The Ultimate BLT: A Love Letter to the Perfect Bacon Sandwich
Introduction
There is perhaps no sandwich more iconic, more deceptively simple, and more passionately debated than the BLT. At its core, it is just bacon, lettuce, and tomato between two slices of bread. Yet this humble combination has achieved legendary status in American cuisine and beyond. The secret? Quality ingredients and proper construction. The bacon, as any true BLT enthusiast will tell you, makes or breaks the sandwich. It must be crispy enough to shatter with each bite, yet meaty enough to provide substance. It should be salty, smoky, and rendered to perfection—neither undercooked and flabby nor burnt to a brittle crisp.
When it comes to bacon quantity, opinions vary widely. Some prefer a modest few strips, allowing the other ingredients to shine. Others demand a hearty stack, creating a substantial protein-to-vegetable ratio. And then there are the purists who insist on bacon piled high from edge to edge, ensuring every single bite contains that essential pork flavor. Today, we’re celebrating the latter—the ultimate, edge-to-edge BLT that leaves no corner untouched by bacony goodness.
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The History of the BLT
The BLT’s origins trace back to the late Victorian era, when afternoon tea sandwiches featuring bacon and lettuce first appeared. However, the modern BLT as we know it didn’t emerge until the early 20th century, when the widespread availability of refrigerated shipping made lettuce and tomatoes available year-round. The sandwich gained popularity in American cookbooks during the 1920s and became a diner staple after World War II. Today, it remains one of the most beloved sandwiches in America, with August declared National BLT Month.
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Why Bacon Matters
Bacon brings five essential qualities to the BLT:
1. Salt – Balancing the sweetness of ripe tomatoes
2. Smoke – Adding depth that complements fresh vegetables
3. Fat – Providing richness and moisture
4. Texture – Creating contrast with its crispy crunch
5. Umami – Delivering savory satisfaction that makes the sandwich memorable
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The Ultimate Edge-to-Edge BLT Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Sandwich:
· 16-20 slices high-quality, thick-cut bacon (approximately 1.5 pounds)
· 8 slices artisanal bread (white sourdough or brioche recommended)
· 2 large, ripe heirloom tomatoes (beefsteak or Brandywine varieties)
· 8 leaves crisp green leaf lettuce or Bibb lettuce
· ½ cup high-quality mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s preferred)
· Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
· Freshly ground black pepper
Optional Enhancements:
· 1 avocado, thinly sliced
· 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
· Sprouts or microgreens for garnish
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Equipment
· Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
· Baking sheet with wire rack
· Paper towels
· Serrated knife
· Toaster or second skillet for bread
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Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon (The Most Important Step)
Method 1: Pan-Frying (Traditional)
Arrange bacon slices in a cold cast-iron skillet without overlapping. Cook over medium heat, allowing fat to render slowly. Turn occasionally with tongs until bacon reaches desired crispness—about 8-10 minutes for thick-cut. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Method 2: Oven-Baking (Recommended for Edge-to-Edge)
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange bacon slices close together but not overlapping on the rack. Bake for 18-22 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. This method produces perfectly flat, evenly cooked bacon ideal for edge-to-edge coverage.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomatoes
While bacon cooks, slice tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Arrange on a plate and sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes—this draws out excess moisture and concentrates flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Bread
Toast bread slices until golden brown. The toast must be sturdy enough to support the bacon without becoming soggy, yet not so hard that it crumbles.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
For each sandwich:
1. Spread 1½ tablespoons mayonnaise on each slice of toasted bread
2. On the bottom slice, arrange lettuce leaves, pressing them gently into the mayonnaise to secure
3. Place tomato slices over the lettuce (2-3 slices per sandwich)
4. The Critical Step – Edge-to-Edge Bacon: Arrange 8-10 bacon slices side by side, completely covering the tomato layer. Break or overlap slices as needed to ensure no tomato remains visible. Every bite must contain bacon.
5. Top with remaining bread slice, mayo-side down
6. Press gently to compact, then slice diagonally with a serrated knife
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Variations for Bacon Lovers
The Clubhouse BLT
Add a third slice of toast in the middle and a fried egg for extra richness.
The California BLT
Include sliced avocado and substitute pepper bacon for extra spice.
The Ultimate Bacon Lover’s BLT
Use three bacon varieties: applewood-smoked, peppered, and maple-cured for complexity.
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Nutritional Information (Per Sandwich)
Note: Based on 10 slices bacon per sandwich
Nutrient Amount
Calories 820-950
Protein 32g
Fat 62g
Saturated Fat 22g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fiber 4g
Sugar 6g
Sodium 2100mg
Vitamin C 25% DV
Vitamin A 20% DV
Iron 15% DV
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Health Benefits (Yes, There Are Some!)
While the BLT is undeniably indulgent, quality ingredients offer nutritional value:
1. Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk and heart health
2. Lettuce offers vitamins K, A, and C with minimal calories
3. Bacon contains protein, B vitamins, and minerals—though moderation is key
4. Whole grain bread (if substituted) adds fiber and complex carbohydrates
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The Science of the Perfect Bite
The edge-to-edge bacon method ensures what food scientists call “uniform flavor distribution.” When bacon covers the entire surface area, each bite contains the essential salty, smoky element. This prevents the disappointing final bites that contain only lettuce and bread—a tragedy no sandwich should endure.
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Conclusion: For the Love of Bacon
The BLT stands as a testament to culinary minimalism—proof that exceptional ingredients prepared with care transcend complexity. Whether you prefer a few modest strips, a hearty stack, or the glorious edge-to-edge coverage celebrated here, one truth remains: the bacon makes the sandwich.
For those who truly love bacon, the edge-to-edge BLT represents the highest expression of this beloved sandwich. It honors the main ingredient by ensuring it plays a leading role in every single bite. The tomatoes provide juicy sweetness, the lettuce offers cool crunch, the mayonnaise adds creamy tang, and the toast gives sturdy foundation—but the bacon? The bacon is the star.
So look closely at your next BLT. Count the strips. Notice the coverage. And if you see bacon from edge to edge, know that you’re in the presence of sandwich greatness. Order it. Savor it. And join the ranks of bacon lovers who understand that when it comes to a BLT, more really is more.
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Join the Bacon Lovers’ Community
Bacon enthusiasts around the world celebrate their passion through festivals, cook-offs, and online communities. The International BLT Festival draws thousands annually, featuring competitions for the ultimate BLT creation. Local butchers offer artisanal bacon varieties, and dedicated home cooks experiment with heirloom tomatoes and heritage pork.
Whether you’re a casual fan or a devoted bacon aficionado, the BLT offers endless possibilities for exploration. Try different bacon styles—applewood, hickory, maple, peppered. Experiment with breads—sourdough, rye, brioche, ciabatta. Add seasonal twists with heirloom tomatoes in summer or arugula for peppery bite.
But never forget the golden rule: the bacon makes the sandwich. Choose it well, cook it perfectly, and pile it high from edge to edge.
Long live the BLT. Long live bacon. 🥓