Build a quick lunch with the classic BLT Sandwich—a trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato layered in bread.
One of my earliest kitchen memories is standing on a stool next to my mom, carefully layering bacon, lettuce, and tomato between slices of bread. I didn’t even know it had a name—we just loved the sandwich, and made it a lot! Later, I learned that cookbooks from the early 1900s mentioned this classic combination, though it didn’t truly become a household favorite until after World War II, when better distribution and refrigeration methods improved the year-round availability of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. While the BLT quickly became a staple in kitchens everywhere, the actual acronym “BLT” gained popularity in the mid-century.
Why are BLTs so good? The crunch of the bacon and the lettuce combined with the juicy tomato gives the sandwich an interesting texture as well as an assortment of flavors. It’s also a sandwich that’s easy to customize with different types of bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, as well as extra ingredients not in the traditional recipe. That’s why I thought it was a good idea to share a BLT recipe and add some helpful tips for how to make the sandwich better.
Naturally, one of the first choices is how you prepare the bacon for your BLT. If you’re planning to cook a lot of bacon for several BLTs, cooking Bacon in the Oven might be the best choice, although there are benefits to Microwave Bacon, too. It cooks quicker and is a little healthier than frying it in a skillet. Also, if you want to make your BLT extra special, consider making Easy Baked Maple Bacon to give the bacon in your sandwich a hint of sweetness.
Is A BLT Sandwich Healthy?
A BLT sandwich isn’t known for being a particularly balanced choice. Bacon typically has a high fat and sodium content, and using standard mayonnaise and bread can increase the overall calorie count. It’s a popular sandwich for its straightforward layers and quick assembly, but you may want to keep portion sizes in mind if you’re watching your overall intake. Some people switch up their bacon choices or try alternative spreads to suit their preferences, though it won’t necessarily transform this into a health-conscious option.
What Else To Add
One of my favorite parts of a BLT is adding one or two extra items beyond the three basic ingredients in the sandwich. Of course, avocado slices have become a popular addition, turning it into a BLAT sandwich. Sometimes, I add a slice or two of deli turkey to add a little heft, and also to help keep the slices of bacon from sliding out of the bread. I know many people who like to add a fried egg to their BLT, plus arugula, sprouts, and other greens can also go in a BLT in place of the lettuce or in addition to it. You might also enjoy a condiment like horseradish or sriracha to give the BLT a little kick.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 slices of bacon
- 2 slices of white or whole-wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 leaves of romaine lettuce, washed and patted dry
- 3 slices of ripe tomato
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 ripe avocado, sliced (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare
Cook bacon and prepare vegetables.
Assemble
Layer ingredients between toasted bread with mayonnaise.
Serve
Cut and enjoy your fresh BLT sandwich.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
It’s always best to eat a BLT as soon as it’s made. If you don’t mind the bacon getting cold, you can put the sandwich in a ziplock bag or airtight container and eat it later. If you wait too long, though, the sandwich could start to get soggy.
You don’t have to, but toasting the bread usually adds a little extra flavor and more crunch to the sandwich.
This is entirely up to you, although I suggest putting the lettuce on the bottom, then the tomato, and then the bacon.
Serving Suggestions
There is no shortage of side dishes to have with a BLT. Since most people eat sandwiches with their hands, I find other finger foods to be a good fit. That’s why I recommend making Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries with your BLT. I also find Air-Fryer Onion Rings to be a good complement. Naturally, a bowl of soup or a salad also goes well with a BLT or any other type of sandwich. If you don’t mind adding more tomatoes to the meal, I suggest Tomato Basil Soup along with your sandwich. If you opt for a salad, I find a Classic Caprese Salad works best.
BLT Sandwich
Ingredients
- 3 slices of bacon
- 2 slices of white or whole-wheat bread
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 leaves of romaine lettuce washed and patted dry
- 3 slices of ripe tomato
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 ripe avocado sliced (optional)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake until crispy, about 14-18 minutes, depending on its thickness. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
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Toast the bread slices lightly. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice. On one slice, layer the lettuce and tomato slices. Sprinkle on salt and pepper, and then add the bacon and optional avocado slices.
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Top with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down. Cut the sandwich diagonally and serve.
Nutrition
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