Club sandwich facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Clubhouse sandwich |
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| Type | Sandwich |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Main ingredients | Toasted bread, turkey/chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise |
A club sandwich is a super popular type of sandwich. It's also known as a clubhouse sandwich. This tasty sandwich usually has toasted bread, sliced cooked chicken or turkey, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy mayonnaise.
Club sandwiches are often cut into quarters or halves. They are sometimes held together with small cocktail sticks to keep all the yummy layers in place. Many modern club sandwiches have two layers of fillings, separated by an extra slice of bread in the middle.
Contents
The Story of the Club Sandwich
Where Did It Begin?
The exact beginning of the club sandwich is a bit of a mystery! One idea is that it was first made at the Union Club in New York City. The earliest mention of this sandwich was in a newspaper called The Evening World on November 18, 1889. It even included a simple recipe! It said: "Have you tried a Union Club sandwich yet? Two toasted pieces of Graham bread, with a layer of turkey or chicken and ham between them, served warm." Many early stories also give credit to the chef at the Union Club for inventing it.
Another Idea for Its Origin
However, some people think the club sandwich started somewhere else. Another popular theory is that it was created in a fancy gambling club in Saratoga Springs, New York, in the late 1800s. In 1894, a man named Richard Albert Canfield bought the Saratoga Club and turned it into a casino. It's believed that the club sandwich might have been invented in the kitchens of his casino, which was called the Canfield Casino.
When Did It Become Popular?
The club sandwich started appearing on restaurant menus in the United States as early as 1899. It was even mentioned in a book called Conversations of a Chorus Girl in 1903.
Historically, club sandwiches usually had slices of chicken. But over time, turkey became a very common choice too. An old recipe from 1897 even described a three-layer sandwich. In that version, the chicken and ham layers were separated by a lettuce leaf instead of an extra slice of bread!
What's Inside a Club Sandwich?
Classic Ingredients
Just like a BLT sandwich, a classic club sandwich usually uses toasted white bread. It also has crisp iceberg lettuce, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. The sandwich is traditionally spread with mayonnaise.
Fun Variations
While the classic recipe is delicious, there are many different ways to make a club sandwich!
- Different Meats: Some versions change the type of meat. For example, a "breakfast club" might include eggs. A "roast beef club" uses roast beef. You might also find club sandwiches with ham (either instead of bacon or in addition to it).
- Cheese and Other Flavors: Sometimes, people add slices of cheese like Swiss, Dutch, or cheddar. Different kinds of mustard are also popular additions. These can include English, French Dijon, German, American, or even honey mustard. Some people like to add sliced pickles or even an Indian chutney for extra flavor.
- Fancy Clubs: There are even more upscale versions, like an "oyster club," a "salmon club," or a "Dungeness crab melt."
What Comes With It?
Club sandwiches are often served with a side dish. Popular choices include coleslaw or potato salad. They are also often garnished with a pickle. Sometimes, the coleslaw or potato salad is just a small portion, and the main side dish is a bigger order of french fries or potato chips.
Like many tasty foods, club sandwiches can be high in fat and carbohydrates because of the bread, bacon, and dressing. It's always a good idea to enjoy them as part of a balanced diet!
See also
In Spanish: Club sandwich para niños
