BLT Sandwich – The Next Level

And speaking of sandwich magic, here are some fab sandwich recipes to add to your repertoire, too:

• The Ultimate Salami Sandwich with Focaccia & Pickled Onion
• The Ultimate Aubergine Sandwich with Focaccia & Tahini Yoghurt
• The Ultimate Focaccia Sandwich with Roast Chicken Filling

The BLT Sandwich: An American Classic

The BLT sandwich is a classic American sandwich that is made with bacon, lettuce, and tomato – hence the B, L and T. It’s a simple sandwich, but it is also incredibly delicious. The combination of the salty bacon, the crisp lettuce, and the juicy tomato is a winning combination.

Can you improve on a classic though, I wondered?
As it turns out, yes.
But I’ll get to that in a moment.

The BLT Origin Story

Because all legends have an origin story. The BLT sandwich is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 1900s, with the first known recipe for a BLT sandwich appearing in a 1923 cookbook called “The Breakfast Book” by James Beard and in 1926 in a cookbook called “The Sandwich Book” by Isabel Gordon Curtis. 

The recipe called for bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

It was only in the 1930s that someone decided that adding mayonnaise to a BLT would add a richness and creaminess that would enhance the other ingredients.

By the 1950s, no self-respecting diner would be caught without a classic BLT on its menu.

And ever since, people have been adding their own spin to a much-loved classic. The BLT sandwich really is a very versatile sandwich. It can be made with just about any type of bacon, lettuce, or tomato. It also pairs really well on different types of bread. 

And this sandwich is an excellent choice for a quick and easy lunch or dinner – and of course, as a popular addition to any picnic.

Why the BLT Works So Well

The BLT sandwich works so well because the ingredients complement each other perfectly. The salty, crispy bacon provides a contrast to the sweetness of the tomato, and the lettuce adds a lovely freshness and satisfying crunch. The mayonnaise provides a rich creaminess that helps to bind everything together.

My Secret to Crushing an Epic BLT

Here’s the thing – anyone can make bacon. Some of it even passingly good. But pan frying bacon, or even crisping it in the oven doesn’t quite give you bacon that is evenly crisped and utterly perfect for a BLT.

So what’s my secret? Well, I actually have two. First, I use Sriracha sauce to glaze the bacon, and second, I cook it to perfection in my air fryer.  Air frying is the best way to cook bacon. The consistent, circulating, dry heat perfectly renders the fat, and cooks the bacon evenly. The result is gorgeous, golden, and evenly crisped bacon with a bit of heat and a sweet, smoky complexity. 

When crafting the perfect BLT, selecting the finest ingredients is paramount. Gem lettuce offers a crisp, delicate texture that adds a refreshing crunch to every bite. Pairing it with perfectly ripe, deeply red tomatoes elevates the sandwich with their juicy sweetness and vibrant colour. To enhance the tomatoes’ sweetness even further, dress them in a mixture of red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. These thoughtful choices in lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing contribute to the ultimate BLT experience.