Peyton Manning’s Go-To Sandwich Has My Mouth Watering Just Thinking About It

Through his Nationwide partnership, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning has been showing the world that he’s “so much more” than a great quarterback. Some days, he’s “Paintin’ Manning,” others he’s “Debatin’ Manning,” and even sometimes “Calculatin’ Manning.” But what about “Creatin’ [Recipes] Manning?”

The former Colts and Broncos quarterback is clearly no stranger to the kitchen, as he has ventured into the restaurant business quite a few times in his career. He’s owned some Papa Johns franchises; partnered with a bar in Knoxville, Tennesse, home to his alma mater, the University of Tennesse; and even proved that football isn’t the only thing that runs in his famous family by opening a restaurant with his brother, Eli, and father, Archie, in New Orleans.

Manning’s Sports Bar & Grill, located on Fulton Street in New Orleans, owned by Caesars Entertainment and the newly renovated Caesars New Orleans hotel, opened in 2012. The sports bar honors former New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning, as well as his sons, Peyton and former New York Giants quarterback Eli.

Decked out with Manning family memorabilia and two 13-foot jumbo television screens, the bar is a hot spot for gameday in New Orleans. And, on the menu, you’ll find Southern favorites, like Po' Boys, gumbo, and beignets, as well as bar staples, like burgers, nachos, and a Manning-loved sandwich: the Manning’s Club.

Peyton Manning's Easy Club Sandwich

The Manning-approved club sandwich is pretty on par with most clubs—it’s made with three types of meats, two types of cheeses, and a sauce on toasted bread. However, where Manning differs from the classic mayo-topped sandwich, is with his choice of condiment. Manning tops his ham, turkey, bacon, swiss, and American cheese sandwich with honey mustard. 

Maybe Travis Kelce isn’t the only footballer who hates mayonnaise, but whatever the reason, the sweet-and-savory mustard is actually what makes the club so irresistible. Between the smoky applewood bacon, salty-sweet ham, savory turkey, gooey American cheese, mild and smooth Swiss, and sweet honey mustard, I can understand why the club is the only (non-Po’ Boy) sandwich on the menu.

Is it missing out on fresh veggies? Maybe one or two, but if you recreate the masterpiece at home, you can always add tomatoes or lettuce if you want. 

That’s the beauty of Manning’s go-to sandwich—you don’t have to go to New Orleans to get it. Sure, if you’re there for Super Bowl LIX or Mardi Gras, you can stop in to try the real deal, but it’s just as easy to make at home.

All you’ll need is applewood-smoked bacon (cooked to your liking), ham, turkey, American cheese, Swiss cheese, honey mustard, and bread. Pile your sandwich high with meats and cheeses, slather the bread in honey mustard, and pop it on a hot skillet until the bread reaches your desired toastiness.

Manning’s serves the club with Zapp’s potato chips, which is an Utz brand known for its New Orleans-inspired flavors, but the world is your oyster when it comes to side dishes and additional toppings.

Even though I didn’t try the Manning-loved club sandwich while I was in New Orleans, ever since I made it for myself at home, I haven’t been able to stop craving it. So, be warned, it’s a darn good sandwich that might just run your lunch rotation for a few weeks.