Turkey Avocado Club

This Turkey and Avocado Club turns your boring lunch into something special. The mix of crunchy bacon, smooth avocado, and tender turkey creates different textures and tastes that'll make you savor every bite. With three layers stacked together, it looks impressive and makes sure you get all the flavors in each mouthful.

I came up with this sandwich when trying to use up turkey leftovers after Thanksgiving, and it quickly became what our family grabs for lunch all year long. My teens now pack it for school and even my fussy husband asks for it specifically.

Ingredients

• Whole grain or white bread: Forms your base - grab fresh bakery bread for best results
• Turkey breast slices: Go for home-roasted when you can or good deli meat
• Bacon: Brings that smoky crunch - thicker cuts give more flavor and bite
• Ripe avocado: Adds that creamy goodness - pick ones that give just a little when squeezed
• Fresh lettuce leaves: Romaine or butter lettuce give the perfect snap
• Tomato slices: Go for vine-ripened ones for juicier, tastier results
• Mayonnaise or mustard: Acts as a shield to keep your bread from getting mushy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Toast the Bread:

Get three bread slices nice and golden brown. This step really matters since it makes the bread strong enough to handle wet veggies without turning soggy. Want extra flavor? Swipe some butter on before toasting.

Cook the Bacon:

Put a pan on medium heat and lay your bacon strips flat without overlapping. Cook about 4-5 minutes, flipping now and then until they're as crispy as you want. They should be cooked through but still a bit flexible, not super brittle. Let them drain on paper towels so your sandwich won't get greasy.

Prepare the Avocado:

Find an avocado that's ripe but not too soft. Cut it in half around the pit, twist to open, and take out the pit. Score the flesh into thin slices while it's still in the skin, then scoop out with a spoon. Work fast and maybe add a tiny splash of lemon juice if you won't use it right away to stop it from browning.

Spread Mayonnaise:

Put a thin layer of mayo or whatever spread you like on one side of each bread slice. This makes a barrier between bread and juicy ingredients to keep your toast from getting mushy. For more zip, mix some herbs or a bit of garlic into your mayo.

Layer Bottom Tier:

Put one bread slice on your counter with the mayo side up. Cover it completely with 2 turkey slices. Add 2-3 tomato slices and a lettuce leaf cut to fit the bread. The lettuce helps shield the bottom bread from tomato juice.

Add Avocado and Bacon:

Spread avocado slices evenly on top of the lettuce, covering it completely. Then add bacon strips, breaking them if needed to fit on the bread. You want every bite to have a bit of everything for the best flavor mix.

Construct Middle Tier:

Place the second bread slice on top with mayo side up. Then repeat with more turkey, tomato, lettuce, avocado and bacon. Press down gently to pack it all together for easier eating.

Complete the Club:

Top it off with the last bread slice, mayo side down. Press gently but firmly to set everything in place. Stick toothpicks in the four corners to hold it all together for cutting and serving.

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The avocado really makes this sandwich special. I found out how amazing it was years ago when making sandwiches for a family outing. What started as just using up avocados that were getting ripe turned into the favorite food at our get-togethers. Its creaminess works perfectly with the crunchy parts and adds richness that turns a basic sandwich into something much better.

Make-Ahead Tips

Getting some parts ready ahead of time can make putting this together super quick when you're hungry. Cook your bacon and keep it in the fridge up to three days. Store it between paper towels in a sealed container so it stays crisp. You can also slice tomatoes and wash lettuce ahead of time, just keep them separate in the fridge. The only thing I'd fix right before eating is the avocado since it turns brown fast once cut, even with lemon juice on it.

Serving Suggestions

This club goes great with regular sides like chips or a simple salad. If you want a bigger meal, add some tomato soup or veggie broth on the side. When serving at gatherings, cut it in four pieces and stick decorative toothpicks in each part so they're easy to grab. I like putting these on wooden boards for family meals or on individual plates with parchment paper when I want it to look nicer.

Creative Variations

Though the regular version tastes amazing, you can switch it up loads of ways. Try chicken or roast beef instead of turkey for something different. Vegetarians can skip the meat completely and add extra avocado and veggies. Put cheese like Swiss, pepper jack or provolone between layers for more richness. Play around with spreads like pesto, avocado mayo, or cranberry sauce during the holidays. My family loves adding pickled red onions for a tangy contrast to the smooth avocado.

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A straightforward but delicious club sandwich, made better with fresh ingredients and careful prep. Dig in!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of bread should I use?

Stick with white or whole grain bread for a crunchy, golden toast that supports the layers well.

→ Is there an alternative to turkey?

Sure! Swap turkey for chicken, ham, or even plant-based proteins like roasted tofu for a meat-free option.

→ How can I stop the avocado from turning dark?

A quick squeeze of lemon or lime juice on the slices will keep your avocado looking fresh and green.

→ Can I make it in advance?

Prep the fillings in advance, but combine everything just before eating to keep it from getting soggy.

→ What are some mayo alternatives?

You can try hummus, mustard, pesto, or even a flavored cream cheese as spreads in place of mayo.

→ How do I keep my bacon extra crispy?

Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to soak up leftover grease and ensure it stays crisp in the sandwich.