Classic BLT Sandwich with a Crunchy Onion Twist

Ingredients

  • 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
  • 4 large slices of hearty white bread
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 large lettuce leaves, preferably romaine or iceberg
  • 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes on each side. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  2. While the bacon is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes and red onion. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
  3. Lightly toast the bread slices in a toaster or oven until they are golden brown.
  4. Spread a tablespoon of mayonnaise onto one side of each slice of toasted bread.
  5. On one slice of bread, layer 2 slices of bacon, a few slices of tomato, a few slices of red onion, and a lettuce leaf.
  6. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the vegetables for seasoning.
  7. Top with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down.
  8. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to make the second sandwich.
  9. Cut the sandwiches in half if desired, and serve immediately.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - For cooking the bacon slices until crispy.
  • Knife - For slicing the tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce.
  • Cutting board - To provide a stable surface for cutting the vegetables.
  • Toaster or Oven - For toasting the bread slices.
  • Paper towels - To drain the cooked bacon slices.
  • Spreader or knife - To evenly spread mayonnaise on the bread slices.

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat or sourdough bread instead of white bread for a nuttier flavor.
  • Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and extra flavor.
  • Swap bacon for turkey bacon or crispy prosciutto for a lighter option.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with slices of marinated and grilled tempeh.
  • Experiment with different types of lettuce such as arugula or spinach for a unique twist.
  • Spread a thin layer of pesto or chipotle mayo for a flavorful alternative to plain mayonnaise.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a classic with a twist when you make this BLT with Onion recipe. This sandwich takes the traditional bacon, lettuce, and tomato combo and elevates it by adding a layer of crisp, thinly sliced red onion. The sweet and slightly spicy flavor of the red onion perfectly complements the savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. Spread each slice of toast with a dollop of creamy mayonnaise for an additional layer of flavor. Whether it's for lunch or dinner, this sandwich is quick to make, satisfying, and filled with fresh, simple ingredients. This recipe serves two and is ready in just about 20 minutes. Enjoy this sandwich on its own or pair it with a bowl of your favorite soup or a side of chips for a complete meal.

TimeApprox. 20 min
Servings2
CaloriesApprox. 700

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe? Yes, feel free to use your favorite type of bread for this BLT. Sourdough, whole wheat, or even a baguette can work well.
  2. Can I add other ingredients to this BLT? Absolutely! Avocado, cheese, or a fried egg would make delicious additions to this classic sandwich.
  3. How can I make this recipe vegetarian? You can substitute the bacon with tempeh bacon, tofu bacon, or even avocado to create a vegetarian version of this BLT.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It's best to assemble the BLT just before serving to prevent the bread from getting soggy. However, you can pre-cook the bacon and prepare the ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Serrated knife - Useful for slicing through the crispy bacon and cutting the sandwiches into halves or quarters.
  • Skillet - Essential for cooking the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown.
  • Paper towels - To drain the cooked bacon and remove excess grease before assembling the sandwiches.
  • Toaster or oven - For toasting the bread slices until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
  • Cutting board - Ideal for slicing the tomatoes, red onions, and assembling the sandwiches.

Origin stories

The BLT is a classic American sandwich, its name an acronym representing its key ingredients: bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Its origins are blurred in history, but it's thought to be a descendant of the Victorian-era tea sandwiches. However, the BLT really gained its fame after World War II, when supermarkets began to promote bacon not just as a breakfast food, but for lunches and dinners as well. The combination of the salty bacon, refreshing lettuce, and juicy tomatoes caught on quickly, and the BLT became a diner staple. Interestingly, one could say that seasonality is built into the DNA of a BLT. Traditionally, it was a sandwich that was mainly enjoyed in the summer, when tomatoes were in peak season. To this day, many BLT purists insist that a BLT is best when made with fresh, vine-ripened summer tomatoes.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

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