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The Ultimate Classic BLT Sandwich Recipe

Ultimate Classic BLT Sandwich Recipe - Home-made Deliciousness

Craving the perfect balance of crispy, salty, and fresh? Look no further than this mouthwatering BLT sandwich recipe. With its juicy tomatoes, crisp bacon, and cool lettuce, this iconic sandwich is a timeless favorite for good reason. Learn how to make the best BLT of your life with our expert tips and tricks!

What Makes the Perfect BLT?

The secret to an unforgettable BLT lies in using the finest ingredients and mastering a few key techniques. From selecting ripe, in-season tomatoes to cooking bacon to crispy perfection, every element plays a crucial role. Follow our guide to create a sandwich that’ll have you savoring every last crumb.

The BLT: A Celebration of Summer’s Bounty

While a BLT may seem simple, it’s actually a sophisticated balance of flavors and textures. At its heart, a BLT is a tomato sandwich elevated by the smoky crunch of bacon. The best BLTs showcase the sweet, juicy glory of peak-season tomatoes – making this the perfect late summer sandwich.

Ingredients

  • 3 strips thick-cut, naturally cured bacon
  • 2 slices high-quality sandwich bread, such as shokupan
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) homemade or store-bought mayonnaise
  • 1 cup finely shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 2 to 4 thick slices ripe tomato
  • Coarse sea salt, such as fleur de sel or Maldon
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place a griddle or skillet over medium-low heat. Add bacon and place a bacon press, skillet, or masonry trowel on top to keep it flat. Cook until lightly browned on the first side, about 5 minutes, then flip, cover again, and continue cooking until bacon is browned on both sides and fat has rendered, about 3 minutes longer. Transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate and set aside.
  2. Place bread on the same skillet or griddle and toast in bacon fat over medium-low heat, swirling occasionally, until evenly browned on the first side. Flip and brown the second side.
  3. Lay toasted bread on a work surface and spread mayonnaise on both top faces. Divide lettuce evenly between both pieces of bread. Layer tomato slices on 1 piece of bread and sprinkle generously with coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.
  4. Break bacon slices in half and layer them onto the sandwich in 2 layers of 3 half slices each, alternating the orientation of bacon in each layer for more structural stability. Close sandwich and cut in half diagonally. Serve immediately.

Pro Tips for BLT Success

For the best results, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use only the ripest, juiciest summer tomatoes you can find
  • Opt for immersion-cured bacon for superior flavor and texture
  • Toast your bread in the rendered bacon fat for an extra flavor boost
  • Don’t skimp on the mayo – it’s crucial for a moist, flavorful sandwich
  • Shred your lettuce finely for the perfect crunch in every bite

Scaling Up for a Crowd

To make BLTs for a larger group, try this oven method for the bacon:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet
  3. Top with another sheet of parchment and a second tray to keep the bacon flat
  4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp
  5. Use the rendered bacon fat to brush the bread before toasting

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories 454
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 34g 44%
Saturated Fat 8g 38%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 952mg 41%
Total Carbohydrate 22g 8%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 14g
Protein 17g
Vitamin C 69mg 346%
Calcium 68mg 5%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 1444mg 31%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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