Tower Recipe

Trim and toast

Trim crusts from bread slices if you want clean edges. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each bread slice with olive oil (use the 2 tbs and 1 tsp listed as needed). Heat a skillet over medium or preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toast bread in skillet 1–2 minutes per side until golden and slightly crisp, or arrange on a baking sheet and toast in the oven 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. Remove and cool slightly.

In a small bowl combine mayonnaise (6 tbs), Dijon (2 tsp), whole-grain mustard (1 tsp), lemon juice (1 tsp), hot sauce (optional 1 tsp), salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (1 tsp). Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust salt, pepper or lemon to balance. This spread will be used between layers to add moisture and hold the tower together.

Arrange the proteins and produce for easy assembly: fan the turkey, ham and cheese on separate plates. Slice tomato, cucumber, avocado and pickles thinly. Pat tomato and cucumber slices on paper towel to remove excess moisture so the bread doesn’t get soggy. Keep lettuce leaves whole and ready.

Place one toasted bread slice on your work surface as the base. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared spread over the bread evenly.

Layer 2–3 slices of turkey folded for loft, then a few leaves of butter lettuce, and a couple of slices of tomato. Lightly season the tomato with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add another toasted bread slice on top and press gently—spread another 1 tablespoon of spread on this second slice before adding it.

On top of the second bread slice add 2–3 slices of ham, 2–3 slices of cheese, and a few thin cucumber slices. Add a third slice of toasted bread and spread again with 1 tablespoon of spread.

Add avocado slices and pickles on top of the third slice, then add remaining bread slice as a cap. Use 1–2 long toothpicks or skewers pushed through the center to stabilize the tower. Repeat to make 2–3 towers depending on bread and filling distribution (the quantities listed yield about 3 towers).

If stacking multiple layers results in an overly tall tower, reduce to 3–4 layers per tower for easier eating.

Trim each assembled tower vertically with a sharp knife to make a neat presentation if desired. Garnish the top with microgreens or parsley (1 tbs) and a small drizzle of olive oil. Insert an additional decorative skewer if serving as an appetizer. Serve immediately with any remaining spread on the side for dipping, or cut into quarters for sharing.

Leftover towers can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated up to 24 hours; toast the bread slightly before assembling if you plan to make ahead to reduce sogginess.