The Farmer Recipe

Prepare bread

Lightly toast the 8 slices of bread until just golden. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice to prevent sogginess and add flavor.

Hard-boil eggs

Place 4 eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with cold water by about 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover, remove from heat, and let sit 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to an ice bath for 5 minutes, then peel.

Mix egg salad

Chop the peeled eggs to desired consistency (coarse or fine). In a bowl, combine chopped eggs, 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons finely chopped celery, 1 tablespoon chopped green onion, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir gently until evenly combined. Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.

Cook bacon

Cook 6 slices of thick-cut bacon until crisp: either in a skillet over medium heat for 6-10 minutes, turning as needed, or on a baking sheet in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–18 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool slightly; pat off excess fat.

Prepare cheese

Have 4 slices of Swiss cheese ready. If you prefer the cheese slightly melted, place cheese slices on 2 bread slices and briefly toast/melt for 30–60 seconds in an oven or toaster oven before assembling the rest of the sandwich.

Slice tomato & dress

Slice the tomato into 4–6 even slices. Season tomato slices lightly with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Wash and dry 8 lettuce leaves. Have 6 tablespoons of Thousand Island dressing ready, either store-bought or homemade.

Divide 12 oz sliced roasted turkey into two even portions (about 6 oz each) for two sandwiches. Fan turkey slices over the bottom bread slice (the side with butter/mayo) when assembling to create an even layer.

Assemble sandwiches

To make two double-decker sandwiches (each using 4 slices of bread) or four single sandwiches (2 slices each), follow one of the options below: Option A — Two Farmer Double Sandwiches (recommended): 1. Bottom slice: spread a thin layer of Thousand Island (about 1 tablespoon), add a portion of turkey (about 6 oz), then top with 2 slices of Swiss cheese (divide evenly between the two sandwiches). 2. Middle slice: place on top of cheese, spread about 1 tablespoon Thousand Island on the top of that slice, then add a generous 1/2 cup (per sandwich) of egg salad. 3. Top slice: add 2–3 bacon slices per sandwich (crisp), then 2–3 washed lettuce leaves and 2–3 tomato slices. Close with top slice, mayonnaise/butter side in. Option B — Four single sandwiches: spread Thousand Island on each bottom slice (about 1 1/2 teaspoons per sandwich), layer turkey, a tablespoon of egg salad, 1 slice Swiss, bacon (1–2 slices), lettuce and tomato, then top with the other slice of bread. After assembling, press gently and insert toothpicks if needed. Cut sandwiches in half diagonally for serving.

Serve

Serve immediately while bacon is still slightly warm and bread is crisp. Accompany with extra Thousand Island for dipping if desired.