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.

a photo of a perfect BLT sandwich with golden toasted bread, slices of crispy bacon, tomato slices and lettuce with mayo slightly seeping out the sides.

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 imposters. 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 magic. 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:

  • Bread: Choose a hearty, good-quality bread like sourdough, cut fairly thin (about 1/2 inch thick). You want something that crisps up beautifully when toasted while holding up to all the juicy, savory fillings.
    • PRO TIP: I actually don’t prefer to toast my bread for BLTs. Instead, grill each slice of bread in butter (not bacon fat!) on a cast iron skillet only on one side. This way, the inside remains tender. Don’t overtoast the bread! You are looking for a nice light golden brown.
a photo of half a blt sandwich that is golden and toasted on top with a little may seeping out and a layer of crispy bacon, bright red tomatoes and green leaf lettuce.

BLT Fillings

  • Bacon: People often think, the thicker the slice of bacon, the better, and normally, I would not disagree! But for BLTs, I’ve actually found that thin or medium slices are best so you don’t pull out all of the bacon when you’re trying to get a bite. 
    • PRO TIP: You want your bacon really crisp and brittle for the best texture combination and ease of eating. Head to our post on how to cook bacon for instructions on how to cook perfect bacon.
  • Lettuce: Crisp, fresh lettuce is key. Iceberg lettuce or green leaf lettuce is our preferred type, but butter lettuce or romaine also works great!
a photo of a blt sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other so you can see the inside of the sandwiches which are full of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes and a thick layer of mayo.
  • Tomato: Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find. Fresh garden beefsteak, heirloom, or vine-ripened tomatoes are perfect for bringing that sweet, tangy balance.
    • PRO TIP: Slice the tomatoes into nice thick slices, and season them well with salt and pepper.
  • Homemade Garlic Aioli: This is our secret weapon. Creamy, lemon-y, garlicky aioli adds richness and a punch of flavor that regular mayo just can’t match. Duke’s is my preferred brand of mayo to use, but Hellman’s or Miracle Whip are great as well.
a photo of a sammy that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other do you can see the layers of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes inside and a thin layer of mayo seeping out the sides.

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!

  1. Toast: Butter and toast one side of each sourdough slice until golden.
  2. Mix: Mix mayo, lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
  3. Season: Slice tomatoes thick and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Prep: Wash, dry, and tear lettuce into sandwich-sized pieces.
  5. Assemble: Spread garlic mayo on the untoasted side of the bread, then layer with lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Top with another slice.
  6. 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 by adding a simple side or two. Here’s a few ideas to make this sandwich into a meal:

If you’re craving a BLT in the fall or winter, they go so great with soups and chili!

a photo of a BLT sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other do you can see the layers of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes inside.

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. 

a photo of a toasted golden blt sandwich that is stuffed with crispy bacon, thick slices of bright red tomato and layers of green leaf lettuce.

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:

How to Make a BLT Video

How to Make the BEST BLT

4.09 from 12 votes
Servings: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Description

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 BLT recipe!

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

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 1083kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 26gFat: 77gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 27gMonounsaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 1694mgPotassium: 465mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 628IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 6mg
Author: Carrian Cheney
Course: Fixing Lunch with Sandwich Recipes that Aren’t PB&J, Over 500 Family Dinner Recipes Ideas
Cuisine: American

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a photo of a sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked on top of each other so you can see the inside of the sandwiches which are full of bacon, lettuce and tomatoes and a thick layer of mayo.