The Best BLT Sandwich

Last summer, this video took Instagram by storm. One year later and I’m still getting messages asking for the details of this killer sandwich! There’s a few things that make this BLT better than what you might be used to. One is the inside-out toasted bread hack that gives you a super soft exterior that doesn’t scratch your mouth, but also a buttery-crisp side for some crunch. I toast my bread with a garlic-herb mayo mixture for maximum flavor and texture and both the tomatoes and greens are tossed in olive oil and vinegar for extra flavor. I realize it’s a pretty bold statement to claim this to be one of the best BLT’s you’ve ever had, but I stand by it!

Ingredients and Equipment Notes

• Bread – The best bread is sturdy, but soft. I like a nice farmhouse style sourdough with lots of nooks and crannies to soak up the flavors. You can often find great sliced bread in the bakery section of the grocery store.
  
• Mayo – For the ultimate mayo, I use my garlic-herb sandwich spread. It’s great to make in bulk and keep in your fridge and adds so much flavor! I will include this in the printable recipe below.
  
• Tomatoes – obviously tomatoes are the star of the show here, so you’ll want to use good ones. You can’t beat garden fresh tomatoes if you have them. Otherwise look for a nice plum tomato with deep color and soft to the touch. On-the-vine options are usually pretty good from the store.
  
• Bacon – Use your favorite bacon. I like center-cut, and my favorite way to cook it, especially in bulk, is in the oven.
  
• Greens – I usually use a spring mix because it’s what i have in my fridge all the time. Ice berg or romaine are good options for a little more crunch. When I use the latter two, I like to give them a quick slice so it’s almost more of a shred. I like how it picks up the olive oil and vinegar better.
  
• Vinegar and Olive Oil – This is a little step that makes a big difference. I toss my tomato slices in olive oil and vinegar before putting them on the sandwich, then toss the greens in the same mixture. I use extra virgin olive oil, and you can play around vinegars you like. My absolute favorite is the Peach White Balsamic from Baker and Olive. The sweet and tangy peach is such a good pairing with tomatoes. (My affiliate code: ourbestbites, will give you a discount). White or red wine vinegar is also just fine, and even apple cider vinegar wouldn’t be bad.

How to Make the BEST BLT Sandwich

There’s a few important components, with both ingredients and method. Let’s get started!

• Seasoned tomatoes and greens

Before you do any other steps, slice your tomatoes and lay on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss them around just a bit to get covered and then let them hang out there until you’re ready for them. You’ll toss your greens in that same mixture on the plate as you assemble the sandwich.

• Flavored Mayo Spread (aka magic mayo)

Mayonnaise gets an extra flavor punch with lemon and fresh garlic, and some fresh herbs- if you’ve got them! I use this in two different ways, one to toast the bread (see next step) and the other to spread on after.

• Inside Out Bread

After spreading on the flavored mayo, toast your bread mayo-side-down in a pan (or you could broil in the oven if you’re making in bulk- though I like the pan results better!) Spread toasted side with another layer of mayo and this is actually going to be the INSIDE of your sandwich!

• Chopped bacon

I prefer to cook my bacon in the oven, but choose whatever method you like best. You can leave it whole, in strips, or I like to slightly crumble/chop my bacon to avoid taking a bite of your sandwich and having the entire slice pull out.

• Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes and layer on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Spread garlic-herb mayo on two pieces of bread.
3. Toast bread mayo-side down in a pan until golden and crispy.
4. Spread crispy side of bread with more mayo. Layer tomatoes on top.
5. Add crisp cooked bacon to sandwich.
6. Place a handful of greens on the plate with the olive oil and vinegar and toss quickly to coat. Add to sandwich.
7. Toss with remaining side of bread, toasted side in.

You get this amazingly flavorful melody of textures here. The outside is super soft and easy to bite. Once you bite in you get that toasted bread and crispy bacon with the tangy soft tomato. It’s absolute perfection. I hope you try this and it changes your BLT game forever! Drop a comment after you do and let me know what you think!

The Best BLT Sandwich

5 from 15 votes

The absolute BEST BLT!  Below is the recipe for a single BLT, repeat to make multiples!

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

ServingsServings1 sandwich

Print Rate SaveSaved!

Ingredients

• 1-2 fresh plum tomatoes sliced extra virgin olive oilvinegar (red wine or peach white balsamic are my favorites)kosher salt and black peppersturdy sandwich bread, I suggest a hearty farmhouse or sourdoughgarlic-herb sandwich spread* (or just use plain mayo)3-4 slices bacon, cooked crispgreens of your choiceSliced avocado, optional if that's your thing! We also love the addition of thin-sliced red onion sometimes.

Instructions

• Slice tomatoes and layer on a plate. Drizzle with a little olive oil and vinegar, sprinkle with salt and pepper and set aside. Spread garlic-herb mayo on one side of two pieces of bread.
• Heat a pan on the stove top to medium heat. 
• Toast bread mayo-side down in a pan until golden and crispy.
• Remove bread from pan and spread crispy side of bread with more mayo.
• Layer tomatoes on top of one slice.
• Add crisp cooked bacon to sandwich.
• Place a handful of greens on the plate with the olive oil and vinegar and toss quickly to coat. Add to sandwich.
• Top with remaining side of bread, toasted side facing in.  
• Slice and devour!

Notes

Garlic-Herb Mayo: Combine all these ingredients. Makes enough for multiple sandwiches! Best if made a couple hours ahead of time.

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 large clove garlic, pressed through garlic press or very finely minced
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (more to taste, if desired)
zest from 1/2 lemon (1/4–1/2 teaspoon, more to taste if desired)
1/2–1 teaspoon finely minced fresh rosemary
1/2 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon minced fresh basil
*note that herbs are excellent, but if you don’t have any no worries-  it’s also fantastic with just lemon and garlic!

Keyword: best BLT

Author: Sara Wells

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