BLT Sandwich
The BLT Sandwich is a timeless classic made with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise layered between toasted slices of bread. Simple ingredients are all you need to create a satisfying sandwich with the perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors. It’s quick enough for lunch but delicious enough to crave anytime.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 slices sandwich bread, sourdough, white, or whole wheat
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 4–6 crisp lettuce leaves, such as romaine or iceberg
- 3–4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon softened butter, optional
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Additions
- ½ avocado, sliced
- 2 slices cheddar or American cheese
- A few slices of red onion
- Pickles
- A drizzle of hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Directions
1. Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for approximately 4–6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness and how crispy you prefer it.
For evenly cooked bacon, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Once golden and crisp, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
You can also bake the bacon at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes for an easy hands-off method.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them into medium-thick rounds.
Season the tomato slices lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit for a few minutes while you prepare the bread.
This simple seasoning brings out the natural sweetness and flavor of the tomatoes.
3. Toast the Bread
Lightly butter the bread if desired and toast it in a skillet, toaster, or oven until golden brown.
The toast should be crisp enough to provide structure but not so hard that it overpowers the tender ingredients.
4. Add the Mayonnaise
Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise over one side of each slice of toasted bread.
For extra flavor, mix the mayonnaise with a little Dijon mustard, black pepper, or hot sauce.
5. Layer the Lettuce
Place the lettuce on the bottom slice of bread. Keeping the lettuce directly against the bread helps create a barrier between the juicy tomatoes and the toast, helping prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
6. Add the Tomatoes
Arrange the seasoned tomato slices evenly over the lettuce.
If your tomatoes are particularly juicy, gently pat them with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich.
7. Add the Bacon
Place the crispy bacon over the tomatoes. You can arrange the strips whole or break them in half to make the sandwich easier to bite.
For an extra-crispy BLT, add an additional strip or two of bacon.
8. Finish the Sandwich
Place the second slice of toasted bread on top, mayonnaise-side down.
Press the sandwich gently, then cut it diagonally in half.
Serve immediately while the bacon is warm and crispy.
Tips for the Best BLT
Use ripe tomatoes. Since tomatoes are one of the main ingredients, their quality makes a noticeable difference. Choose tomatoes that are ripe, juicy, and flavorful.
Crisp the bacon well. The contrast between crunchy bacon and juicy tomato is one of the best parts of a BLT.
Don’t skip seasoning. A small amount of salt and black pepper on the tomatoes brings the entire sandwich together.
Toast the bread. Toasting gives the sandwich structure and adds another layer of texture.
For an elevated BLT, use thick-cut bacon, toasted sourdough, heirloom tomatoes, and homemade mayonnaise.
Delicious Variations
Avocado BLT
Add sliced avocado for a creamy, buttery texture.
Spicy BLT
Mix hot sauce or sriracha into the mayonnaise and add sliced jalapeños.
BLT with Cheese
Add cheddar, provolone, or American cheese for an extra-rich sandwich.
Turkey BLT
Add thinly sliced turkey breast for a more substantial lunch.
What to Serve With a BLT
A BLT pairs perfectly with:
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Pickles
- Coleslaw
- Tomato soup
- Fresh fruit
- Simple green salad
Meta Description
Make the perfect classic BLT Sandwich with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, creamy mayonnaise, and golden toasted bread.