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Sure, a BLT sounds simple. Bacon. Lettuce. Tomato. End of story, right? Not even close. This isn’t just a BLT. This is the ultimate, crave-worthy, juice-dripping, flavor-packed BLT recipe that ruins all others forever.
It seriously was the best BLT I’ve ever had.
I wasn’t excited that my son was craving BLTs, my husband made them a few months back and they were basic. So we looked and found this recipe, it was fantastic!
Table of Contents
Let’s rewind. I grew up with garden-obsessed parents who thought raw tomatoes with salt were a delicacy. As a kid, I was traumatized. Who bites into a tomato like an apple?! Spoiler: I do now.
When you’ve had a real garden tomato, sun-warmed, sweet, and impossibly juicy, you realize grocery store tomatoes aren’t even in the same category. They’re impostors. And once those summer tomatoes show up? A next-level BLT is non-negotiable.
This version has a few tricks that take it from “basic sandwich” to “holy wow, make another one.” Let’s get into it.
Ingredients for the Best BLT
A classic BLT is all about the basics! When each ingredient is just right, it turns into something magical. Think crispy bacon with the perfect crunch, perfect ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce stacked between golden, toasted bread. Here’s what you’ll need to build the best BLT of your life:
- Bacon: Thin or medium slices actually work best for a BLT so the bacon does not pull out with every bite.
- Lettuce: Crisp and fresh is the only way to go here. Iceberg lettuce or green leaf lettuce are our favorites, but butter lettuce and romaine lettuce both work beautifully, too.
- Tomato: Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. Beefsteak, heirloom, or vine-ripened are all perfect.
- Homemade Garlic Aioli: This is our secret weapon. Creamy, garlicky, and just a little lemony, it takes a classic BLT to a whole new level. Duke’s is our go-to mayo for this, but Hellman’s works great too.
Tips For Making the Perfect BLT
Cook your bacon until it is really crisp and brittle, so it holds up in every bite and gives you that perfect texture combination. Head to our post on how to cook perfect bacon for all our tips!
You need great tomatoes. Slice the tomatoes into thick-cut slabs and season them generously with salt and pepper before assembling. It makes a bigger difference than you would think!
Instructions for Making The BEST BLT!
The little details make all the difference. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to make a BLT that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor!
- Toast: Butter and toast one side of each sourdough slice until golden.
- Mix: Mix mayo, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Season: Slice tomatoes thickly and season with salt and pepper.
- Prep: Wash, dry, and tear lettuce into sandwich-sized pieces.
- Assemble: Spread garlic mayo on the untoasted side of the bread, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Top with another slice.
- Serve: Slice in half if desired and serve right away.
The instructions can be found in more detail in the recipe card at the end of this post!
Variations of a Classic BLT
I’m convinced this is the ultimate BLT as-is, but if you’re feeling a little adventurous, there are plenty of delicious ways to remix the classic. Try adding:
- Fried Egg: For a rich, brunchy vibe
- Avocado: Creamy, buttery perfection in every bite
- Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet, smoky, and totally irresistible
- Coleslaw: Adds crunch and a tangy twist
- Hummus: A flavorful, protein-packed spread
- Sprouts: Light, fresh, and extra crunchy
- Pimento Cheese: Southern comfort meets BLT heaven.
Experiment away! You really can’t go wrong!
What to Eat with a BLT
You can totally make a meal out of these outrageous BLTs with a simple side or two. Grilled Corn on the Cob and Elote Grilled Mexican Corn Salad are both incredible alongside a classic BLT, and a fresh Summer Fruit Salad or Citrus Jicama Avocado Salad keeps things light and bright. If you want something a little heartier, the Tomato Cucumber Salad, Potato Salad, or The Best Home Fries Recipe round everything out perfectly for a meal the whole table will love.
If you’re craving a BLT in the fall or winter, they go so great with soups and chili!
Can You Make BLTs Ahead of Time?
Yes, they make a great sandwich to pack for school lunch or to take to work. Make sure you pack the tomatoes separately because they will make your bread all soggy. I like to put them in a little container and add them right before eating the sandwich.
How Long Do BLTs Keep?
Once BTLs have been assembled, they do not keep long. The tomatoes can quickly make the bread and bacon soggy, so it is best if they are eaten fresh.
The perfect BEST BLT should be juicy but never soggy, crispy but also tender, and buttery, toasted golden. This is that recipe! BLTs are great for a quick dinner or for a delicious lunch. Follow all our tips, and you’ll never make BTLs another way again!
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love:
- Italian Pressed Sandwich
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
- Egg Salad Sandwich
- Chicken Caprese Sandwich
- …ALL OF OUR SANDWICH RECIPES!
How to Make a BLT Video
How to Make the BEST BLT
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 10 Slices Sourdough Bread
- 1 Cup Dukes Mayo, if possible
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2-3 Fresh Tomatoes, beefsteak are best
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Pound Thick or Thin Sliced Bacon, cooked, (preference is thin and use multiple for me as it's easier to eat)
- 1 Head Iceberg or Green Leaf Lettuce
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and melt the butter in the pan.2 Tablespoons Butter
- Place each piece of bread face down on the skillet and cook on one side until golden and toasted. Repeat with all the pieces of bread. Set aside.10 Slices Sourdough Bread
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon and whisk together.1 Cup Dukes Mayo, 2 Cloves Garlic , 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- Slice your tomatoes fairly thick and season well with salt and pepper.2-3 Fresh Tomatoes, Salt and Pepper
- Prepare your lettuce.1 Head Iceberg or Green Leaf Lettuce
- Assemble your sandwiches right before serving by spreading the mayo mixture on the untoasted side of all the pieces of bread.
- Top one piece of mayo'd bread with several pieces of lettuce, slices of seasoned tomatoes and as much bacon as you want. Then place another piece of mayo'd bread on top (mayo side down of course!) Repeat with all the rest of your bread and ingredients.1 Pound Thick or Thin Sliced Bacon
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
It seriously was the best BLT I’ve ever had
I wasnt excited that my son was craving BLTs, my husband made them a few months back and they were basic. So we looked and found this recipe, it was fantastic!
Yay! Thank you so much Terri!
We make these all the time! Such an easy quick lunch or dinner. I even add some more spices to my mayo mix, like pepper and onion powder. So so good!
Love to hear this! Thank you so much Jane!
These are the best BLTs. Delicious!
Aren’t they dreamy?! Thank you so much Jill!!
Miracle Whip is NOT the same as mayonnaise, nor is it an acceptable substitute, especially on a BLT.
Thanks for your opinion Brie! Some people prefer the taste of Miracle Whip. For me, it’s only mayo for a BLT!
Hello! We just made these tonight! They were sooooo good! My husband hates lettuce and tomato, so he only ate a “B” sandwich! Lol…but even he said the bread and garlic mayo really added an extra yummy flavor to this classic sandwich! Thank you!
Yay! Love to hear this! Thank you so much Tanya!
I made this BLT today and it was the best BLT I’ve ever had, I liked toasting the bread on one side, like the extra crunch .
Thanks for the recipe love you guys
Yay!! Thank you so much Gloria!! Isn’t it amazing how just a couple of little changes can make such a huge difference?! So glad you enjoyed it and thank you for taking time to leave a comment!
Wow…these look amazing! 😍 I’ll have to try making them with the no knead garlic sourdough bread from Winco bakery. It’s our fave! 😋
Yessssss….do it Mellissa! You’re going to love it! I would love to hear what you think!