Lorraine’s Club Sandwich: An Elevated Classic Recipe

The club sandwich: a timeless classic, a diner staple, and a perfectly satisfying meal. But what if we could elevate this already delicious sandwich to new heights? Enter Lorraine, my grandmother, whose club sandwich recipe isn’t just good; it’s legendary. This isn’t your average slapped-together stack of deli meat and mayo. This is a carefully constructed culinary experience, bursting with flavor and texture. Prepare to be amazed by Lorraine’s Club Sandwich!

Why Lorraine’s Club Sandwich is Special

What sets Lorraine’s club sandwich apart? It’s all in the details. We’re talking:

• Homemade Lemon-Garlic Aioli: Forget plain mayonnaise. This aioli adds a tangy, bright, and garlicky punch that elevates every bite.
• Perfectly Crispy Bacon: No soggy, limp bacon allowed! We’re aiming for crispy, smoky perfection.
• Tender, Juicy Roasted Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, but roasting your own chicken (even just a breast) takes the flavor to another level. We’ll tell you how.
• Avocado for Creaminess: The creamy avocado complements the other ingredients beautifully, adding a healthy and flavorful element.
• Fresh, Crisp Lettuce and Tomato: Quality ingredients are key. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and crisp, vibrant lettuce for optimal texture and flavor.
• Proper Toasting: The toast needs to be sturdy enough to hold the ingredients without falling apart, but not so hard that it’s difficult to bite. We’ll guide you through the perfect toasting process.

Lorraine’s Club Sandwich Recipe

Ready to make the best club sandwich of your life? Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• For the Lemon-Garlic Aioli:
  • 1 cup mayonnaise (high-quality is recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Sandwich:
  • 9 slices of bread (white, sourdough, or your favorite sandwich bread)
  • 6-8 slices cooked bacon, crispy
  • 1 cup roasted chicken, sliced or shredded (see instructions below for roasting your own)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 4-6 lettuce leaves (Romaine or butter lettuce recommended)
  • Butter, for toasting

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Garlic Aioli

1. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk together until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tang or more garlic for a stronger flavor.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for developing the best flavor. Letting the aioli sit allows the garlic to mellow and the flavors to combine harmoniously.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Crispy bacon is essential for a great club sandwich. Here are a few methods to achieve bacon perfection:

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. This method is great for cooking a large batch of bacon at once and minimizes splattering. The even heat of the oven ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from curling up too much.
• Skillet Method: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally. Drain the bacon on paper towels. This is a classic method that allows for precise control over the cooking process. Be sure to use a skillet large enough to accommodate the bacon without overcrowding it.
• Microwave Method: Line a microwave-safe plate with paper towels. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the paper towels. Cover with another paper towel. Microwave for 1-2 minutes per slice, or until crispy. This is the quickest method, but it can be tricky to get the bacon perfectly crispy without burning it. Watch it carefully and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the bacon is cooked, drain it on paper towels to remove excess grease. Crumble or cut the bacon into smaller pieces if desired.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)

While rotisserie chicken is a convenient option, roasting your own chicken breast or whole chicken adds incredible flavor to the sandwich. Here’s how to roast a chicken breast:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat a boneless, skinless chicken breast dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up.
3. Season the chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can also add other herbs and spices to your liking, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
4. Place the chicken breast in a baking dish.
5. Drizzle with a little olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
7. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

If you’re roasting a whole chicken, follow a similar process, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. A whole chicken typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to roast, depending on its size.

Step 4: Toast the Bread

Toasting the bread is a crucial step for a good club sandwich. The toast needs to be sturdy enough to hold the ingredients without falling apart, but not so hard that it’s difficult to bite. Here’s how to achieve the perfect toast:

1. Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Toast the bread in a toaster or under a broiler until golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. Watch the bread carefully to prevent it from burning.

Step 5: Assemble the Club Sandwich

Now for the fun part! Here’s how to assemble Lorraine’s Club Sandwich:

1. Place one slice of toasted bread on a clean work surface, buttered side up.
2. Spread a generous amount of the lemon-garlic aioli on the bread.
3. Top with lettuce leaves.
4. Add tomato slices.
5. Add avocado slices.
6. Place a second slice of toasted bread on top of the avocado, buttered side up.
7. Spread with lemon-garlic aioli.
8. Top with the roasted chicken.
9. Add the crispy bacon.
10. Place the final slice of toasted bread on top of the bacon, buttered side up.

Step 6: Secure and Cut the Sandwich

1. Insert toothpicks into the sandwich to secure it. Place the toothpicks near the corners and in the center. This will prevent the sandwich from falling apart when you cut it.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the sandwich diagonally into four triangles.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve Lorraine’s Club Sandwich immediately with your favorite sides, such as potato chips, coleslaw, or a side salad. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips and Variations

• Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the sandwich. Choose ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and high-quality bacon.
• Experiment with different breads: While white bread is traditional, you can use sourdough, whole wheat, or any other type of bread you like.
• Add cheese: A slice of cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese would be a delicious addition.
• Add sprouts: For an extra boost of nutrients, add a handful of sprouts to the sandwich.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace the chicken and bacon with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free bread and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the aioli for a little heat.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the aioli, cook the bacon, and roast the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the sandwiches. However, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Lorraine’s Secret Ingredient: Love

Okay, maybe it’s not *technically* an ingredient, but Lorraine always puts a lot of love into her cooking. And that’s what makes her club sandwiches so special. So, take your time, enjoy the process, and put your heart into making this recipe. You (and everyone who eats it) will taste the difference.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information below is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.

• Calories: 800-1000 per sandwich
• Fat: 50-70g
• Protein: 40-50g
• Carbohydrates: 50-70g
• Fiber: 5-10g

This sandwich is a treat, so enjoy it in moderation!

Serving Suggestions

Lorraine’s Club Sandwich is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with various sides:

• Potato Chips: A classic and satisfying accompaniment. Choose your favorite flavor!
• Coleslaw: The creamy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the rich sandwich.
• Side Salad: A light and healthy option. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works well.
• Pickles: The tangy pickles cut through the richness of the sandwich.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweeter and healthier alternative to regular fries.
• Soup: A cup of tomato soup or chicken noodle soup would be a comforting addition.

Storage Instructions

Club sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent the bread from drying out. Keep in mind that the bread may become slightly soggy after being refrigerated. It is not recommended to freeze club sandwiches.

Conclusion

Lorraine’s Club Sandwich is more than just a sandwich; it’s a culinary masterpiece. With its homemade lemon-garlic aioli, perfectly crispy bacon, tender roasted chicken, and fresh ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to experience the best club sandwich of your life! Don’t forget the most important ingredient: love! Happy cooking!