Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo

It’s not hard to make a great sandwich, but our toasted clubs with dill mayo have set a new standard for me. With deli ham, roast beef, provolone, Bibb lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, alfalfa sprouts and homemade dill mayo (the pièce de résistance) all sandwiched between slices of toasted whole wheat bread, it’s a Goldilocks-level sandwich: not too crunchy, not too soft; not too salty, not too plain. Just right.

This is one of our most-loved sandwich recipes, and, surprisingly, it’s pretty healthy (hello, 26 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber!). Serve it with the best sides for sandwiches, like dill pickle potato salad, loaded esquites or pretty summer salads.

Ingredients for Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo

• Mayonnaise: Any mayonnaise you might have in your fridge is fine, but if you want the best mayo (according to our Test Kitchen cooks, anyway), reach for Duke’s, Heinz or Hellman’s.
• Dill: Fresh dill makes all the difference. Prep the herbs as Ina Garten does, by washing them thoroughly then spinning them in a salad spinner. You can do this ahead of time and store the herbs in a damp paper towel in the fridge.
• Whole wheat bread: We suggest whole wheat bread for a strong fiber boost. We also like its earthier flavor here, which complements the richer flavors of the dill mayo, deli meats and provolone. Give it a quick toast before assembling the sandwiches.
• Deli ham and roast beef: Always go to the deli counter for the freshest deli meats, and leave the packaged stuff on the shelf. I personally choose the name-brand deli meats, and ask for them sliced thin.
• Provolone: Like the deli meat, it’s worth grabbing a number from the deli counter and buying freshly sliced provolone. This type of cheese is mild, buttery and even slightly sweet, which is a nice contrast to the earthy, savory flavors in this sandwich.
• Veggies: Between Bibb lettuce, tomato slices, alfalfa sprouts and avocado, there’s no shortage of fresh veggies layered in this sandwich.
• Bacon: Cook two bacon strips ahead of time (I always bake bacon—less mess!), then crumble them up. They’re much easier to layer on a sandwich and eat this way.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the dill mayo

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, the fresh dill, 1/4 teaspoon of the lemon juice and the pepper.

Step 2: Assemble the sandwich

Spread the dill mayo on one side of each of the four pieces of toast. Layer two toast slices with the roast beef, ham, provolone, Bibb lettuce, tomato slices, crumbled bacon and alfalfa sprouts, dividing them equally.

Step 3: Finish with avocado

Drizzle the avocado with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent the slices from oxidizing. Place the avocado slices over the sprouts, then top them with the remaining toasts.

Recipe Variations

• Try another sandwich bread: Whole wheat bread isn’t everyone’s vibe, and it’s totally not necessary here. Try other store-bought sandwich breads like whole grain, white, rye, sourdough, butter bread or potato bread.
• Add other crunchy elements: Not a fan of alfalfa sprouts? Leave them off! Make up for the lost crunchy component with a little more Bibb lettuce, pickles or even potato chips.
• Make it vegetarian: The deli meat is totally optional here. For a vegetarian version, replace it with roasted butternut squash or grilled eggplant and zucchini. Thinly slice these vegetables lengthwise before cooking them so they sit nicely on the sandwich.
• Try other deli meats: Instead of ham or roast beef, try turkey, chicken or pastrami. You can really use any combo you’d like, or you can exclusively use one type of deli meat.

How to Store Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo

Store any leftover toasted clubs with dill mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The dill mayo and humidity in the fridge will soften the toasted bread, and the avocado will oxidize as time goes on, so they’re best eaten the day they’re made.

Can you make toasted clubs with dill mayo ahead of time?

I only recommend making the dill mayo ahead of time. Prep it the day before and store it in the fridge in an airtight container or in a bowl covered with storage wrap. You could also cook the bacon the day before and keep it in the fridge. For the best experience, wait to toast the bread and assemble the sandwich until you’re ready to eat.

Toasted Clubs with Dill Mayo Tips

What should I serve with toasted clubs with dill mayo?

Of course, good potato chips are a go-to, but if you want a heartier side for your toasted clubs with dill mayo, try a green goddess pasta salad or dense bean salad. For something lighter, we love a carrot ribbon salad or a cucumber watermelon salad. For drinks, make fizzy poolside spritzes and a batch of lemonade for a nonalcoholic option.

What if I don’t own a toaster? Do I have to toast the bread?

If you don’t own a toaster, don’t fret! You don’t have to toast the bread. However, the caramelization adds a lot of nice flavor and wonderful crunch, so it’s worth at least toasting the bread in a pan, as you would for grilled cheese. Don’t smear it in butter, though; mayonnaise is the secret to the best griddled toast.