly from the bacon and lunch meat. Overall, club sandwiches offer a balanced meal when eating out.
Cost of a Club Sandwich
Club sandwiches are considered an upscale, deli-style sandwich. Here are some typical club sandwich prices:
- Restaurant club sandwich – $12 to $15
- Deli club sandwich – $8 to $12
- Frozen club sandwich – $4 to $6
- Homemade club sandwich – $4 to $6
At a restaurant, a club sandwich may cost $12 to $15 with fries or chips included. Pre-made, frozen clubs cost less at $4 to $6 but aren’t as high quality. Making it at home allows you to create a fresh club sandwich for just $4 to $6.
Popularity and Significance
The club sandwich has endured for over 100 years for good reason. Its layered stacks of bread, vegetables, bacon and turkey deliver flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly. The combination of ingredients is both simple and elegant. While variations exist, turkey clubs remain one of the most popular sandwiches across the United States.
Its prominence on menus everywhere demonstrates the iconic status this sandwich holds. Any diner, cafe or lunch spot needs a great club on its menu. Next time you see the club sandwich on a menu, you can have confidence ordering this delicious staple. Just don’t be surprised when it arrives in true club form – stacked high in its three decks of ingredients and diagonally cut into quarters.
Conclusion
The club sandwich has a storied history and distinct characteristics that make it uniquely iconic. To be considered a true club sandwich, the specific stacking order of toasted bread, bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato and cheese must be followed. Cutting diagonally into quarters and spearheading with a toothpick cement its status. Variations like roast beef or ham clubs are acceptable but the classic turkey club remains standard. Ordering a club sandwich at any restaurant likely produces a faithful rendition of this sandwich classic.