Classic BLT Sandwich with Crispy Bacon and Fresh Vegetables
The Ultimate Brunch Delight: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (BLT) Sandwich
Indulge in a fantastic brunch experience at home with this classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (BLT) sandwich! The delightful combination of savory bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes makes it perfect not just as a snack but also as a satisfying and hearty meal. The secret to this incredible sandwich lies in perfectly toasting the bread. We’ll toast it over low heat until it’s firm and slightly crisp, ensuring no sogginess and a beautiful golden hue without burning. This creates a wonderful textural contrast. Feel free to substitute the bread with ciabatta, baguette, rye, or even a bagel for a different twist! After toasting the bread, crisp up the bacon. When assembling, use a sharp knife to slice the bread cleanly, preventing any squishing for a neat presentation. This sandwich is also an excellent choice for picnic lunches and is a huge hit with kids! (Reference: Culinary Arts Practical Exam Question Book)
Main Ingredients- 3 slices Sandwich bread
- 2 leaves Fresh lettuce
- 150g Ripe tomato (medium size, about 1/2)
- 2 strips Thick-cut bacon (approx. 25-30cm)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bread. Toast the sandwich bread slices slowly over low heat until they feel firm to the touch – this is called ‘dry toasting’. Be careful not to burn them; aim for a gentle golden color. Once toasted, keep the bread slices separate and don’t stack them, as this can cause them to become soggy from trapped moisture.
Step 2
Next, cook the bacon to perfection. Sprinkle black pepper over the bacon strips and then fry them in a pan until crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease, ensuring your sandwich isn’t greasy.
Step 3
Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly. For extra crispiness, you can soak them in cold water for a few minutes. Crucially, ensure all excess water is removed. Gently pat them dry with your hands or let them drain well in a colander.
Step 4
Slice the tomato into rounds about 0.5cm thick. Gently pat the tomato slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Lightly sprinkle a pinch of salt over the tomato slices to enhance their natural sweetness.
Step 5
Generously spread mayonnaise on the inner sides of the toasted bread slices. This will add a creamy texture and act as a binder for the fillings.
Step 6
Now, let’s assemble the sandwich. Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise-side up, and layer the prepared lettuce leaves evenly on top. Follow with the crispy bacon strips. Take another slice of bread, spread mayonnaise on one side, and place it tomato-side up. Layer the tomato slices, then add another layer of lettuce. Sprinkle a little salt over the lettuce, and finally, top with the remaining slice of bread (mayonnaise-side down).
Step 7
Here’s a quick recap of the layering order: Bread (mayo side up) > Lettuce > Bacon > (Mayonnaise) > Bread (mayo side up) > Tomato > Lettuce > Salt > Bread (mayo side down).
Step 8
To keep the sandwich stable, insert toothpicks or skewers through the center to hold it together. Gently press down, then use a sharp knife to trim off the crusts from all four edges for a neat and professional finish.
Step 9
Finally, cut the sandwich into four equal portions and arrange them beautifully on a plate. Your delicious BLT sandwich is ready to be enjoyed at its best while still warm!
