Main Dishes

Classic BLT Sandwich

Published

August 17, 2023

This Classic BLT Sandwich is a favorite for a reason. It is made with crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and tangy ranch dressing. It’s a savory and simple sandwich that is perfect for any time of the day or night.

If you can’t get enough of these flavors, you should try this air fryer bacon recipe and BLT pasta salad.

Recipe Details

When it comes to sandwiches, the classic BLT sandwich has been around for a while. There’s something about the mix of flavors and textures that makes it a favorite. This recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Taste: This sandwich is sweet, salty, and savory. The tangy ranch complements the bacon and veggies perfectly.
Texture: The BLT has crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and pillowy white bread. It’s the perfect combination.
Time: It takes less than 5 minutes to make.
Ease: Once the bacon is cooked, there’s nothing to do but assemble the sandwich. It’s that easy!

What You’ll Need

Sliced rustic bread: Use any kind of bread you prefer.
Crispy bacon slices: Use either air-fried bacon or bake it in the oven.
Ranch: Use your favorite brand or make homemade ranch dressing.
Mayonnaise: It adds moisture and flavor to the sandwich.
Tomatoes: Use larger tomatoes for easy assembly, any variety will work.
Romaine lettuce: It has the best flavor and texture for a BLT, but you can use other types of lettuce if preferred.

Add-ins and Substitutions

Add avocado: Creamy avocado slices taste amazing with the BLT flavors.
Change up the sauce: Add some barbecue sauce or sriracha for more flavor and heat.
Add more protein: A chicken breast or sliced turkey can make the sandwich more filling and tasty.
Sprinkle some spice: Add cayenne pepper, Tabasco, or red pepper flakes to the mayo for extra heat.

How to Make a BLT Sandwich

Make the dressing: Combine the ranch and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
Dress the bread: Spread the dressing on both slices of bread.
Assemble the sandwich: Layer bacon, lettuce, and tomato slices on one slice of bread. Place the other slice of bread on top and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Air fry the bacon or place it between layers of paper towel after it’s cooked to absorb excess grease and prevent a greasy sandwich.

Recipe Tips

Spread the mayo and ranch on both sides: These condiments act as a barrier to prevent the bread from getting soggy.
Make the bacon extra crispy: Crispy bacon complements the juiciness of the tomatoes and softness of the bread.
Use thick-cut bread: Choose a bread that can hold up to the fillings in the sandwich.
Add as much or as little of the fillings as you like: Customize the sandwich to your preference by adjusting the amount of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.

FAQs

What is the best lettuce for BLT?

The best lettuce to use for BLT sandwiches is Romaine lettuce. It is crispy, leafy, and has a mild flavor. You can also use crispy iceberg lettuce or vitamin-packed spinach, but Romaine is recommended for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best bread for a BLT sandwich?

You can use white, wheat, pumpernickel, rye, or gluten-free bread. It’s a personal preference, but choose a bread that is thick enough to handle the fillings. Rustic homemade bread is a great option, and you can toast it for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

BLTs are versatile and can be served with soup, salad, fries, or vegetables for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Soup: Pair the sandwich with Tortellini Soup, Potato Leek Soup, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, or Easy Chicken Noodle Soup from Scratch.
Salad: Serve the BLT with Broccoli Salad With Bacon and Cheese, Spinach Salad, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, or Cucumber Radish Salad.
Fries: Enjoy the sandwich with Crispy Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, The BEST Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or Air Fryer Potato Wedges.
Vegetables: Serve the BLT with Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Green Beans, or Bacon Wrapped Asparagus.

Make This Recipe in Advance

Make ahead: It’s best not to assemble this sandwich too far in advance, but you can prepare the ingredients. Cook the bacon and cut the vegetables and bread. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwich, warm the bacon and put everything together.

Storing: You can store the sandwich, wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for about 3 days. However, the longer it sits, the more the tomato and lettuce will make the bread soggy. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to eat it right away.

Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze a BLT sandwich because the tomato and lettuce won’t thaw well. However, you can freeze the bacon (if it was not previously frozen) and the bread.

More Yummy Sandwiches!

Brisket Sandwich Recipe
Caprese Sandwich Recipe
Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Tuna Salad Sandwich

Full Recipe Instructions

Classic BLT Sandwich

This Classic BLT Sandwich is so savory and delicious. It’s easy to make and can be tweaked for almost any preference.

Prep Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 4 minutes

Servings: 2 Sandwiches

Calories: 702 kcal

Course: Main Course, sandwich

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

2 tbsp Ranch
2 tbsp Mayonnaise
16 slices cooked Bacon
2 large romaine lettuce leaves
1-2 Tomatoes
4 slices rustic Bread

Instructions

Start off by mixing the ranch and mayonnaise together in a small bowl.
Once the dressing is mixed up, generously spread it on one side of the bread slices.
Now add the lettuce, bacon, and sliced tomatoes on top. Then place the other slice of bread on top. Like all sandwiches, you can adjust how much of each ingredient you want.

Notes

Can I make it ahead of time? It’s not best to assemble this sandwich too far in advance, but you can prep it. Go ahead and cook the bacon and cut the vegetables and bread. When it comes time to put your classic BLT together, warm the bacon and assemble the pieces.

How long will it keep? Technically, you can save your BLT for about 3 days, wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. However, once you have put your sandwich together, it can’t sit long without the liquids in the tomato and lettuce leaching into the bread and making the bacon soggy. So, for best flavor, eat it right away.