Only a few simple swaps can elevate a classic and delicious BLT. No more flavorless, watery iceberg lettuce and soggy tomatoes. Say hello to the Very Best BLT Sandwich youāve ever tasted.
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The Best BLT Sandwich
Thereās nothing easier than building a scrumptious sandwich for lunch. Theyāre quick to toss together and pack away beautifully for school, beach days, or road trips. Plus, theyāre always sure to please a crowd.
Everyone loves a classic BLT Sandwich. Itās a mainstay for a reason. Who could resist smoky bacon, crisp greens, juicy tomato, and creamy mayo stacked high between two slices of soft-yet-toasty bread? I know I canāt! And with just a few simple swaps, this recipe is elevated to new heights.
The secret is to ditch the tasteless iceberg lettuce for flavorful romaine leaves. Theyāll punch up the nutrition in your sandwich and save a bunch of prep time. And if youāre lucky enough to stumble across this recipe during tomato season, you simply must use a rainbow of thick-cut heirloom tomatoes.
Yellow tomatoes will give your sandwich a bright, acidic note. Red ones are juicy and tangy. And the dark, purple-toned ones are pumped full of anthocyanins. They have a myriad of health benefits, but I like them for their smokey flavor that complements the bacon perfectly. My mouth is watering just thinking about it; what about you?
If youāre feeling adventurous, you can try out my surprising take on a BLT with this Bacon, Arugula, and Peach Sandwich with Basil Mayo. Same concept for the ingredients, but with a twist. Otherwise, stay tuned for this elevated yet traditional rendition of the quintessential BLT.
How To Make The Very Best BLT
Season the tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes and sprinkle with garlic powder, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Toast the bread. Toast the bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler for a few minutes. This step is optional and not entirely necessary.
Spread the mayo on thick. Once youāve toasted the bread, let it cool for about 1 minute so that the mayo or aioli doesnāt melt into the bread with the residual heat. Once the toast has cooled slightly, spread the mayo across each slice.
Pile on the lettuce, tomatoes, and cooked bacon. Arrange the lettuce in a single layer on 2 of the 4 bread slices. This will become the top half of your BLT. Then, add a couple of tomato slices and a layer of cooked bacon.
Season and slice. Sprinkle salt and pepper across the sandwiches, and place the remaining bread slice on top of the bacon. Then flip the sandwich over so the bacon is on the bottom and the lettuce is at the top. Slice diagonally into triangles (horizontally for rectangles if thatās your thing), and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Skip toasting the bread if you prefer a softer sandwich, but this step adds structure and longevity to the sandwich. The tomato juice will seep into the bread, and if youāre starting with a fresh, soft slice, it could turn soggy quickly.
Make sure to cover the bread from edge to edge with the mayo or aioli! No one likes a dry bite of BLT.
If you have multiple colors of tomatoes to choose from, mix and match them on each sandwich for an array of flavors. Pair a yellow slice with a purple one for a tangy yet smoky combination.
I like to directly season the tomatoes with freshly cracked sea salt, garlic powder, parmesan cheese and black pepper for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
With a recipe as low-effort and speedy as this BLT, you could use the extra time to make your own bread. You could go for No Knead Sourdough, Everything Bagel Brioche, or keep it simple with Homemade White Bread. But whether you use store-bought or home-baked bread, this recipe will definitely please.
And the adults can enjoy a Lemonade Gin Mojito Cocktail for a summer-y pairing perfect for enjoying in the sunny heat. Truthfully, it’s just as delicious in the dead of winter and is a great way to hold out for those coming warmer months.
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4 inch slices and arrange on a platter. Season with the garlic powder, cheese, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Toast the bread using a toaster or under the broiler for 2-3 minutes each side. Allow the toast to cool for 1 minute. (this step is optional.)
Spread each slice of bread with 1/4 of the mayonnaise, being sure to cover the entire surface.
Divide the lettuce between two slices of bread and arrange in a single layer. Top the spinach with two slices of tomato on each piece of bread.
Arrange four slices of bacon on top of the tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the remaining bread on top of the bacon mayonnaise side down. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best if served soon after assembling.Amp up the flavor of your BLT sandwich with crushed red pepper flakes or a smear of garlic aioli.Ā Swap out the usually classic mayonnaise for Kewpie mayo and a kick of umami flavor!
BLT’s are that sandwich that is just so classically good ALL the time…especially with a few extra squeezes of mayo! I want this for lunch today – pinned!
Those tomatoes! There are just perfect, this entire BLT is perfect. I’ve been eating as many as I can while the tomatoes are at their best this summer.
For the last several years I have been making my BLT sandwiches with Basil Leaves instead of lettuce. Ā AMAZING! Ā Even just an Heirloom tomato sandwich with Basil leaves is the greatest. Your recipe reminded me of this.
35 Comments on “The Best BLT Sandwich”
BLT’s are that sandwich that is just so classically good ALL the time…especially with a few extra squeezes of mayo! I want this for lunch today – pinned!
Thanks so much, Taylor!
This makes my mouth water just looking at it! Love the addition of spinach.
Thanks, Katie!
My family LOVES BLT’s! I need to make this for their lunch today!
Thank you, Lauren!
Such a hearty sandwich. What a nice message you shared!
Thanks, Peter!
I’m a sucker for mayo and bacon so yum to this classic!
Thank you!
BLT’s are my favorite! I used to use mayo growing up but not any more.
Mine too.
Those heirloom tomatoes look gorgeous! And I love the use of spinach – what a great way to sneak in something super healthy.
Thanks, Laura!
Now that looks like an awesome BLT! Summertime tomatoes really do make the best sandwiches.
They truly do. Almost too beautiful to eat. Almost. š
This sandwich looks ridiculously good!
Thanks, Tasha!
BLTs are my favorite sandwich! And what a cute idea – writing special messages with that mayo!
Thanks, Martha! I wish I was more of an artist but my kids will just have to suffer through the chicken scratch for awhile.
BLT’s have always been my favorite sandwich – these do look like perfection. And it’s a definite yes to the Hellman’s!
Thanks, Heather! They’re my fave too.
BLTs are the best! Your looks especially nice. It’ll be such a pity once tomatoes are gone for the year!
It’s a sad, sad day when I know I have to wait months for a sandwich like this again. Let’s not talk about it. š
Those tomatoes! There are just perfect, this entire BLT is perfect. I’ve been eating as many as I can while the tomatoes are at their best this summer.
Thanks, Susan!
Those yellow tomatoes are calling my name!! This looks delicious!
Aren’t they stunning? Thanks so much, Tiffany!
Yummm, I could eat a BLT every single day…forever! Yours are so pretty! Annnnd now I want one!
Me too, they’re the best! Thanks so much, Colleen!
Spinach is such a terrific idea! And I love the gorgeous tomatoes. Looks like one perfect BLT!!!
Thanks, Liz!
Oh how I love a good BLT and this one looks amazing! Good mayo is essential and love the little note. Too cute!
Thanks, Kate!
For the last several years I have been making my BLT sandwiches with Basil Leaves instead of lettuce. Ā AMAZING! Ā Even just an Heirloom tomato sandwich with Basil leaves is the greatest. Your recipe reminded me of this.