- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 445 kcal
Quick summary
“The BLT sandwich is a diner classic named after the initials of crispy bacon, lettuce, and sliced tomato. Assembled between slices of toasted white bread spread with mayonnaise, the snack balances the toasted fat of the bacon with the juicy freshness of the vegetables. The precise seasoning of salt and pepper over the tomato slices enhances the natural juices without moistening the toasted bread. Cut on the diagonal, it delivers a quick and crispy meal with a yield for four servings.”
What you need to know
- Fry the bacon until crispy and drain on paper towels to retain only the dry texture.
- Toast the slices of sandwich bread until golden to create a firm support that supports the mayonnaise and vegetables.
- Assemble the layers alternating lettuce, seasoned tomato, and bacon to maintain the crunchiness of each ingredient.
Ingredients
Main
- 8 slices of sandwich bread
- 200g of bacon
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- Mayonnaise to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Principal
- Heat a skillet and fry the bacon until crispy.
- While the bacon cooks, toast the sliced bread in the skillet or toaster.
- Spread mayonnaise on one slice of bread. Set aside.
- Remove the bacon from the skillet and place on paper towels to absorb the fat.
- On top of the slice of bread with mayonnaise, add the lettuce leaves.
- Place the sliced tomatoes over the lettuce.
- Finish with the crispy bacon slices.
- Cover with another slice of bread, pressing lightly.
- Repeat the process for the other sandwiches.
- Cut each sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Chef's tips
- Season the tomato slices with salt and black pepper right before assembling; salting in advance releases a lot of water.
- Spread mayonnaise on the two toasted bread slices to form an impermeable barrier that prevents soggy bread.
- Cut the sandwich with a serrated knife in a smooth motion so as not to crush the bread or displace the filling layers.
Variations
- BLT with avocado (BLAT): add slices of ripe avocado seasoned with drops of lemon juice over the tomato.
- BLT with cheese: add a slice of mild cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the warm bacon.
- BLT with chicken (Club): add a layer of thinly sliced grilled chicken breast between the lettuce leaves.
Substitutions
- Traditional sliced bread can be replaced by toasted sourdough bread, ciabatta bread, or brioche bread.
- Traditional mayonnaise can be combined with Dijon mustard or substituted with homemade garlic mayonnaise.
- The common tomato can be swapped for ripe persimmon tomato or Italian tomato sliced into thick rounds.
How to store
Consume immediately. Do not store the assembled sandwich, as the tomato moistens the bread and softens the bacon. Store the fried bacon and vegetables separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can it be frozen?
Do not freeze this sandwich. Lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise completely lose their texture in the freezer, and the toast becomes irreversibly soggy after thawing.
What to serve with
Serve with crunchy potato chips, pickled cucumber pickles, and iced tea with lemon. A potato salad with mayonnaise and mustard complements the informal lunch.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of lettuce is most suitable for BLT?
Iceberg lettuce is the most recommended for its crunchy and resistant structure that does not wilt easily. Romaine lettuce leaves also work perfectly for freshness and structure.
Why is the order of the layers important in the BLT sandwich?
The mayonnaise should touch the bread to create a fat barrier. The lettuce comes next to protect the bread from the tomato liquid, and the bacon goes in last to remain dry and crispy until the bite.
Is it mandatory to toast the sliced bread?
Yes, toasting the bread is essential. The soft bread absorbs the moisture from the tomatoes and mayonnaise, falling apart when held with the hands. The toasted crust ensures support and a crunchy texture to the snack.
How to make bacon very straight and flat for the sandwich?
Fry the bacon over medium heat pressing the slices with the bottom of a smaller pot or using a grill press; this prevents the strips from curling, facilitating flat assembly inside the bread.
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