California Club Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment in a single layer. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp to your liking. Remove to paper towels to drain and keep warm. Alternatively, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain.

Prepare avocado and tomato

Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and scoop flesh into a small bowl. Lightly mash with a fork so it's spreadable but still a little chunky. Season with 1/4 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch rounds and season both sides lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Toast bread

Butter one side of each slice of sourdough with the room-temperature butter. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Toast the bread butter-side down until golden brown and crisp, 2–3 minutes. Alternatively, use a toaster and brush toasted sides with butter.

Mix spreads

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust—add a little more mayo if you prefer creamier, or more mustard for tang.

Lay three slices of toasted bread on a work surface, buttered/toasted side down. Spread about 1 tsp of the mayo-Dijon mixture on each slice.

On the first slice (bottom layer), place two slices of cheese (if using), 3–4 slices of turkey, and 2 slices of bacon. Top with a second slice of toasted bread, mayo side up (this becomes the middle layer).

On the middle slice, spread about 1 tsp of the mashed avocado over the mayo. Arrange 3–4 more slices of turkey, the remaining 2 slices of bacon, tomato slices (2–3 rounds), and 2–3 leaves of lettuce. Season tomato with a tiny pinch of salt and pepper if desired.

Top with the final slice of toasted bread, mayo side down. Press gently to compact the sandwich.

Insert two toothpicks or sandwich picks through the sandwich (one near each end) to hold the layers together. Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich into halves or quarters on the diagonal.

Arrange sandwiches on plates with pickle spears, if using. Serve immediately while toast is crisp and bacon is warm.

Optional: For a hot-pressed version, place assembled sandwich on a preheated skillet or panini press and press for 1–2 minutes until warmed through and cheese (if used) is slightly melted.