There’s something timeless about a BLT Sandwich Recipe—it’s quick, satisfying, and hits all those crave-worthy spots with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato nestled between toasted bread. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weekday lunch or a laid-back weekend treat, this sandwich delivers classic comfort in every bite.
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In the Kitchen
This BLT Sandwich Recipe is all about balancing textures and flavors with simple, easy-to-find ingredients. I love how quickly it comes together, yet every bite feels thoughtfully layered — the crispy, slightly salty bacon pairs beautifully with the cool crunch of fresh lettuce and the sweet acidity of ripe tomato.
- Juicy and Tender Every Time: Using ripe, thick tomato slices really brings freshness and moisture to the sandwich without sogginess.
- Golden, Satisfying Finish: Toasting the bread ensures it stays sturdy, offering a toasty backdrop that holds up to the fillings.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Choose quality bacon and fresh produce; good ingredients turn this simple recipe into a memorable meal.
- Weeknight to Weekend Ready: With minimal prep, you can have a classic BLT anytime — perfect for a fast lunch or casual dinner companion.
Ingredients at a Glance
Picking the right ingredients for your BLT Sandwich Recipe really makes all the difference. Freshness is key — crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and bacon cooked to your preferred crispness help build the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon: Aim for thick-cut or slab bacon if you can; it crisps up nicely without shrinking away to nothing.
- Bread: Choose your favorite type, from rustic sourdough to classic white — just make sure it toasts evenly and holds up to the fillings.
- Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg works best for crunch, but feel free to use whatever you love fresh and sturdy.
- Tomato: Pick firm yet ripe tomatoes for juiciness without sogginess; slicing thick helps balance the sandwich.
- Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality or homemade mayo for the creamiest, most flavorful layer.
Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make BLT Sandwich Recipe
Step 1 — Prepare and Toast the Bread
Start by toasting your bread slices until they develop a golden, crunchy exterior. Toasting is essential here—it creates the perfect base that won't get soggy from the mayo or juicy tomato slices. You’ll notice the aroma of warm toasty bread fills the kitchen, setting the stage for the rest of the assembly.
Step 2 — Cook the Bacon Crisply
Lay your bacon strips in a single layer in a cold pan and then heat to medium, letting the fat render slowly. This method helps achieve that coveted crispy texture without burning. Flip occasionally, aiming for a deep mahogany color. Once cooked, transfer the strips to paper towels to soak up excess grease—trust me, this step keeps them crisp.
Step 3 — Prep Your Fresh Lettuce and Tomato
While the bacon rests, rinse and dry your lettuce leaves thoroughly to avoid soggy sandwiches. Then slice your tomato into thick, even rounds. This will keep each sandwich bite balanced in flavor and texture. Adding just a pinch of salt and pepper to the tomato slices amps the natural sweetness and helps pull the flavors together.
Step 4 — Assemble Your BLT Sandwich Recipe
Now for the fun part: spread about a tablespoon of mayonnaise on one side of each toasted bread slice. On two of the slices, layer your crisp lettuce, then the tomato slices. Lightly season the tomato. Next, stack 4 to 6 slices of bacon on top, depending on how meaty you like it. Finish by topping with the remaining bread slices, mayo side down, and press gently to hold everything together.
Step 5 — Slice and Serve Immediately
I like to cut my BLT sandwich in half diagonally—it’s easier to handle and perfectly showcases the layers inside. Serve right away so you enjoy that contrast between crispy bacon, cool lettuce, and the freshness of tomato with every bite. You’ll find that the sandwich stays nicely held together without getting soggy for a few minutes, but it’s best fresh.
Things to Remember
From my experience, timing and ingredient quality make or break your BLT. I’ve learned that being gentle when assembling keeps the sandwich intact, and seasoning the tomato just right elevates the whole flavor profile.
- Doneness Cue: Bacon should be a rich brown and crisp but not burnt—this ensures it holds texture and flavor without bitterness.
- Temperature Trick: Toast the bread just before assembling to maximize crunch, and use room-temperature mayonnaise for easier spreading.
