The Ultimate Guide to Elevating Your BLT
The BLT is a classic for a reason. The crispy bacon, cool and crunchy lettuce, and juicy tomato come together to create the perfect taste-texture trifecta. While the simple sandwich is easy to make, there’s always room for improvement. What if you could take a good BLT and turn it into something truly exceptional?
Inspired by a video from Sara Wells, cookbook author and co-founder of Our Best Bites, we found some brilliant tips that could transform your next BLT. She’s a big fan of the sandwich and has spent time thinking about how to elevate it. As we watched her video, we couldn’t help but nod in agreement and feel the urge to rush to the kitchen to try her advice.
One tip in particular stood out and we’re definitely planning to give it a shot soon. Here’s what you need to know.
Why You Should Rethink How You Toast Your Bread for a BLT
In the video, Wells shared three top tips, but the one that really caught our attention was the idea of toasting just one side of each piece of bread. The toasted side goes on the inside of the sandwich, adding that much-needed crunch and creating a solid barrier to stand up to the juicy tomato. The un-toasted side remains soft, creating a tender outer layer that’s easier to bite into.
This technique solves one of the biggest issues with BLTs: bread that’s either too soft and soggy or too toasted and rough on your mouth. By balancing the crunch and softness, you get a perfectly textured sandwich. It also helps keep the sandwich intact and prevents it from crumbling or scraping the roof of your mouth with each bite.
Several people who saw the video chimed in with their own experiences. One said, “After ripping my mouth up with a BLT last week I’m going to have to try that last hack!” Another added, “The roof of my mouth will forever be in your debt!!!” A third person commented, “I literally had a BLTA for lunch today and the roof of my mouth is nice and raw,” making it clear that this tip could change the game for many.
2 Other Smart Tips for BLT Greatness
While the toasting trick was our favorite, Wells’ other suggestions were just as smart.
She recommends treating your lettuce and tomato like more than just filler. While you’re cooking the bacon or toasting the bread, marinate the veggies. Toss sliced tomatoes and lettuce leaves in a little olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper, and let them sit for a few minutes so they soak up the flavor.
This step adds a layer of brightness and depth to the sandwich. Instead of a flat bite of tomato, you get something tangy and seasoned, with just enough acidity to cut through the richness of the bacon and mayo. The lettuce also benefits from this treatment because it stays crisp but picks up that same zingy flavor. Think of it like making a mini salad for inside your sandwich instead of on the side.
Wells also had some thoughts about the mayo. Instead of using plain mayonnaise, she suggests mixing in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a bit of garlic, and chopped fresh herbs. This not only adds more flavor but also ties everything together. The lemony garlic mayo acts like a creamy dressing for your marinated veggies and a rich counterpoint to the salty bacon. It’s fresh, herby, and gives your sandwich a gourmet twist with barely any extra effort.
Final Thoughts
These three easy upgrades take just a few extra minutes but make a world of difference. They give you a BLT that feels restaurant-worthy. Once you try it this way, there’s no going back!
If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out other creative recipes and kitchen hacks that can elevate your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, there’s always something new to learn and try.
