The BLT sandwich is a classic and beloved sandwich that has been popular for decades. The simple combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato and creamy mayonnaise on toasted bread is tried and true. But there has been some debate around the proper order to layer and construct the BLT. Should the lettuce go first or the tomato? Does the mayo spread on both slices of bread or just one? Here we will explore the various approaches to assembling a BLT and analyze the pros and cons of each method to determine the ideal order of ingredients.
Bacon
First, let’s start with the star of the show: the bacon. Almost everyone agrees that the bacon should be placed directly on the bread first. The hot crispy bacon right on the toast allows the bread to soak up some of the salty, meaty bacon grease. This adds a new dimension of flavor to the bread itself. If another ingredient was placed first, the opportunity for the bread to absorb that flavorful bacon fat would be lost. The sizzling hot bacon right on the toast also starts to melt the cheese if you are adding cheese to your BLT.
Lettuce
The lettuce layer is where there starts to be some disagreement around what order is best. Some argue the lettuce should go directly on top of the bacon before any other ingredients. The reasoning is that the lettuce provides a protective barrier between the hot bacon and the cool tomato, preventing the heat from the bacon from making the tomato warm and mushy. The lettuce also provides a nice crunch and freshness to contrast the bacon.
However, others argue it is better to add the tomato before the lettuce. This method allows the tomato juice to soak into the bread, preventing the bread from getting soggy from unabsorbed tomato juice. It also allows more of the savory bacon flavor to permeate the tomato.
Tomato
Adding the tomato before the lettuce has some good logic on its side. The bread is able to absorb more of the flavorful tomato juices this way. The heat from the bacon also helps intensify the sweetness and flavor of the tomato. However, the downside is that this can risk the tomato making the bread soggy. The lettuce does provide that protective barrier between the wet tomato and the bread. But as long as the tomato is sliced thick enough and drained well, the sog factor may not be an issue. This order also allows the tomato to take on more of that bacon essence.
Mayonnaise
The creamy mayonnaise can be spread on just one slice of the bread or both. Spreading mayo on just one slice prevents the bread from getting saturated. But going light on the mayo can also prevent it from properly binding the ingredients together. Spreading mayo on both slices of toast ensures the sandwich sticks together properly and provides plenty of tangy creaminess in every bite. The mayo is best spread evenly over each slice before adding the fillings.
Cheese
While bacon, lettuce, tomato and mayo are the core components of a BLT, adding cheese takes it to the next level. Sharp cheddar, American, Swiss, pepper jack – they all pair deliciously with a BLT. The hot bacon helps melt the cheese right into the bread. The cheese should be placed on the toast after the mayo and before the other fillings. This allows the cheese to melt into the bread and bind with the mayo.
Toasting the Bread
Toasting the bread is an absolute must for a BLT. The crunch of the toast contrasts the other soft, cool fillings. And as mentioned earlier, the hot crisp toast absorbs flavors from the bacon fat and cheese. Sourdough and rye bread are classic choices, but white bread, whole wheat, baguettes and ciabatta also make tasty vessels for a BLT. The bread should be evenly toasted on both sides either in a toaster, broiler or skillet. Light buttering or oiling the toast before assembling the sandwich adds even more rich flavor.
Ideal Order of Ingredients
After analyzing the pros and cons of each ingredient order, the ideal way to assemble a BLT is as follows:
- Toast bread
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on both slices of toast
- Add cheese slice to one slice of toast, atop the mayonnaise
- Layer hot crisp bacon slices on cheese
- Top bacon with thick slices of tomato
- Add lettuce on top of tomato
- Top with second slice of toast, mayo-side down
This order allows the bread to soak up the bacon grease, the cheese to melt directly into the toast, the tomato juice to absorb without making the bread soggy and the lettuce to provide that protective barrier between hot and cool ingredients. The mayonnaise binds the whole sandwich together.
Visual Representation
Here is a visual step-by-step guide to assembling a BLT in the ideal order:
| 1. Toasted Bread | |
| 2. Spread Mayo on Both Slices | |
| 3. Add Cheese Slice to One Side | |
| 4. Layer Bacon on Cheese | |
| 5. Top with Tomato Slices | |
| 6. Add Lettuce | |
| 7. Top with Second Slice of Toast |
Quantity of Ingredients
The proper ratio of ingredients is also key to BLT perfection. Here are recommended quantities for a single sandwich:
- 2-3 slices of bacon
- 2 slices of bread
- 2 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 1-2 oz cheese (optional)
- 2-3 lettuce leaves
- 2-3 slices tomato
Adjust quantities depending on your preferences and size of bread. But this provides a good balance of each ingredient per sandwich.
