A classic Turkey Club sandwich made healthier—stacked with lean turkey breast, crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomato on whole grain bread. Easy to prepare and perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Turkey Club
The other day I was craving a turkey sandwich and decided to make a turkey club. I used Boar’s Head thinly sliced turkey from the deli—my go-to for flavor and texture—and it hit the spot. If you want variations on the classic, try roll-ups or a lettuce-wrapped version for a lower-carb option.
Turkey club sandwiches are delicious on their own with a side of chips and a pickle, but you can pair them with many different sides depending on the mood and season. Popular accompaniments include potato salad, egg salad, a fresh tomato salad, a corn–tomato–avocado mix, a simple fruit salad, or a warm bowl of tomato soup. Choose a side that balances the sandwich—something light if the sandwich is hearty, or something more filling on days you want a bigger meal.
Crispy bacon is often the crowning touch on a club. One of the easiest and most consistent ways to cook bacon is in the oven: arrange bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (about 200°C) for roughly 18–22 minutes, flipping once halfway through if you like. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease before assembling your sandwich.
What is a turkey club sandwich?
A turkey club is a classic layered sandwich made with turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and bread. Traditional clubs often use three slices of bread with a double layer of meat in the middle, but you can simplify to two slices to reduce calories and carbs. The sandwich is typically served cut in half or quarters and secured with a toothpick.
Are turkey clubs healthy?
Turkey clubs can be a healthy choice when you make mindful ingredient swaps. Using two slices of bread, lean turkey breast, light mayonnaise, and whole-grain bread helps keep calories and carbs in check while delivering protein and fiber. For this version I used thin-sliced whole-grain bread (Dave’s Killer Bread thin-sliced Good Seed is a good example) and light mayo to keep the sandwich around 351 calories per serving. Adjust portion sizes and ingredient choices to suit your dietary needs.
Variations
- Substitute ham, roast beef, or grilled chicken for the turkey.
- Combine meats—turkey and ham or turkey and roast beef—for added flavor.
- Turn it into a wrap by using a whole-wheat tortilla instead of bread.
- Swap bread for a large lettuce leaf to make a low-carb or gluten-free club.
- Add a smear of mustard or Dijon for tang.
- Top with cheddar or Swiss cheese for a richer sandwich.
- Include avocado or thinly sliced cucumber for extra freshness and nutrients.
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love
- Open-Faced Tuna Melt
- Turkey Cuban Sandwich
- Prosciutto, Arugula and Balsamic Sandwich
- Steak and Cheese Sandwiches with Onions
- Heirloom Tomato Sandwich
Recipe: Turkey Club
A classic Turkey Club sandwich made healthier: lean turkey breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and light mayo on whole grain bread. Ready in minutes and ideal for a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 slices center-cut bacon, cut in half
- 2 slices whole-grain bread (thin-sliced)
- 1 tablespoon light mayonnaise
- 2 leaves iceberg lettuce (or preferred lettuce)
- 3 ounces turkey breast, thinly sliced (deli-style)
- 2 slices ripe tomato
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crisp, either in the oven or on the stovetop. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
- Toast the bread slices. Spread the light mayonnaise evenly on both pieces of toast.
- On one slice of toast, layer 1 leaf of lettuce, the sliced turkey, tomato slices, and the bacon. Top with the remaining lettuce leaf and the second slice of toast.
- Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, use thin-sliced deli turkey. If you prefer a traditional club, add a third slice of bread and another layer of meat; for fewer calories, stick with two slices and lighter condiments.
Nutrition (per sandwich)
Serving: 1 sandwich — Calories: 351 kcal — Carbohydrates: 28.5 g — Protein: 35 g — Fat: 11.5 g — Saturated Fat: 1.5 g — Cholesterol: 65 mg — Sodium: 652.5 mg — Fiber: 6.5 g — Sugar: 4.5 g