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A classic BLT sandwich doesn’t need fancy ingredients or special sauces. When the tomatoes are ripe, the bacon is crisp, and the bread is toasted just enough, it’s one of the best sandwiches you can make.
This recipe sticks with the traditional combination of bacon, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise but pays attention to the little details that make each bite better. Seasoning the tomatoes, layering the ingredients in the right order, and serving it while everything is still crisp keeps the sandwich flavorful without turning soggy.
Here’s Why This BLT Sandwich Recipe Works
Seasoned tomatoes matter: I never skip this step. A sprinkle of coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper brings out the tomato’s natural sweetness and makes the whole sandwich taste brighter.
Lettuce protects the toast: Putting the lettuce directly on the bread creates a barrier between the toast and the juicy tomato slices, helping the sandwich stay crisp longer.
Crispy bacon is worth it: I like the bacon crisp enough to snap cleanly when you bite into it. Chewy bacon has a way of pulling the whole strip out of the sandwich.
Mayonnaise on both slices keeps it balanced: Spreading mayo on each slice of toast gives every bite a creamy layer without making one side feel heavy.
Ingredient Notes
Sandwich bread: Use bread that toasts well and is sturdy enough to hold the bacon and tomatoes. White sandwich bread is classic, but sourdough or whole wheat also works.
Mayonnaise: A simple mayonnaise is all you need here. If you want to change the flavor, homemade lemon dill aioli is a good swap.
Ripe tomatoes: The tomatoes carry a lot of the sandwich, so use the best ripe tomatoes you can find and slice them about ¼-inch thick.
Lettuce: Romaine, green leaf, or iceberg all work. The most important thing is that the lettuce is crisp and dry before it goes on the bread.
Bacon: Cook the bacon until crisp, then drain it well so the sandwich doesn’t get greasy. If you’re cooking a full batch, my Oven Baked Bacon is an easy, hands-off way to get perfectly crisp bacon.
Recipe Tips
Toast the bread: Lightly toasted bread gives the sandwich structure and helps it hold up to the tomatoes and mayonnaise.
Season the tomatoes right before assembling: Salt brings out the tomato flavor, but salting too early can pull out extra moisture.
Dry the lettuce well: Wet lettuce softens the toast quickly, so pat it dry before building the sandwich.
Drain the bacon: Let the cooked bacon sit on paper towels before adding it to the sandwich.
Serve right away: A BLT is best while the toast is crisp and the bacon is still crunchy.
Complete the meal: Serve the sandwich with Parmesan Truffle Fries, crispy potato chips, or fresh fruit for an easy lunch or light dinner.
The Best Order for a BLT
For the best BLT, spread mayonnaise on the toast, then layer on the lettuce, tomato slices, salt and pepper, bacon, and the top slice of toast. The lettuce helps protect the bread from the tomato juices, while the bacon stays crisp on top.
BLT Sandwich
This classic bacon lettuce tomato sandwich is simple enough for lunch, but a few small details make it much better. Use ripe tomatoes, season them well, keep the bacon crisp, and assemble the sandwich just before serving.
Serve it with a bowl of my Creamy Roasted Tomato Basil Soup for a classic lunch combination.
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BLT Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 slices sandwich bread, toasted
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 medium large ripe tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick
- coarse salt
- ground black pepper
- 4 to 6 Lettuce leaves, (romaine, green leaf, or iceberg)
- 8 to 10 slices cooked bacon, crisp
Instructions
- Toast the bread until lightly golden. Spread the mayonnaise evenly over one side of each slice of toast.
- Place the lettuce on two slices of bread. Top with the tomato slices and season the tomatoes with salt and black pepper.
- Arrange the bacon over the tomatoes, then top with the remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise side down.
- Slice each sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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