How to Make a Great BLT Sandwich

Let me show you how to make a great BLT sandwich! The sandwich is simple: crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise nestled between toasted bread slices.

The BLT is the ultimate summer sandwich! Juicy, ripe tomatoes are at their peak in the summer, offering a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with crisp lettuce and smoky bacon.

Whether enjoyed at a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or a quick lunch at home, the BLT sandwich is a refreshing and delicious way to savor the tastes of summer.

How to Make a Great BLT Sandwich

You can create a classic BLT sandwich with just a handful of fresh ingredients and these easy step-by-step instructions:

Ingredients

• Bacon: Cook bacon in a cast iron skillet to make crispy bacon.
• Lettuce: Use green leaf, iceberg, butter lettuce, or Romaine. You can use whole leaves for the sandwiches.
• Tomatoes: The key to a great BLT is using the ripest, juiciest tomatoes.
• Onion: Thinly sliced red or sweet onions add a mild, crisp bite to the sandwich.
• Bread: Choose from homemade white, sourdough, whole grain, ciabatta, brioche, and toast until golden brown.
• Mayonnaise: Use classic mayonnaise or try flavored varieties like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo.
• Salt and Pepper: Season the tomatoes lightly to enhance their natural flavors.

Instructions for Making Great BLT Sandwich

1. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
2. Prepare the Bread: Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
3. Slice the Tomato: Cut the tomato into thick slices and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Prepare the Onion: Slice the onion thinly and separate into rings.
5. Assemble the Sandwich:
   • Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toasted bread.
   • Place the lettuce leaves on two slices of the bread.
   • Add the seasoned tomato slices on top of the lettuce.
   • Layer the crispy bacon strips over the tomatoes.
   • Add the thinly sliced onions.
   • Add any optional ingredients you desire (avocado, cheese, etc.).
   • Top with the remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise side down.
6. Cut and Serve: Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.

What’s the Best Way to Layer a BLT?

Layering a BLT correctly makes sure that the sandwich holds together well. Here’s how:

1. Toast the Bread: Begin with well-toasted bread to prevent sogginess.
2. Spread the Mayonnaise: Generously spread mayonnaise on both toasted bread slices to keep it from getting soggy.
3. Layer the Lettuce: Place fresh, crisp lettuce directly on the mayonnaise on both pieces of bread. This helps keep the other ingredients from making the bread too moist.
4. Add the Tomatoes: Next, add slices of ripe, juicy tomatoes. Lightly season them with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
5. Layer the Bacon: Place the crispy bacon strips on top of the tomatoes.
6. Add the Onion: Add thinly sliced onions on top of the bacon.
7. Finish with the Top Slice: Place the remaining slice of bread, mayonnaise, and lettuce side down on top of the onions.

What Can I Add to a BLT to Make It Better?

While the traditional BLT is great, adding a few extra ingredients can add flavor. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Avocado: Creamy avocado slices add richness and a buttery texture.
2. Cheese: A slice of cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack cheese can introduce a delightful melty element.
3. Egg: A fried or poached egg adds a savory richness and makes the sandwich even more filling.
4. Pesto: Spread some basil pesto on the bread for a herbaceous flavor.
5. Hot Sauce: A dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick that complements the smoky bacon.
6. Pickles: Dill or bread-and-butter pickles add a tangy crunch.
7. Arugula: Substitute or add arugula for its peppery bite and slightly bitter flavor.
8. Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can bring a fresh, aromatic element to the sandwich.

Do You Put Mayonnaise in a BLT? Yes, mayonnaise is a key ingredient in a BLT. It adds creaminess and a slight tang that complements the bacon and veggies. For a twist, try flavored mayonnaises like garlic aioli or chipotle mayo, or add lemon zest and herbs.

What is the Best Bread for BLTs? The choice of bread can vary, but it should be sturdy enough to withstand the filling of your BLT. Classic white bread is the traditional choice.

Is a BLT better toasted or not? A BLT is generally better toasted. Toasting the bread adds a crunch and helps prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy from the mayonnaise and juicy tomatoes.