Toasting Methods
There are several ways to toast the bread for a BLT:
Skillet
Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the bread directly in the pan, about 1-2 minutes per side. This allows you to toast the bread in the same pan you cooked the bacon in, absorbing all the bacon grease flavor.
Oven
Place bread slices directly on the racks of a preheated 400°F oven and toast 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it so the bread doesn’t burn.
Broiler
Set oven to broil and place bread on a sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes per side until crisped. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Toaster
A pop-up toaster or toaster oven work great for evenly toasting both sides of the bread. Adjust the setting based on your toaster strength.
The skillet method is best for soaking up bacon flavor, but any of these toasting methods will work. Just be careful not to burn the bread.
Bacon Cooking Methods
Crispy, flavorful bacon takes the BLT to the next level. Here are some top cooking methods:
Skillet
The classic way to cook bacon is in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch depending on thickness.
Oven
Bacon cooked in the oven gets perfectly crispy. Place strips on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave
Microwave produces decent bacon in just a few minutes. Place bacon between paper towels on a plate and microwave 2-3 minutes.
Grill
For smoky outdoor flavor, grill the bacon over direct medium heat, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Crisp skillet or oven bacon is ideal for BLTs. Microwaving produces softer texture. Grilled works in a pinch.
Lettuce Types
Romaine and iceberg are the most common lettuces for BLTs, but other varieties work well too:
- Romaine – The classic choice, with crispness and mild flavor.
- Iceberg – Very crunchy with mild taste.
- Green/Red Leaf – More delicate than iceberg with good crunch.
- Butterhead – Very tender leaves with sweet flavor.
- Arugula – Adds a peppery kick.
- Spinach – Subtle flavor, not as crunchy as other lettuces.
Romaine is the best all-around lettuce for a BLT, but mixing it up keeps the flavors interesting.
Tomato Tips
Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for ideal flavor and texture:
- Beefsteak, heirloom, and roma tomatoes work best.
- Sliced 1/4 – 1/2 inch thick.
- Drain on paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Do not refrigerate, keeps tomatoes mealy.
- If winter, use grape or cherry tomatoes.
The tomato really shines when it’s fresh and in-season. But respectable BLTs can be made year-round with good tomato selection.
Bread Selection
While white bread is traditional, lots of bread types pair deliciously with BLTs:
- Sourdough – Tangy flavor and sturdy crust
- Rye – Hearty texture with rye flavor
- Baguette – Crisp crust perfect for BLTs
- Ciabatta – Soft interior with crispy crust
- Brioche – Sweet, tender, rich pairing
- Potato bread – Moist and savory base
Experiment with different types of bread for an added flavor dimension. Just be sure to toast it for that all-important crunch.
Mayonnaise Options
While regular mayo is standard, consider these creative alternatives:
- Aioli – Garlicky mayo variety
- Chipotle mayo – Smoky, spicy kick
- Sriracha mayo – Sweet heat
- Pesto mayo – Herby flavor
- Thousand island – Classic sandwich spread
- Ranch – Cool, tangy choice
Flavored mayos add a new dimension to the classic BLT flavor profile.
Additional Ingredients
To take your BLT to the next level, consider these extra ingredients:
- Avocado
- Fried egg
- Onion
- Jalapeños
- Pesto
- Guacamole
- Hummus
Adding any of these will pile on even more fresh flavor. Fried egg and avocado are especially delicious BLT additions.
Conclusion
While the classic BLT may seem simple, proper assembly and ingredient selection can elevate or ruin the sandwich. Toast the bread, spread on mayo, layer on cheese then bacon, tomato, and finally lettuce for BLT nirvana. Use fresh, high quality ingredients like ripe tomato, crispy bacon, and crunchy lettuce. Feel free to customize with different bread types, flavored mayos, or additional ingredients. With the ideal construction and ingredients, the BLT really is a signature sandwich. What’s your perfect BLT formula?