
Every bite of the American Club Sandwich brings together amazing textures and tastes. This standout sandwich layers three pieces of toasted bread with juicy chicken, crunchy bacon, and crisp veggies, making it a filling meal that'll leave you totally satisfied. It first showed up in fancy New York clubs back in the late 1800s, and there's a good reason this food favorite has stuck around for so many years.
I tried making club sandwiches for the first time during a get-together with friends. Everyone loved how the warm toast with mayo, thin chicken slices, and crunchy bacon came together. It was such a hit that it's now what I always make when people come over.
Top-Quality Ingredient Guide
- Wholegrain or white bread: Forms your base—cut off crusts for a fancy touch and toast until it's nice and golden.
- Regular mayonnaise: Gives you that smooth layer that helps flavors blend together.
- Chicken breast cut thin: Makes stacking easier and won't overpower everything else.
- Bacon cooked until crisp: Adds that smoky taste and satisfying crunch.
- Lettuce torn into bits: Brings freshness and a nice contrast to the meats.
- Emmental Swiss cheese: Gives a nutty flavor that works great with both the chicken and bacon.
- Ripe tomatoes from the vine: Cut thin and sprinkled with seasoning for juicy freshness.
Expert Stacking Directions
- Getting Your Bread Ready:
- Toast bread pieces until golden and let them cool completely on a rack.
- Starting Your Base:
- Spread mayo across one side of your first bread slice to keep it from getting soggy.
- First Meat Layer:
- Put thin chicken slices across the mayo, fluffing them up a bit for better texture.
- Adding Veggies:
- Scatter torn lettuce over the chicken, then place a cheese slice on top.
- Middle Section:
- Place the second bread slice with mayo side down onto the cheese. Add mayo to the top side.
- Second Meat Layer:
- Lay your crispy bacon strips side by side with a little overlap for full coverage.
- Last Veggie Addition:
- Add thin tomato slices with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Finishing Touch:
- Top with your last bread slice, mayo side facing down.
- Cutting It Right:
- Use a 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. It's a bit firmer and stands up better to toasting, which makes the perfect base for all those tasty layers.

Perfect Side Dish Options
Round out your club sandwich with some tasty sides. Try making your own potato chips with sea salt for that extra crunch or mix up a cucumber and dill salad with vinegar for something fresh and tangy. If you want something heartier, a classic potato salad with mustard dressing works really well with the sandwich.
Fun Twist Ideas
Switch things up with different versions of this classic. Try swapping chicken for roast beef and using horseradish mayo for something with a kick. Go Mediterranean with some prosciutto, mozzarella, and basil pesto. For your veggie friends, grilled portobello mushrooms and roasted red peppers make a great meat-free option.
Keeping It Fresh
You can put these together up to four hours before you plan to eat. Just wrap them in parchment paper first, then aluminum foil and keep in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them the next day, store all the parts separately and put them together right before eating.
Using Leftovers
Don't waste leftover sandwich stuff! Chop everything up for a quick salad, mash it into a tasty spread, or toss it into your morning eggs for a breakfast with a twist.

I love adding avocado slices with a squeeze of lemon juice right on top of the bacon. That buttery richness takes this sandwich from really good to absolutely amazing. Whether you're making lunch for yourself or feeding guests, this American favorite always hits the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is a club sandwich unique?
- The club sandwich stands out with its three slices of toast stacked with chicken, bacon, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Its triangular cut held together by toothpicks also adds to its charm.
- → Is turkey a good swap for chicken?
- Absolutely, turkey is a great substitute. Just switch out the chicken slices with thinly sliced turkey for a tasty twist.
- → How do I cut a club sandwich neatly?
- Use a really sharp bread knife and slice gently without pushing down. Go with a steady sawing motion and finish by securing the pieces with toothpicks.
- → Why cool the toast before assembling?
- Letting toast cool avoids wilting the veggies like lettuce and tomato. This keeps the sandwich fresh and crunchy.
- → What sides go well with a club sandwich?
- Pair with chips, fries, pickles, potato salad, coleslaw, or even a light green salad. They all work great!