📝 About This Recipe
These adorable miniature mains take the classic American triple-decker and shrink it down to kid-sized perfection. Featuring layers of honey-roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and fresh garden veggies, these bite-sized sandwiches are held together by a creamy herb mayo that kids absolutely love. They are the perfect solution for tiny hands, picky eaters, or a whimsical weekend lunch that feels like a special occasion.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread Base
- 9 slices White or Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread (crusts removed)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
The Fillings
- 8 ounces Honey Roasted Turkey Breast (thinly sliced from the deli)
- 6 strips Thin-cut Bacon (cooked until very crispy)
- 4 slices Cheddar Cheese (mild or medium)
- 6 pieces Cherry Tomatoes (sliced into thin rounds)
- 3-4 leaves Butter Lettuce (torn into small, cracker-sized pieces)
Kid-Friendly Club Sauce
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise (full fat preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Greek Yogurt (plain, for a tangy protein boost)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon Honey (to balance the saltiness)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until extra crispy. Drain on paper towels and break each strip into four small squares.
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2
While the bacon cooks, prepare the bread. Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter (or a small glass) to punch out 4 circles from each slice of bread, giving you a total of 36 mini bread circles.
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3
Lightly brush both sides of the mini bread circles with melted butter and place them on a clean baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 3-5 minutes until just barely golden and slightly firm.
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4
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dried parsley, and honey until smooth. This is your 'Club Sauce'.
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5
Prepare the cheese by using the same 2-inch round cutter to punch out circles from the cheddar slices, or simply cut them into small squares that fit the bread.
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6
Fold the thin deli turkey slices into small, ruffled piles that match the diameter of your bread circles.
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7
Begin assembly: Lay out 12 bread circles as your base layer. Spread a thin layer of Club Sauce on each.
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8
Place a piece of lettuce and a ruffled pile of turkey on the base layer, followed by a slice of tomato.
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9
Add the middle bread circle. Spread sauce on both the bottom and top of this middle slice to act as 'glue'.
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10
Top the middle slice with a piece of cheese and two small squares of crispy bacon.
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11
Spread a final bit of sauce on the bottom of the remaining 12 bread circles and place them on top to cap the towers.
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12
Secure each 'Tiny Turkey Club' with a colorful toothpick or a small plastic frill pick to keep the layers aligned.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use a serrated knife if you need to trim the bread; it prevents squishing the airy crumb. If your kids dislike tomatoes, substitute with thin slices of cucumber for a refreshing crunch. Make sure the bacon is very crispy; if it's chewy, it will pull the whole sandwich apart when a child takes a bite. To save time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits, but whole strips broken down provide a better 'club' look. For a colorful twist, use one slice of white, one slice of whole wheat, and one slice of spinach bread for the three layers.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Pair with a side of crunchy sweet potato fries or 'apple fries' (thinly sliced apples). Serve with a small ramekin of extra Club Sauce for dipping. A cold glass of milk or a fruit-infused water makes a healthy, refreshing beverage pairing. Arrange them in a circle on a bright plate with a handful of snap peas in the center for a 'garden' look. Add a few dill pickle chips on the side for that authentic deli experience.