Determining the optimal stacking order for a BLT sandwich is a controversial topic with plenty of differing opinions. In this article, we’ll explore the various stacking possibilities and look at the pros and cons of each approach to help you decide what works best for your perfect BLT.
The Ingredients
First, let’s quickly go over the key ingredients in a BLT:
- B – Bacon
- L – Lettuce
- T – Tomato
The bread is a given, so we don’t need to focus on that here. The main decision is what order to stack these 3 ingredients in between the bread slices.
Stacking Option 1: BLT
The most traditional and common stacking order is bacon on the bottom, followed by lettuce and then tomato:
| Bread |
| Bacon |
| Lettuce |
| Tomato |
| Bread |
Here are some of the benefits of the BLT stacking order:
- Keeps the bacon crisp – Since the bacon is insulated between the bread and other ingredients, it stays crispy.
- Lettuce provides cushion – The lettuce acts as a cushion between the crispy bacon and juicy tomato.
- Tomato juice doesn’t soak bread – With the lettuce barrier, the tomato juice won’t make the bread soggy.
- Traditional and familiar – As the original standard, BLT is what most people expect in a BLT.
On the downside, some complain that the tomato flavor is muted being buried under the lettuce. The lettuce can also slip around easily without the tomato weighing it down.
Stacking Option 2: BLT
Putting the tomato directly on the bacon is an alternative stacking choice:
| Bread |
| Bacon |
| Tomato |
| Lettuce |
| Bread |
Here are some potential advantages of tomato under lettuce:
- Tomato flavor is more pronounced
- Juices soak into the bacon adding flavor
- Lettuce stays put better with tomato anchoring it
- Avoids soggy lettuce
On the negative side, the bacon loses some crispness from tomato moisture, and the bread risks getting wet.
Stacking Option 3: LBT
Putting the lettuce directly on the bottom bread is also an option:
| Bread |
| Lettuce |
| Bacon |
| Tomato |
| Bread |
Potential advantages of LBT ordering:
- Crisp lettuce doesn’t wilt
- Bacon stays crispy on top of lettuce
- Tomato juices drain without reaching bread
- Visually appealing green layer on the bottom
Downsides are that the lettuce may slip around without anchoring and the tomato flavor isn’t as pronounced.
Stacking Option 4: TLB
Putting tomato on the bottom is also an option:
| Bread |
| Tomato |
| Lettuce |
| Bacon |
| Bread |
Possible benefits of a TLB stack:
- Intense tomato flavor
- Insulates bacon from moisture
- Anchors lettuce in place
- Prevents soggy lettuce
Drawbacks are potential tomato juice soaking into bread and loss of bacon crispness.
Other Stacking Considerations
When deciding the optimal BLT stacking order, here are some other factors to keep in mind:
- Toast the bread – Toasting helps prevent sogginess no matter what order you use.
- Watch tomato thickness – Thicker slices may need more insulation from juice.
- Rotate while eating – Rotating the sandwich as you eat distributes flavors and textures.
- Add condiments – Mayo or mustard can provide moisture barriers and flavor.
- Pre-assemble vs construct to order – Pre-assembled stacks will compress more over time.
The Verdict
While personal preferences vary enormously, my recommendation for the ideal BLT stacking order is bacon on the bottom (B), followed by lettuce (L) and tomato (T) on top. The classic BLT method has stood the test of time for good reason.
The bacon base keeps the most important ingredient – the bacon – nice and crispy. The lettuce barrier prevents the tomato juice from soaking the bread while also helping the tomato flavor shine through. And the tomato crown adds a juicy finish.
However, don’t be afraid to experiment with alternative stacking arrangements. Part of the fun of making your own BLTs is customizing them just how you like it!
The key is using high-quality ingredients – crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomato, and good bread. Take your time constructing each layer. Then smush it down and get ready to enjoy BLT perfection!
The History of the BLT Sandwich
The BLT is one of the most classic and beloved sandwich recipes, but have you ever wondered how it came to be? Let’s take a look at the origins and history behind this iconic bacon, lettuce, and tomato combo.
While creative combinations of bread, meat, vegetables and condiments have existed for centuries, the earliest known mention of a BLT sandwich is from 1900. An issue of the British publication The Daily Mail makes reference to a “bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich.”
The BLT likely took root in the United States sometime between the World Wars as ingredients became more readily available. Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and white bread could be found year-round thanks to improvements in food production and transportation.
Following World War II, the BLT soared in popularity across America. One early proponent was Elizabeth David, who featured recipes for the sandwich in her 1950 book “A Book of Mediterranean Food.” As David described: “The hot crisp bacon, the cool lettuce and the ripe tomatoes sandwiched between slices of crisp toast make a splendid summer snack.”
