Turkey Club

Italian Turkey Club Recipe - BBQ Sauce, Tomato, Bacon, Cheddar, Onions

Region / culture: Italy | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Turkey Club is a classic sandwich that is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. This recipe combines the flavors of deli turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce all sandwiched between two slices of Italian bread.

History

The Turkey Club sandwich is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century. It is a variation of the traditional club sandwich, which typically includes layers of turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise between three slices of bread.

Ingredients

8 x 0.5-inch thick slices italian bread
0.25 lb (113 g) deli turkey slices, divided into 4 servings
0.5 cup bbq sauce
8 slices tomato

Optional add-ins

8 bacon strips, cooked
4 slices cheddar cheese
0.5 cup sautéed onions (optional)
olive oil

How to prepare

Preheat the panini press.
Spread olive oil on one side of each slice of bread.
Place 4 slices of bread, with the oiled side down, on the panini press.
On each slice of bread, add turkey, 2 slices of tomatoes, 2 strips of bacon, one piece of cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp of sautéed onions, and BBQ sauce.
Cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread, with the olive oil side up.
Close the panini press.
Cook for 3 to 5 minutes or until desired level of browning is achieved.

Variations

Use different types of cheese such as Swiss or pepper jack.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for a creamy texture.
Substitute the BBQ sauce with honey mustard or ranch dressing for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Preheat the panini press before adding the sandwiches to ensure even cooking.

- Use a good quality Italian bread for the best flavor and texture.

- Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite toppings and condiments.

- If you don't have a panini press, you can also cook the sandwiches in a skillet or on a grill pan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Turkey Club sandwich with a side of potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for this recipe is using a panini press to grill the sandwiches. This helps to create a crispy exterior while melting the cheese and heating the fillings.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize the sandwich with your favorite ingredients. You can substitute the deli turkey with roasted turkey breast, use different types of bread, or add additional toppings such as lettuce, pickles, or jalapenos.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This is a great option for meal prep or for serving a crowd.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Turkey Club sandwiches on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of BBQ sauce for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Turkey Club sandwich with a cold glass of iced tea, lemonade, or a refreshing beer for a satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwiches in a preheated oven or toaster oven until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Turkey Club sandwich contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of the Turkey Club sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of the Turkey Club sandwich contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of the Turkey Club sandwich contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The Turkey Club sandwich is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (from the bread) and dairy (from the cheese). It can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread and dairy-free cheese.

Summary

The Turkey Club sandwich is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Turkey Club sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. With layers of deli turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, and BBQ sauce, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for a cup of tea. As we chatted in her cozy kitchen, she suddenly pulled out a faded recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Here, dear, I think you'll love this one," she said.

I looked down at the card and saw the words "Turkey Club" written in elegant cursive. Intrigued, I scanned the ingredients and instructions, my mouth watering at the thought of the delicious sandwich that awaited me. I had always been a fan of turkey clubs, but I had never attempted to make one from scratch before.

Martha noticed my interest and smiled. "I learned this recipe from my grandmother many years ago. It's a family favorite, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it just as much as we do."

I thanked her profusely and tucked the recipe card into my purse, eager to try it out at home. As I drove back to my house, I couldn't stop thinking about the tantalizing combination of turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato nestled between two slices of toasted bread. I could practically taste it already.

When I got home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients for the Turkey Club. I pulled out some thick slices of turkey breast, crisp bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a loaf of bakery-fresh bread. I carefully followed Martha's instructions, toasting the bread to golden perfection, layering the ingredients just so, and finishing it off with a generous slathering of mayonnaise.

As I took my first bite of the Turkey Club, I knew that I had struck culinary gold. The flavors melded together in perfect harmony, each bite a symphony of savory and salty goodness. I savored every morsel, feeling a sense of accomplishment and contentment wash over me.

From that day on, the Turkey Club became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I whipped up a batch, I would think of Martha and her grandmother, grateful for their generosity in sharing such a delicious recipe with me.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs here, a dollop of homemade aioli there. But the essence of the Turkey Club remained the same – a simple yet satisfying sandwich that never failed to impress.

As I grew older, I found joy in passing down the recipe to my own grandchildren. I would teach them the ins and outs of making the perfect Turkey Club, watching with pride as they carefully assembled each layer with precision and care. It warmed my heart to see them enjoy something that had brought me so much joy over the years.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of roasted turkey and sizzling bacon, I can't help but smile. The Turkey Club may just be a sandwich to some, but to me, it holds a lifetime of memories and love. And for that, I am eternally grateful.