American Cuisine
Bacon Lettuce Tomato (BLT) Sandwich
By Dave Marino, RecipeOK Test Kitchen
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The BLT is one of those sandwiches that feels like it must have always existed, but its rise to lunch-counter fame is really a 20th-century American story. Bacon and tomato sandwiches show up in cookbooks as early as the late 1800s, but the BLT as we know it — bacon, lettuce, and tomato specifically, on toasted bread with mayonnaise — became a diner and soda-fountain staple once sliced bread, reliable refrigeration, and year-round tomato supply chains made it easy to assemble quickly for the lunch rush. Part of its enduring appeal is architectural: the crisp saltiness of the bacon plays against the cool crunch of lettuce and the juicy acidity of a ripe tomato, and the toasted bread holds all of it together without going soggy, at least for the first few bites. It's a sandwich that rewards patience with its two supporting ingredients — a truly ripe, in-season tomato and lettuce with real crunch make the difference between a forgettable BLT and a great one, since the bacon rarely disappoints. Thick-cut bacon has become the modern standard because it holds its texture against the moisture from the tomato, and a good smear of mayonnaise on both slices of bread creates a barrier that keeps the crust from getting soggy while binding every layer together. It remains a go-to any time of day, equally at home as a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a late-night snack.
Ingredients
Serves 2Instructions
- 1
Place the bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry for 5-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy.
- 2
Remove bacon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.
- 3
Toast the bread slices to your desired level of crispness.
- 4
Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise on each slice of toasted bread.
- 5
Assemble the sandwich: On two slices, layer the lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and crispy bacon. Season the tomatoes with a little black pepper.
- 6
Top with the remaining bread slices, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.
- 7
Cook whole-cut meat until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) on a food thermometer, per USDA guidance.
Chef's Tips
- ✦ Start bacon in a cold skillet and bring the heat up gradually — this renders the fat more evenly and gives you crispier, flatter bacon instead of curled, unevenly cooked strips.
- ✦ Salt your tomato slices lightly and let them sit on a paper towel for a few minutes before assembling to draw out excess moisture and prevent a soggy sandwich.
- ✦ Spread mayonnaise all the way to the edges of both bread slices — this creates a moisture barrier so the toast stays crisp longer, even with juicy tomato in the mix.
- ✦ Let the bacon cool slightly before assembling; piping-hot bacon can wilt the lettuce faster and make the sandwich soggier sooner.
Ingredient Substitutions
-
thick-cut bacon → turkey bacon
leaner option; cook a minute or two less since it renders less fat
-
mayonnaise → avocado mash or garlic aioli
adds creaminess with a different flavor profile
-
white bread → sourdough or whole wheat bread
sourdough adds tang, whole wheat adds fiber
-
iceberg lettuce → romaine or butter lettuce
romaine adds more crunch, butter lettuce is more tender
-
tomato → heirloom tomato
use in peak summer season for the best flavor and juiciness
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep a BLT sandwich from getting soggy? ▼
Toast the bread and spread mayonnaise edge-to-edge on both slices to create a moisture barrier, salt tomato slices ahead of time and blot them dry, and assemble the sandwich as close to serving time as possible.
What's the best bacon to use for a BLT? ▼
Thick-cut bacon holds up best because it stays crisp and substantial against the juicy tomato and crunchy lettuce, rather than getting lost or going limp like thinner-sliced bacon can.
Can I make a BLT ahead of time for a packed lunch? ▼
It's best assembled shortly before eating, but you can prep the components ahead — cook the bacon, wash and dry the lettuce, and slice the tomato — then store separately and assemble just before eating to avoid a soggy sandwich.
What can I add to a classic BLT to change it up? ▼
Popular additions include sliced avocado, a fried egg, sharp cheddar cheese, or a swap of the mayo for a chipotle or garlic aioli for extra flavor.
