Flavorful BLT Sandwich with Herb Mayo

If you ask me, the BLT might be one of the smartest sandwiches ever created.

This classic sandwich gets a little upgrade with a simple herb mayo that adds just the right amount of freshness. Crispy bacon, cool lettuce, and juicy tomatoes come together between two pieces of toasted bread.

The magic happens when you spread that herby mayo on both sides – it’s just regular mayonnaise mixed with fresh herbs from the garden, but it makes all the difference. The herbs bring a nice pop of flavor without overwhelming the sandwich basics we all know and love.

It’s a quick lunch or dinner that never disappoints, perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?

For a classic BLT, regular sliced bacon from the grocery store works perfectly fine, but if you want to take things up a notch, consider trying thick-cut bacon – it adds extra meatiness and a more substantial bite to your sandwich. Center-cut bacon is another good option since it’s leaner and tends to lay flat when cooked, making it ideal for sandwiches. When cooking your bacon, look for pieces that have a good mix of fat and meat, as this will give you the best flavor and texture. Just remember that no matter which type you choose, cooking it until it’s nice and crispy is key for that perfect BLT crunch.

Options for Substitutions

This classic sandwich is pretty adaptable – here’s what you can switch up:

• Bread: While sourdough or whole grain give great texture, you can use any sturdy bread you like – French bread, country white, or even rye work well. Just avoid very soft breads that might get soggy quickly.
• Mayonnaise: Not a mayo fan? Try mashed avocado instead, or Greek yogurt mixed with the herbs for a lighter option. You could also use aioli as a base for the herb spread.
• Fresh herbs: If fresh herbs aren’t available, use dried ones (about 1/3 teaspoon each) – just mix them with the mayo ahead of time so the flavors can develop. You can also try different herbs like dill or thyme.
• Butter lettuce: Any leafy lettuce works here – romaine adds crunch, green leaf provides a nice tender texture, or even baby spinach can work. Just avoid iceberg as it doesn’t add much flavor.
• Bacon: Regular bacon is classic, but turkey bacon works for a lighter option. For vegetarians, try tempeh bacon or even crispy mushroom strips. Just make sure whatever you use is cooked until crispy.
• Tomatoes: When tomatoes aren’t in season, try roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for that sweet-tangy flavor. Just pat them dry first to prevent soggy bread.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest mistake when making a BLT is using cold, fridge-stored tomatoes – instead, keep them at room temperature for the best flavor and slice them just before assembling your sandwich. When it comes to bacon, avoid the temptation to crank up the heat; cooking it slowly over medium heat helps prevent burning and ensures even crispiness throughout. A common error that can make your sandwich soggy is not patting the lettuce completely dry after washing – take an extra minute to use a salad spinner or paper towels to remove excess moisture. For the herb mayo, make sure to finely chop your herbs (not tear or roughly chop them) so they distribute evenly throughout the mayo and don’t overwhelm any single bite. Finally, if you’re toasting the bread, watch it carefully and toast it just before assembly – letting toasted bread sit too long can make it too hard or chewy.

What to Serve With BLT Sandwiches?

A BLT is perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, and there are lots of simple sides that make it even better! Classic potato chips are my go-to choice – they add the perfect salty crunch that complements the crispy bacon and soft bread. For something a bit healthier, try a light pasta salad with Italian dressing or a handful of sweet potato fries (which taste amazing with the herb mayo from the sandwich). If you’re serving these sandwiches in summer, consider adding some fresh fruit like watermelon slices or a mixed berry bowl, which provides a refreshing contrast to the savory sandwich.

Storage Instructions

Prep Ahead: You can make the herb mayo up to 3 days in advance – just keep it in a sealed container in the fridge. The bacon can also be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This makes assembling your sandwiches super quick when you’re ready to eat!

Keep Components Separate: For the best results, store all your sandwich ingredients separately in the fridge. Keep the lettuce crisp in a plastic bag with a paper towel, tomatoes at room temperature until sliced, and bread in its original packaging. This way, everything stays fresh and you avoid soggy sandwiches.

Assembly Tips: BLT sandwiches are best eaten right after they’re made. If you need to pack one for lunch, try keeping the tomatoes and lettuce separate from the bread and bacon, then assemble just before eating. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the bread from getting mushy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-15 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1600-1800
• Protein: 40-50 g
• Fat: 130-140 g
• Carbohydrates: 80-90 g

Ingredients

For the sandwich:

• 1 head butter lettuce (leaves separated, washed, and dried)
• 8 slices sourdough or whole grain bread
• 10-12 slices bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 8 slices fresh tomato (about 1/4-inch thick slices)

For the herb mayonnaise:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I prefer Hellmann’s real mayonnaise)
• 1 tsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary (finely chopped for best aroma)

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon until it’s very crisp but not burnt.

You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven.

Once done, set the bacon aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil and cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Herb Mayonnaise

Chop fresh herbs of your choice finely.

In a small bowl, stir the chopped herbs into mayonnaise until well combined.

This will add a fresh and flavorful touch to your sandwich.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Preheat your oven to the broil setting.

Place the slices of bread on a cookie sheet.

Place the cookie sheet under the broiler and monitor closely, allowing the bread to toast until it starts to get lightly brown on top.

Remember to toast only one side of the bread to maintain softness inside the sandwich.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

Once the bread is lightly toasted, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Spread the herb-infused mayo on the untoasted sides of both pieces of bread.

To assemble your sandwich, ensure that the toasted sides are facing outward.

Add the crisp bacon between the slices and press gently to hold everything together.

Enjoy your perfectly crisp, flavorful sandwich!