The Comfort of Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe
Nothing quite hits the spot like a perfectly balanced BLT, and when you add creamy avocado, it elevates this classic sandwich to a whole new level. I love how the crisp, golden bacon contrasts with the velvety avocado, creating a harmony of textures that’s utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a busy weekday lunch or a relaxed weekend treat, this Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe feels like a little moment of indulgence.
When I first discovered this combo, I was amazed at how just a few simple ingredients could come together to deliver such richness without feeling heavy. You’ll notice how the fresh heirloom tomatoes offer a juicy burst that cuts through the smoky, salty bacon, and the tender lettuce or arugula adds a fresh pop. It’s an easy slice of comfort that feels thoughtfully made.
If you’re craving something that’s straightforward yet deeply satisfying, this Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe is exactly what you need on your plate today.
What Makes It Irresistible
- Layered flavor: Comforting, rich, and beautifully balanced.
- Easy method: Steps designed for any skill level.
- Adaptable: Works with pantry swaps and seasonal twists.
- Prep-friendly: Can be made ahead without losing quality.
Ingredient Guide
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon: Provides that smoky, crispy backbone. Swap with turkey bacon for a leaner option, but nothing beats classic pork bacon here.
- 4 slices rustic sourdough bread: I love sourdough for its tangy depth and chewy texture. Brioche or ciabatta work well too for a softer or airier bite.
- 1–2 ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced: Their juicy, sweet, and slightly tart flavor is key. Roma tomatoes are fine in a pinch, but heirlooms bring vibrancy.
- A handful of butter lettuce or arugula: Butter lettuce gives softness, arugula adds a peppery kick. Both add fresh crunch and color.
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional): Adds creaminess and a buttery richness that balances the saltiness of bacon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons garlic aioli or good-quality mayo: For a flavorful spread with a silky texture—garlic aioli gives a subtle punch.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional): Great for brushing on your bread pre-toast to get that golden crispness.
- Freshly ground black pepper & pinch of flaky sea salt: Essential finishing touches for seasoning and crunch.
Prep Before You Begin
This Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe comes together quickly, but prepping ingredients ahead makes the process smooth. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get that perfectly crisp bacon going, and slice your tomatoes and avocado before you start cooking. Having everything ready to assemble means the warm bread and crispy bacon don’t wait too long and lose their magic.
Tools & Setup
Here’s what you’ll want on hand so your Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe comes together smoothly—plus optional extras that make the process even easier.
How to Make Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the sheet. This ensures even cooking and crispy edges without overlap.
- Bake the bacon for 15–18 minutes until it’s golden and crisp but not burnt. Keep an eye near the end—bacon can go from perfect to too dark quickly. Once done, drain on paper towels to shed extra grease.
- While the bacon cooks, prep your bread. Brush each slice with olive oil on both sides. This step might feel small but helps get that luscious golden crust when you toast it.
- Toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat or a toaster oven until lightly crisp and warm. You want a balance of crunch and chewiness—a lightly crisp crust with a tender center enhances the whole experience.
Expert Tips to Nail It
For the crispiest bacon without the mess, baking is my go-to method. It cooks evenly and frees your stovetop for toasting the bread. When toasting, brushing your bread with olive oil improves color and flavor far better than butter for a rustic appeal. Slice your tomatoes just before assembly to avoid sogginess. If you want a little extra zing, swap mayo for garlic aioli—it adds a subtle garlicky depth.
- Slice your ripe tomatoes evenly and season lightly with flaky sea salt. This step heightens their natural juices and flavor.
- Prepare your greens and avocado. Wash and pat dry your butter lettuce or arugula, then slice the avocado just before you assemble to keep it fresh and prevent browning.
- Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli (or mayo) over each slice of toasted bread. This binds the sandwich and adds creamy tang.
- Assemble your sandwich by layering lettuce, the salted tomato slices, crispy bacon (3 slices per sandwich), and avocado slices if using. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for that subtle heat punch.
- Top with the remaining bread slice and press gently to meld everything together.
- Cut your sandwich diagonally for a classic presentation. Serve right away for that satisfying combination of warm toasted bread and cool, creamy avocado.
Creative Variations for Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe
- Add a fried or poached egg for a breakfast spin – the yolk adds velvety richness.
- Swap out lettuce for fresh baby spinach or peppery watercress to change the flavor profile.
- Use chipotle mayo in place of garlic aioli for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Try crispy pancetta or guanciale instead of bacon for a more Italian-inspired variation.
- Toast the bread with a light spread of herb butter for an aromatic upgrade.
- In summer, layer in thin cucumber slices for a refreshing crunch.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Assembled sandwiches are best eaten fresh but can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Store bacon separately at room temperature or in the fridge to preserve crispness longer.
- Avocado slices brown quickly; to slow this, brush lightly with lemon juice and store separately from bread.
- Avoid freezing this sandwich, as bread texture and avocado quality will degrade.
- Reheat bacon gently in a warm oven or skillet to keep it crisp before assembly.
Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe FAQs
- Can I use regular bacon instead of thick-cut? Yes, but thick-cut bacon holds up better and adds a meatier texture that balances well with creamy avocado.
- What’s the best bread for this sandwich? Rustic sourdough shines for its tang and crumb, but brioche or ciabatta also work beautifully if you prefer a softer or airier bite.
- How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy? Toasting the bread well and spreading the aioli evenly creates a moisture barrier. Assemble just before eating to keep everything crisp.
- Can I make this vegan? You can swap bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and use vegan mayo and plant-based bread options.
- Is avocado essential? It’s optional, but I find that the creamy avocado elevates the Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe to a more indulgent, flavorful level.
Ultimate BLT with Bacon and Avocado Recipe
This Elevated BLT Sandwich is a simple yet delicious lunch idea that transforms the classic BLT with fresh heirloom tomatoes, creamy avocado, and garlic aioli on toasted rustic sourdough bread. Crispy oven-baked bacon pairs beautifully with crisp butter lettuce or arugula for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Bacon
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
Bread
- 4 slices rustic sourdough bread (or brioche, ciabatta, or artisan bread)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for toasting bread)
Vegetables & Toppings
- 1–2 ripe heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- A handful of butter lettuce or arugula
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
Condiments & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons garlic aioli or good-quality mayo
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until they reach your preferred crispiness. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Toast the Bread: Lightly brush both sides of each bread slice with olive oil if desired to add extra flavor and crispiness. Toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat or use a toaster oven until each slice is golden brown and crisp.
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice the heirloom tomatoes and sprinkle them with flaky sea salt to enhance their natural sweetness. Wash and dry the butter lettuce or arugula thoroughly. Slice the avocado thinly if using, ready to layer on the sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli or good-quality mayo on the toasted bread slices. Layer on the leafy greens first, followed by the salted tomato slices. Add three slices of the crispy bacon per sandwich and top with avocado slices if using. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and place the second slice of toasted bread on top.
- Serve: Cut each sandwich diagonally in half for easy handling and an appealing presentation. Serve immediately alongside chips, salad, or soup for a satisfying lunch.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a few fresh basil leaves.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and better balance in the sandwich.
- If you prefer, swap out garlic aioli for your favorite flavored mayo or mustard.
- Try different bread types like brioche or ciabatta to vary the sandwich texture and flavor.
- To keep the bread from getting soggy, spread the aioli and assemble just before serving.