- Make-Ahead Move: Cook your bacon in advance and keep it warm on a rack to retain crispness when you’re ready to build.
- Common Pitfall: Avoid watery tomatoes by patting them dry and seasoning them last minute to prevent soggy bread.
Ways to Serve It
Finishing Touches
I often add a light spread of mayonnaise rather than slathering it on to keep the sandwich balanced and not overpower the crispness of the bacon and freshness of the veggies. You might also enjoy experimenting with a little garlic aioli or mustard mayo for a slight twist—just don’t stray too far from the classic flavor profile.
Plays Well With
Classic sides like crunchy kettle-cooked chips, dill pickles, or a simple green salad go perfectly alongside your BLT Sandwich Recipe. For a creamier contrast, try a coleslaw or potato salad to complement the salty bacon and fresh tomatoes.
Simple Plating Upgrades
Even on a weeknight, plating your sandwich on a rustic wooden board with a sprig of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon on the side lends a bistro feel. For special gatherings, slice the sandwich into small finger bites to make it easy for guests to enjoy without fuss.
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the sandwiches tightly in parchment or plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 24 hours, but the bread might lose some crunch and moisture will redistribute, softening the texture.
Freezing Tips
I don’t recommend freezing BLT sandwiches because the lettuce and tomato won’t hold up well after thawing—they get soggy and lose their fresh texture. If you want to save time, consider freezing just cooked bacon slices and toasting fresh bread when ready.
Reheating BLT Sandwich Recipe Without Drying Out
The best way to reheat leftovers is in a low-temperature oven or toaster oven (around 300°F) to warm the bacon and bread gently without drying out. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel helps keep moisture—but it might soften the bread slightly. Avoid reheating the whole sandwich with lettuce and tomato to preserve freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind it’s leaner and can cook faster, so watch it closely to get that crisp texture without drying it out.
I find rustic sourdough or a good-quality white sandwich bread works best because it toasts beautifully and holds up well against the juicy tomato and mayo without becoming soggy.
To avoid sogginess, toast the bread well, dry the lettuce thoroughly, and add tomato slices right before serving. Also, layering lettuce right on the mayo helps create a moisture barrier between tomato and bread.
Sure! Avocado and a fried egg are popular additions that elevate the flavor while still keeping that beloved BLT balance. Just keep additions simple to maintain the classic appeal.
Final Thoughts
Making a BLT Sandwich Recipe is one of those culinary joys that never gets old. It’s fast, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Every time I build one, I’m reminded how a handful of simple ingredients—bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayo—can come together to create something truly satisfying. Give it a try soon, and enjoy the perfect marriage of flavors and textures in your next sandwich break.
PrintFull Printable Recipe
BLT Sandwich Recipe
A classic BLT sandwich featuring crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato slices layered between toasted bread with creamy mayonnaise, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients
Bacon
- 8 slices cooked bacon
- 12 slices cooked bacon
Bread and Spread
- 4 slices bread (white, whole wheat, or sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 4 leaves lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
- 4 slices ripe tomato
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare vegetables: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly, then slice the tomatoes into thick slices for optimal freshness and texture.
- Toast and spread: Toast the bread slices to your liking. Spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise evenly on one side of each toasted slice.
- Assemble sandwich base: On two slices of the bread, mayonnaise side up, layer the lettuce leaves evenly to create a fresh bed.
- Add tomato and seasoning: Place the tomato slices on top of the lettuce and season them lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Add bacon: Layer 4 to 6 slices of cooked bacon on top of the tomatoes for each sandwich, depending on your desired bacon intensity.
- Complete the sandwich: Top the bacon with the remaining bread slices, mayonnaise side down. Press gently to hold the sandwich together.
- Slice and serve: Slice each sandwich in half if preferred and serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, fresh, and creamy textures.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use fresh iceberg lettuce instead of romaine.
- Mayonnaise can be substituted with avocado spread or mustard for variety.
- To make it gluten free, use gluten-free bread.
- Cook bacon to your preferred crispiness; thicker slices add more texture.
- Serve with a side of chips or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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