BLT Sandwich with Garlic Aioli

These BLT Sandwiches with Garlic Aioli bring a classic favorite to a new level by combining crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and green leaf lettuce with a bright and flavorful lemon garlic mayonnaise spread. The garlic aioli adds a subtle zing that transforms a simple sandwich into something special and delicious. Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner, this recipe is satisfying without feeling heavy.

I first made these sandwiches on a sunny spring afternoon and they quickly became a household favorite. Now whenever I want to impress guests without a fuss, this is the go to recipe I pull out.

Ingredients

• Bacon: center cut preferred for its leaner texture and great crispiness Oscar Mayer is a reliable brand but feel free to use your favorite
• Light wheat or honey wheat sandwich bread: choosing a softer, lighter bread helps balance the crunch of the bacon and lettuce
• Green leaf lettuce: offers a perfect tender crunch and beautiful ruffled edges that hold up well in a sandwich
• Tomatoes: tomatoes on the vine provide excellent sweetness and juiciness heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes work if you prefer
• Fresh garlic clove: essential for that bold, bright flavor in the aioli avoid jarred garlic for best taste
• Lemon juice: adds brightness and helps mellow the sharpness of the raw garlic
• Light mayonnaise: the creamy base of the aioli with fewer calories than regular mayo
• Salt and pepper: to season the aioli and enhance all the flavors

Instructions

Sauté the Bacon:

Cook the center cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches your preferred crispiness. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Prepare the Garlic Aioli:

While the bacon cooks, finely mince one clove of fresh garlic using a garlic press, microplane, or garlic rocker. Place the minced garlic in a small bowl and add two teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let the mixture sit while the bacon cooks to soften the garlic's raw edge.

Toast the Bread:

Lightly toast four slices of your chosen bread until golden and slightly crisp. This adds both flavor and texture to the sandwich and helps prevent sogginess.

Assemble the Aioli:

Stir the light mayonnaise into the garlic and lemon juice mixture until fully combined. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper to taste.

Build the Sandwiches:

Spread a generous layer of the garlic aioli on each toasted slice of bread. Layer on fresh green leaf lettuce, thick slices of juicy tomato, and crispy bacon. Top with the remaining bread slices and press gently.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut each sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.

This sandwich strikes a perfect balance between crunchy, creamy, and fresh. My favorite part has to be the garlic aioli it adds that subtle but impactful flavor boost that turns an ordinary BLT into a memorable meal. I recall sharing these sandwiches with friends on a picnic and how everyone kept going back for seconds.

Storage Tips

If you need to prepare ahead, keep the sandwich components separate. Store cooked bacon and sliced tomatoes in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Assemble just before eating to maintain the bread’s crispness and fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap turkey bacon for a leaner protein option. For the bread, gluten free or whole grain varieties work well too. If fresh garlic is unavailable, a small pinch of garlic powder can be used but will lack the brightness of fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your BLT with a crisp side salad or kettle cooked chips. For a more substantial meal, add a pickle spear or some lightly dressed coleslaw for contrast and balance.

These BLT Sandwiches with Garlic Aioli are an easy way to elevate a classic sandwich. Quick to make and full of contrast in texture and flavor.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of bacon is best for a BLT sandwich?

Center-cut bacon is ideal as it crisps nicely without excess fat, providing a balanced texture and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the bread used in this sandwich?

Yes, wheat or honey wheat breads work well, but feel free to use your preferred light sandwich bread for best results.

→ How do I make the garlic aioli spread?

Mix fresh minced garlic with lemon juice, light mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Letting garlic sit in lemon juice softens its bite and melds flavors.

→ What lettuce variety complements a BLT best?

Green leaf lettuce is recommended for its tender texture and slightly ruffled edges that add visual appeal and crunch.

→ Are tomatoes on-the-vine essential for flavor?

Tomatoes on-the-vine are preferred for peak ripeness and sweetness, but heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes are excellent substitutes.