Let me show you how to make the best ever BLT Sandwich! Crispy bacon is the star of this show, with lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and creamy homemade mayonnaise in supporting roles.
There is just something about a really great BLT. Toasted bread, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and mayo. It’s a simple equation, but it’s one that works. Every. Single. Time.
When you know how to make the perfect BLT, you will always be able to make yourself a delicious sandwich that is so satisfying and tasty. This recipe makes enough for two sandwiches, so feel free to share with the person you enjoy eating lunch with the most.
To really up your sandwich-making game, use freshly baked bread! My breadmaker bread recipe makes the best white bread loaf for sandwhiches. If you prefer, you can make wheat bread in your breadmaker too.
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Bread: I mentioned above that you can use homemade sandwich bread, but store-bought bread is also totally fine. Look for a sturdy loaf with thicker slices, or pick up a loaf at the bakery.
- Butter: A great BLT requires toasted bread. We’re going to toast ours in a skillet, using butter so that it’s crispy and amazing.
- Bacon: Of course, you can’t make a BLT without the B! Regular cut bacon is ideal for a BLT, because it’s able to be cooked super crisp and then layered to make the perfect ratio of bacon to other ingredients.
- Tomatoes: Look for ripe tomatoes for sandwiches. Slice them thinly.
- Lettuce: You’ll need 1-2 leaves of lettuce per sandwich. You can use any type of lettuce that you like. Romaine works really well, as does iceberg. You can use butter lettuce or green leaf if you enjoy the softer types on sandwiches too.
- Mayonnaise: I urge you to make your own mayonnaise to use on this sandwich. My homemade mayo recipe is super simple to make and tastes miles better than the stuff in the jar.
- Salt and Pepper: Some simple seasonings make this sandwich perfect.
How to Make the Best BLT Sandwich
- Cook the Bacon: I prefer to cook bacon in the oven. It’s a mostly hands-off process and it will cook while I prep the rest of the items needed. Pre-heat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Lay the bacon on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to soak up the excess grease.
- Toast the Bread: Butter both sides of each slice of bread, then place in a preheated frying pan over medium heat. Toast the bread on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Assemble the BLT: Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread. On two of the slices, add lettuce, then tomato slices, and then season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the bacon between the two sandwiches, then top each with the second slice of bread. Slice in half to serve.
What is the Correct Order to a BLT?
In order to assemble a BLT that stays together and tastes perfect, I like to put on the ingredients in this order:
Bread, Mayo, Lettuce, tomato, salt and pepper, bacon, mayo, bread.
BLT Success Tips
- Dry the Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are especially juicy, it can be helpful to slice them and then absorb some of the liquid with paper towels. This will help you avoid a soggy sandwich.
- Eat it Right Away: BLT sandwiches should be eaten as soon as you make them. They aren’t good as leftovers.
- Use Quality Ingredients: As with any sandwich, it will only be as good as the ingredients you put on it.
- When cooking bacon: I like to cook bacon in the oven, but you can also cook it in a skillet or in the air fryer if you prefer. Whatever way is easiest for you is totally fine. I don’t recommend cooking bacon in the microwave.
- For a different sauce: Try using a mix of half mayo and half sour cream for your BLT. It’s a bit tangier and lighter than you’d expect and really tasty.
What Else to Add to a BLT Sandwich
I am by no means telling you that you need to add anything to a BLT to make it amazing. A BLT is already a perfect sandwich. There are however some extras that you might enjoy.
- Avocado slices add another layer of creaminess to a BLT sandwich. I like to put them on top of the tomatoes and then add the salt and pepper to both the tomato and avocado.
- Sliced Turkey or Chicken can add additional protein to your lunch and is delicious with the bacon.
- A slice of cheese is welcome on any sandwich I make. I suggest mild provolone or a sharp American slice.
More Amazing Sandwiches to Try
We have many Sandwich Recipes here! You’re sure to find a few that you want to try next.
- Make a classic Reuben Sandwich with corned beef and Russian Dressing.
- Or a traditional Cuban Sandwich with roast pork and pickles.
- Try a burger made popular in a midwest bar: the Juicy Lucy.
- Copycat your favorite fast food chicken sandwiches with my recipes for Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich, Homemade Chick-Fil-A Sandwiches, and top either of them with this dupe of Raising Cane’s Sauce.
FAQs
You certainly can make a BLT with thick bacon. You will need to cook the bacon longer and maybe at a lower heat to get it crispy though. I prefer the thinner bacon on sandwiches, and like to add a couple of layers.
I grill the bread on both sides before assembling the BLT, but if you want to you can put butter only on the outside of the sandwich and toast the whole thing in the skillet. The reason I avoid this is because I don’t want to heat up the lettuce and tomato.
A vegan version of a BLT sandwich can be made using your favorite style of Vegan Bacon, and vegan mayo. Try my Vegan Eggplant Sandwich if you’re looking for a meat free BLT style treat.
I am not a big fan of leftover BLT sandwiches, but you can cook the bacon ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the BLTs. Rewarm the bacon for a minute or two in the skillet and then follow the recipe to finish the sandwich.
I have a feeling that you’re ready to make the best BLT sandwich you’ve ever had now! Be sure to pin this recipe in case you need it again.
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
BLT Sandwich
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick bread about ½ inch thick
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 8 slices bacon
- 2 ripe tomatoes sliced into thick slices
- 2-4 lettuce leaves
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Lay the bacon on the baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel to soak up the excess grease.
- Butter both sides of each slice of bread, then place in a preheated frying pan over medium heat. Toast the bread on both sides until golden brown and crispy.
- Spread mayonnaise on each slice of bread. On two of the slices, add lettuce, then tomato slices, and then season with salt and pepper.
- Divide the bacon between the two sandwiches, then top each with the second slice of bread. Slice in half to serve.
Notes:
- Dry the Tomatoes: If your tomatoes are especially juicy, it can be helpful to slice them and then absorb some of the liquid with paper towels. This will help you avoid a soggy sandwich.
- Eat it Right Away: BLT sandwiches should be eaten as soon as you make them. They aren’t good as leftovers.
- Use Quality Ingredients: As with any sandwich, it will only be as good as the ingredients you put on it.
- When cooking bacon: I like to cook bacon in the oven, but you can also cook it in a skillet or in the air fryer if you prefer. Whatever way is easiest for you is totally fine. I don’t recommend cooking bacon in the microwave.
- For a different sauce: Try using a mix of half mayo and half sour cream for your BLT. It’s a bit tangier and lighter than you’d expect and really tasty.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
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