If I could only eat one sandwich for the rest of my life, it would be a BLT. It’s timeless. It’s satisfying. It hits all the right notes: crispy, creamy, juicy, salty, and fresh. And while anyone can make a pretty decent BLT with the basics, today I’m sharing the version I think deserves the title of The Best BLT Sandwich.
Spoiler alert: there are a few key things you can do to really enhance the quality and flavors of this dish. And the addition of one glorious ingredient that takes it to the next level: Avocado. As a matter of fact, this should really be called a B-L-A-T sandwich.
Let’s break it all down.
Why This is the Best BLT Sandwich
Here’s what makes this sandwich shine:
1. Choose the Right Bread
Regular white sandwich bread is always a good choice for a solid BLT. But how to go from good to great? Go with fresh, high-quality bread like sourdough or milk bread (you may need to venture to your nearest Asian market or bakery for this one). Toasted golden brown, it provides the perfect base—crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside.
2. Thick-Cut Bacon Is a Must
Don’t skimp on the bacon. This is the star of the show. I highly recommend using thick-cut bacon, preferably applewood smoked. It has the heft and smoky flavor that thin bacon just can’t deliver.
3. More Lettuce = More Crunch
One of the most underrated BLT upgrades is doubling up on the lettuce. Whether you go with iceberg or romaine, the extra layers add serious crunch, which balances beautifully with the soft avocado and juicy tomato. And this goes without saying but you want to make sure your lettuce is properly fried after washing, as the excess water can lead to a soggy sandwich.
4. Season Your Tomatoes
This is one step that’s often skipped but makes a world of difference. Drizzle your tomato slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper before stacking them in your sandwich. This simple move brings out their sweetness and adds depth.
5. Avocado Is the Secret Ingredient
Adding avocado (or a spoonful of guacamole) brings creaminess and richness that ties everything together. It’s the perfect foil to the crispy bacon and fresh lettuce.
6. A Serrated Knife is Your Best Friend
Use a serrated knife if you have one to slice both your tomatoes as well as the sandwich once it’s made. The serrated edges of the knife will prevent the tomato and sandwich but being squished.
Ingredients for the perfect BLT
- Sourdough Bread – A sturdy, flavorful base that toasts beautifully and holds all your fillings.
- Thick-Cut Bacon – Smoky, savory, and crispy. Opt for applewood smoked if you can.
- Iceberg or Romaine Lettuce – Adds serious crunch and a fresh bite to contrast the bacon and avocado.
- Tomatoes – Choose ripe, juicy ones. Seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper makes all the difference. Lay them on paper towels while seasoning to soak up excess moisture.
- Mayonnaise – A classic spread that adds richness and ties everything together. I like to use kewpie mayo as it has a richer, slightly sweeter flavor.
- Guacamole or Ripe Avocado – Adds creaminess and depth. Use what you have on hand.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For seasoning tomatoes and enhancing their flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper – Allows the natural tomato flavors to shine through.
Instructions
1. Cook the Bacon
Use a frying pan to cook your bacon until it’s crispy on both sides. Remove and lay on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
2. Season the Tomatoes
While the bacon cooks, slice your tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let them sit for a minute or two on paper towels to soak up excess moisture.
3. Toast the Bread
Toast your sourdough slices until golden brown. Spread one slice with mayo. (Bonus tip: Add a little black pepper to the mayo for extra zing.)
4. Assemble the Layers
Start with lettuce, then stack on your seasoned tomatoes and crispy bacon. The lettuce will protect the bread from getting soggy from the tomato juices.
5. Add Avocado
Spread the guacamole or layer sliced avocado on the second piece of toast. Press gently on top to close the sandwich.
6. Slice and Serve
Use a serrated knife to cut your sandwich in half—straight across or on a diagonal if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately.
BLT Customizations & Substitutions
• No avocado? Use cream cheese or additional mayo to add a creamy element.
• Vegetarian version? Try tempeh bacon or smoky roasted mushrooms.
• Spice it up. Add a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a spread of chipotle mayo.
• Gluten-free? Use your favorite GF bread. Toasting still makes a big difference.
Meal Prep Tips
You can totally meal prep this sandwich. Here’s how:
- Cook the bacon and store in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Slice tomatoes and store them with a paper towel underneath to absorb excess juice.
- Keep avocado or guacamole in a container with a squeeze of lemon or lime to prevent browning.
- Pack lettuce and bread separately to avoid sogginess. Assemble just before eating.
It also makes a killer work lunch. Just don’t forget the napkins.
Pair It With
Make it a meal with these easy and delicious sides:
- Roasted Tomato Soup – Who doesn’t love a dippable soup and sandwich combo?
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup – A cozy and comforting soup to make it an even heartier meal
- Apple Salad with Creamy Apple Cider Dressing – A refreshing and light addition to your sandwich
- Carrot Salad – Packed with good-for-you carrots and other wholesome ingredients to give your meal a boost of nutrition
More Recipes to Try
Looking for more American and Western-style recipes? Here are a few to check out:
- Easy Fried Rice – A flexible, fast way to use up leftovers.
- Asian Chicken Salad – Crunchy, colorful, and full of flavor.
- Miso Soup – A warm, cozy bowl that’s simple to make.
Make this BLT sandwich today!
BLT is timeless, but that doesn’t mean it has to be basic. This version is fast, filling, and so much more than the sum of its parts. Whether you’re making lunch for one or feeding a group, it’s one of those crowd-pleasers that never lets you down.
Tag me on Instagram if you make this so I can see your masterpiece! And if you’re looking for more easy meal ideas like this, sign up for my free newsletter where I send out recipes I actually make during the week. ✌️
Want to take your meal times to the next level?
Check out my Dinner Squad Membership for exclusive meal prep recipes that are designed to elevate your meal experience while saving you loads of time and money. We also do regular giveaways and more!
The Best BLT Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
- - Frying pan
- - Serrated bread knife
- - Cutting board
- - Toaster
- - Butter knife or spoon
- - Tongs
- - Paper towels
Ingredients
- 2 Slices of sourdough bread
- 3 Slices thick cut bacon 8 slices for regular bacon
- 2 Leaves of crunchy lettuce iceberg or romaine recommended
- 3 Large slices of tomato
- 1 tbsp Mayo
- 3 tbsp Guacamole or 1/2 avocado, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy on both sides. Lay on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
- Season sliced tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Toast your bread and spread one side with mayo.
- Assemble your sandwich. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon (in that order).
- Spread a generous amount of guacamole or sliced avocados over the other slice of bread and place it over the other half of the sandwich.
- Slice the sandwich in half or on a diagonal. Serve immediately.
