Ingredients
Scale
- For the “Bread” (Lettuce Wraps):
- 4–6 large, crisp outer leaves of Romaine lettuce or Iceberg lettuce (Butter lettuce can also work, but you might need more layers for sturdiness)
- For the Protein Powerhouse:
- 8–12 slices (about 8–10 oz / 225-280g) high-quality, thinly sliced roasted turkey breast (low-sodium preferred)
- 6–8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and drained on paper towels
- For Creaminess and Flavor:
- 4 slices (about 3-4 oz / 85-115g) sharp Cheddar cheese, Swiss cheese, or Provolone cheese (or a mix!)
- 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup / 60ml) real mayonnaise (full-fat offers the best flavor and texture)
- 1 medium ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and thinly sliced
- For Freshness and Crunch:
- 1 large ripe tomato, cored and thinly sliced (about 8–10 slices)
- Optional: Thinly sliced red onion for a bit of a bite
- Seasoning (to taste):
- Freshly ground black pepper
- A pinch of salt (be mindful if your turkey and bacon are already salty)
- Equipment:
- Toothpicks (preferably frilled, for that classic club look and to hold wraps together)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon:
- If you haven’t already, cook your bacon until perfectly crispy. You can do this in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat (about 8-12 minutes, flipping occasionally), in the oven on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or even in an air fryer according to its instructions.
- Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Set aside. If you prefer, you can crumble the bacon once it has cooled slightly, or leave the slices whole or halved.
- Prepare the “Bread” (Lettuce Leaves):
- Carefully wash and thoroughly dry your chosen lettuce leaves. Pat them gently with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Moisture is the enemy of a crisp wrap, so ensure they are as dry as possible.
- Select the largest, sturdiest leaves. If using Romaine, you might want to slightly trim the thickest part of the rib at the base to make rolling easier, but be careful not to cut through the leaf too much. For Iceberg, the cup-shape of the leaves is ideal.
- Prepare the Vegetables and Avocado:
- Wash and thinly slice your tomato. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick.
- If using red onion, peel and slice it very thinly.
- Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and carefully peel or scoop out the flesh. Slice it thinly. To prevent browning if you’re not assembling immediately, you can lightly spritz the avocado slices with lemon or lime juice.
- Set Up Your Assembly Station:
- Lay out all your prepared ingredients: cooked bacon, sliced turkey, cheese slices, sliced tomato, sliced avocado, mayonnaise, and your dry lettuce leaves. This mise en place approach makes assembly smooth and efficient.
- Assemble the First Layer (Bottom “Bread”):
- Take one large lettuce leaf (or two slightly smaller ones, overlapped to create a larger surface) and lay it flat on your work surface or a plate. This will be the base of your club.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly over the inside surface of the lettuce leaf, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Build the First Tier of Fillings:
- Arrange half of the turkey slices (2-3 slices) over the mayonnaise.
- Top the turkey with one slice of cheese.
- Add half of the crispy bacon (1-2 slices, whole or crumbled) over the cheese.
- Create the “Middle Bread” Layer (Optional but Recommended for Club Structure):
- Place another lettuce leaf (or a smaller, flatter piece) on top of the bacon. This acts like the traditional middle slice of bread in a club sandwich, providing structure and separating layers. Lightly press it down. You can add a very thin smear of mayonnaise to this leaf as well, if desired.
- Build the Second Tier of Fillings:
- On top of the middle lettuce leaf, arrange the remaining half of the turkey slices (2-3 slices).
- Place another slice of cheese on the turkey.
- Arrange half of the tomato slices neatly over the cheese.
- Layer half of the avocado slices on top of the tomato.
- If using, add a few thin slices of red onion.
- Season lightly with freshly ground black pepper and a tiny pinch of salt, if needed.
- Top with the “Top Bread” and Secure:
- Take your final large lettuce leaf and spread it with another tablespoon of mayonnaise.
- Carefully place this lettuce leaf, mayonnaise-side down, on top of the avocado and tomato stack.
- Gently press down on the entire stack to compact it slightly.
- Secure and Serve (for one club):
- To hold the No-Bread Turkey Club together, carefully insert two to four toothpicks through all the layers. If you plan to cut it in half (recommended), place toothpicks strategically so each half will be secured.
- Using a sharp serrated knife, gently saw through the club to cut it in half diagonally, just like a traditional club sandwich. The toothpicks will help keep everything in place during cutting.
- Repeat for the Second Club:
- Repeat steps 5 through 10 to assemble the second No-Bread Turkey Club using the remaining ingredients.
- Serve Immediately:
- These No-Bread Turkey Clubs are best enjoyed immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the ingredients are fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One Normal Portion
- Calories: 550-650