4 large leaves lettuce (iceberg or romaine work well)
4 slices ripe tomato
4 tablespoons mayonnaise (2 Tbsp per sandwich)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the bacon
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Pre‑heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Place bacon slices in the skillet in a single layer. Cook until crispy, turning once, about 4‑5 minutes per side (time varies by thickness). Drain on paper towels.
Step 2: Toast the bread
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While bacon cooks, toast the bread slices until golden brown. You may also butter the toast lightly for extra flavor.
Step 3: Prep the tomato & lettuce
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Wash and dry the lettuce leaves. Slice the tomato into approximately ¼‑inch thick slices. Sprinkle tomato slices lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavour. Food.com+1
Step 4: Spread mayo & assemble
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Spread 1 Tablespoon mayonnaise on each slice of toasted bread. On two of the slices (for each sandwich), layer lettuce, tomato, then bacon slices. Place the remaining bread slices, mayo‑side down, on top.
Step 5: Serve
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Press gently, cut sandwiches in half if desired, and serve immediately while bacon is still warm and crisp.
Tips for Success
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Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavour. Liquid‑filled or underripe tomatoes may make the sandwich soggy.
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Drain bacon well on paper towels to remove excess grease so your bread doesn’t become soggy.
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Toasting the bread adds crunch and structural integrity—important when the filling is juicy.
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For crispest lettuce, use iceberg or romaine and remove any wilted edges.
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If you like extra flavour, smear one side of the bread with butter or use garlic butter before toasting.
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Serve immediately after assembly for the best texture—lettuce will wilt and bread may soften if it sits too long.
Variations
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BLAT (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato): Add 2–4 slices avocado per sandwich.
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Turkey BLT: Substitute turkey bacon or regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter version.
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Double‑bacon version: Use 6 slices bacon per sandwich for extra crisp and flavour.
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Healthier version: Use whole wheat bread, lean bacon, light mayo or yogurt‑based spread for a lighter twist.
Ingredient Substitutions
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Bacon → turkey bacon (for lower fat) or plant‑based bacon alternative.
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Bread → whole wheat, sourdough, or gluten‑free bread depending on dietary needs.
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Mayonnaise → light mayo or Greek yogurt spread.
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Lettuce → romaine, butter lettuce or even spinach leaves, though texture will differ.
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Tomato → heirloom tomato slices in season for superior flavour.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage: The sandwich is best enjoyed immediately; storing will soften the bread and issues with texture may arise. If needed, store components separately (bread, bacon, lettuce/tomato) and assemble just before eating.
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Reheating: If bread gets cold or bacon loses crispness, re‑toast bread briefly and reheat bacon in skillet or oven for 1–2 minutes before assembling.
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Avoid advancing assembly too far ahead to maintain crisp‐bread and fresh lettuce.
What to Serve With These Classic BLT Sandwiches
Side dish ideas
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Crisp potato chips or waffle fries.
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A simple salad (e.g., mixed greens with vinaigrette) to lighten the meal.
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Pickles or dill spears for an extra tang.
Drink pairing
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Iced tea, lemonade or a cold soda for classic comfort.
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For adults: a crisp lager or a light rosé pairs nicely with bacon and tomato flavours.
Nutrition Facts (Estimate per sandwich)
(Based on one sandwich with 4 slices bacon, mayo, standard white bread, lettuce and tomato)
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Calories: ~440 kcal Allrecipes
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Protein: ~18 g
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Carbohydrates: ~29 g
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Fat: ~28 g
FAQs
Can I use non‑toasted bread?
Yes, but toasting helps with texture and keeps bread from becoming soggy from tomato juices or bacon fat. Many guides suggest toasting for best results. add1tbsp