Over the next few decades, the BLT became a lunch counter staple across the United States. Variations like the club sandwich (which adds chicken or turkey) also arose during this time. The BLT was quick, tasty, and showcased summer’s bounty of fresh produce.
By the 1970s and 80s, the BLT was ingrained in U.S. culture and cuisine. It even featured prominently in pop culture, like the Severe Tire Damage song “BLT” in 1989. Through the rise of new food trends into the 21st century, the BLT remains iconic and beloved.
Today, chefs and home cooks alike continuously experiment by adding new ingredients or twists to the classic BLT formula. But at its core, the sandwich remains a perfect harmony of salty bacon, cool lettuce, juicy tomato, and toasted bread. Over a century after its creation, the BLT’s appeal endures.
Early BLT Milestones
- 1900 – First known mention of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich in British publication
- 1929 – Sliced bread introduced, allowing uniform sandwich construction
- 1930s – Commercial iceberg lettuce production popularizes crisp lettuce
- 1950 – Elizabeth David features BLT recipes in “A Book of Mediterranean Food”
- 1960s/70s – BLT attains widespread popularity in diners and lunch spots
- 1989 – Severe Tire Damage song “BLT” celebrates the sandwich
Famous Variations on the Classic BLT
While the original bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich has stood the test of time, many creative variations on the BLT have emerged over the years. Let’s look at some of the most popular creative twists on this classic sandwich.
Club Sandwich
Perhaps the most well-known BLT variation is the club sandwich. In addition to the standard BLT ingredients, a club sandwich adds sliced chicken breast or turkey, an extra slice of toast, and often mayonnaise.
BLAT
Adding sliced avocado (A) to the traditional BLT recipe creates a BLAT. The buttery, subtly nutty avocado pairs perfectly with the smokiness of bacon and freshness of lettuce and tomato.
BLTA
For an extra twist, why not also throw some sliced alfalfa sprouts (A) into a BLAT? The crunchy texture and peppery flavor contrast nicely with the other ingredients.
CBLT
Fried chicken or chicken-fried steak bring this BLT to the next level. Simply replace the bacon with fried chicken for a wholly different flavor and texture experience.
BLGT
For a Mediterranean flair, add slices of creamy goat cheese (G) to the classic BLT formula. The tart, tangy cheese pairs excellently with sweet, ripe tomato.
BELT
Top your BLT with a fried egg (E) for an extra punch of protein and a runny yolk that brings everything together.
BLTB
Crisp turkey bacon (T) may have a slightly different flavor than pork bacon, but still pairs wonderfully with lettuce, tomato, and toast.
The possibilities are endless when riffing on the BLT concept. From switching up ingredients to tweaking proportions, try out new flavor and texture combinations until you’ve created your own signature sandwich.
How to Make the Perfect BLT
While the BLT might seem simple, there are some tricks to truly maximize its flavor and texture when making it at home. Follow these steps to BLT perfection:
1. Choose ingredients wisely
- Bacon – Go thick-cut and artisanal. Seek out applewood smoked or another bold flavor.
- Lettuce – Butter lettuce or romaine have bolder taste and more crunch than iceberg.
- Tomato – Pick ripe, in-season tomatoes for ideal sweetness and tang.
- Bread – Artisan whole grain, sourdough, or brioche all work nicely.
2. Cook the bacon properly
- Cook slowly over medium heat to render fat fully without burning.
- Let cool on paper towels to absorb grease for optimally crispy bacon.
3. Toast the bread
- Toast bread slices for structure, crunch, and to prevent sogginess.
- Buttering the toast adds richness and seals in moisture.
4. Wash and dry the lettuce
- A quick rinse prevents grittiness and sandiness.
- Dry thoroughly with paper towels or spin to prevent wilting.
5. Slice tomatoes thickly
- 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices provide ideal proportion to other ingredients.
- Prevent excess juice by avoiding paper-thin slices.
6. Layer and construct carefully
- Start with toast, add bacon, lettuce, tomato, then finish with toast.
- Alternate placement of ingredients to evenly distribute flavors and textures in each bite.
7. Spread on condiments
- Mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, or garlic aioli add moisture and flavor.
- Spread lightly on one or both slices of toast before constructing.
Conclusion
Master these tips for ingredient selection, cooking, assembly, and condiments to make the perfect BLT every time. Paying attention to the details results in ideal interplay of flavors and textures in each bite. Once you discover the joy of a well-crafted BLT, you’ll never go back to boring sandwiches again!