The Ultimate Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club: A Chef’s Guide to Sandwich Perfection

There’s something profoundly satisfying about a truly great sandwich. It’s not just about slapping ingredients between bread; it’s an art form, a symphony of textures and flavors meticulously orchestrated. I remember years ago, during a particularly hectic holiday season, when I needed a crowd-pleasing lunch that could be prepped ahead and served with minimal fuss. My solution was this magnificent Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club. It was a revelation – the warm, herb-infused focaccia cradling layers of savory turkey, crisp bacon, creamy avocado, and ripe tomato, all bound together by melted provolone. It quickly became a go-to for family gatherings and informal entertaining, a testament to how simple, quality ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, can create something truly special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 23 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (broiling)
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 large sandwich, sliced
• Dietary Type: Omnivore

Ingredients

To craft this exceptional Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club, you’ll need the following:

• 1 large round focaccia bread
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 slices smoked provolone cheese
• 1/2 lb oven-roasted turkey breast (from the deli, sliced thinly)
• 12 slices cooked bacon (or turkey bacon)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaf (or spinach or arugula for an alternative green)
• 1 large sliced tomatoes (seeds removed for less moisture)
• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced thin

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Small bowl
• Pastry brush
• Oven broiler

Instructions

Creating this Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club is a straightforward process, but the key lies in paying attention to a few details that elevate it from good to extraordinary.

1. Preheat the oven broiler. This is where we’ll achieve that delightful toasty crunch on the focaccia and melt the cheese to gooey perfection. Make sure your oven rack is positioned at the appropriate distance for broiling, usually about 4-6 inches from the heat source.

2. Prepare the focaccia. Take your large, round focaccia bread and carefully slice it in half horizontally. You want two distinct halves: a top and a bottom. Place both halves cut-side up on a baking sheet. This will serve as the foundation for our sandwich.

3. Infuse the focaccia with flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This simple mixture is going to impart a wonderful aroma and taste to the bread. Using a pastry brush, evenly brush each cut side of the focaccia bread with this herb-infused oil. Ensure good coverage for maximum flavor.

4. Toast the focaccia. Place the baking sheet with the oiled focaccia halves under the preheated broiler. Watch closely; this step happens quickly, usually taking just a few minutes. You’re looking for the bread to slightly brown. The goal is a gentle toasting, not burning.

5. Melt the cheese. Once the bread is lightly toasted, carefully remove the bottom bread section from the baking sheet. On the top bread section (the one that was face up), evenly arrange the six slices of provolone cheese. Ensure they are spread out to cover most of the surface. Return the top bread section with the cheese to the broiler. Continue to broil until the cheese is beautifully melted and slightly bubbly. Again, watch very closely, as melted cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.

6. Turn off the oven. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, turn off the oven broiler.

7. Assemble the club. Now for the satisfying part – building the sandwich on the bottom bread section. Start by piling on the fresh basil leaves (or your chosen greens). Next, arrange the thinly sliced avocado over the basil. Then, layer the oven-roasted turkey breast generously. Follow this with the sliced tomatoes.

8. Complete the sandwich. Carefully place the top focaccia half, now adorned with its melted provolone, onto the assembled ingredients.

9. Slice and serve. Using a sharp serrated knife, slice the large sandwich into appropriate serving sizes. The beauty of this large focaccia base is its versatility; you can create larger portions for heartier appetites and smaller ones for lighter eaters.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Ingredient Quality: The success of this sandwich hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for the best quality focaccia you can find, fresh basil, ripe avocados, and good deli-sliced turkey.
• Tomato Prep: To prevent a soggy sandwich, it’s a good idea to gently squeeze out some of the seeds and excess moisture from your tomato slices before layering them.
• Bacon Crispness: Ensure your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness before adding it to the sandwich. For a true club experience, a nice, crispy texture is essential.
• Make-Ahead Potential: While best enjoyed fresh, you can toast the focaccia and melt the cheese ahead of time. Allow them to cool completely before assembling the sandwich and refrigerating. Assemble just before serving if possible.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club is a substantial sandwich, perfect as a main course. It pairs wonderfully with a light Italian chicken tortellini soup or a classic tomato soup, as mentioned in the original notes. If you find yourself with any leftover sandwich, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days. Reheating is best done carefully in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at a low temperature (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes to warm through without making the bread soggy. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to compromise the texture.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club, assuming it is sliced into four equal portions:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	567.8 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	384 kcal	–
Total Fat	42.7 g	65%
Saturated Fat	13.6 g	67%
Cholesterol	102.5 mg	34%
Sodium	958.5 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	38.4 g	–
Dietary Fiber	4.5 g	18%
Sugars	2 g	7%
Protein	38.5 g	77%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

The beauty of a club sandwich, especially one built on a versatile base like focaccia, is its adaptability.

• Greens: While basil offers a lovely fresh, peppery note, feel free to substitute with fresh spinach or slightly peppery arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Cheese: Smoked provolone is a classic, but other cheeses like Swiss, mild cheddar, or even a creamy mozzarella could work.
• Vegetarian Option: For a delicious vegetarian twist, omit the turkey and bacon and add extra layers of roasted vegetables like grilled zucchini or bell peppers, or try some crispy fried halloumi.
• Gluten-Free: While focaccia itself isn’t typically gluten-free, you could adapt this by using your favorite gluten-free bread or even a large, toasted portobello mushroom as the base.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
A: You can toast the focaccia and melt the cheese in advance, but it’s best to assemble the full sandwich just before serving to maintain the freshness of the avocado and tomato.

Q: What kind of focaccia is best for this recipe?
A: A good quality, round focaccia bread with a slightly chewy interior and a crisp crust works beautifully.

Q: How do I prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy?
A: Ensure your tomatoes are well-drained of seeds and excess moisture, and assemble the sandwich just before eating if possible.

Q: My broiler is very strong; how can I avoid burning the focaccia?
A: Keep a very close eye on the focaccia while broiling and consider lowering the oven rack slightly if you’re concerned about burning.

Q: Can I substitute the turkey bacon?
A: Yes, you can use regular bacon or even plant-based bacon alternatives if you prefer. Ensure it’s cooked to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Focaccia Turkey Bacon Club is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of fresh, delicious ingredients brought together in perfect harmony. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, the most memorable meals are the ones that are both comforting and sophisticated. I encourage you to try this recipe, to taste the difference that quality makes, and to experience the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly constructed club. Share it with loved ones, savor each bite, and perhaps discover your own personal favorite way to enjoy this culinary creation.