Club sandwich, sandwich or wrap from the United States: what it is and how it is eaten

The club sandwich is a layered sandwich from the United States, made with toasted bread, sliced turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is often cut into quarters and held together with cocktail sticks. The club sandwich is eaten for lunch or as a snack and has inspired many regional and modern variations.

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Traditionally made with three slices of toasted bread
Usually includes turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise
Often cut into quarters and held with cocktail sticks
First appeared in New York State in the late 1800s
Many regional and modern variations exist

What is Club sandwich?

A club sandwich is a stacked sandwich with three slices of toasted bread and two layers of filling. The classic version uses sliced turkey or chicken, crispy bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. It is usually cut diagonally into quarters or halves, with each piece held together by a cocktail stick. The sandwich combines the crunch of toast and lettuce with the savory flavors of poultry and bacon, balanced by juicy tomato and creamy mayonnaise.

Where does Club sandwich come from?

The club sandwich is thought to have first appeared in New York State, possibly at the Union Club in New York City in the late 1800s. Early newspaper articles and recipes from the 1880s and 1890s describe a sandwich with toasted bread, poultry, and ham. Another claim links its invention to the Saratoga Club in Saratoga Springs, New York. While chicken was the original meat, turkey has become more common over time. The sandwich was already on restaurant menus by 1899.

How is Club sandwich made?

To make a club sandwich, three slices of bread are toasted and layered with sliced turkey or chicken, fried bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. The fillings are arranged between the bread slices, then the sandwich is cut into quarters or halves. Cocktail sticks are used to hold the layers together. Some versions add ham, cheese, or pickles, and different mustards may be used for extra flavor.

How and when is Club sandwich eaten?

Club sandwiches are typically eaten at lunch or as a snack, often served in restaurants, cafés, or at home. They are usually presented cut into small portions, making them easy to share or eat by hand. In some places, the sandwich is served cold, while others serve it warm. It is commonly accompanied by potato chips or fries.

Kinds of Club sandwich

There are many takes on the club sandwich. In Canada, rotisserie chicken is sometimes used, and in Montreal, the sandwich is served cold. New Zealand’s version is a tea sandwich with egg mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. Other variations include swapping poultry for roast beef or eggs, adding cheese, or using seafood like oysters, salmon, or crab.

What Club sandwich means

The club sandwich has become a staple of American dining and is found on menus across North America and beyond. Its layered look and cocktail stick presentation are widely recognized. The sandwich has also inspired regional adaptations, showing its flexibility and popularity. It is often associated with casual meals and is a familiar choice in diners and hotel room service.

Questions people ask about Club sandwich

What is a club sandwich made of?

A club sandwich is made with three slices of toasted bread, sliced turkey or chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. Some versions may include ham, cheese, or pickles.

Where did the club sandwich come from?

The club sandwich is believed to have originated in New York State, possibly at the Union Club in New York City or the Saratoga Club in Saratoga Springs, in the late 19th century.

How is a club sandwich served?

It is usually cut into quarters or halves and held together with cocktail sticks. The sandwich may be served warm or cold, often with potato chips or fries.

Are there different types of club sandwiches?

Yes, there are many variations. Some use rotisserie chicken, eggs, or roast beef instead of turkey or chicken, and others add cheese or seafood. Regional versions exist in Canada and New Zealand.

Is the club sandwich always made with turkey?

No, while turkey is common today, the original versions often used chicken. Some recipes also use ham or other meats.

Good reading and sources

Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Club sandwich", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Club sandwich