4-Season BLTs
Posted: November 3, 2025
Updated: December 3, 2025
Instinct Level 4 – Advanced Technique: Patience and precision shine here: complex steps, longer time, sharper skills required.
Instinct Level 3 – Intermediate Balance: A little layering, some timing, and a dash of judgment — you’ve got this.
Instinct Level 5 – Expert Challenge: Multi‑stage, high‑skill cooking with nuanced judgment — a true kitchen adventure.
Instinct Level 2 – Easy with Guidance: Simple skills, short prep, clear steps — just follow along and you’re golden.
Instinct Level 1 – Beginner Friendly: You’ll breeze through this: quick, easy, no judgment calls, barely any cleanup.
BLTs are a classic comfort food that never goes out of style and can be enjoyed year-round (yes, really!), making them a versatile staple in your recipe rotation. Crispy oven-baked bacon, crunchy iceberg lettuce, and a clever grape tomato topping come together for a sandwich that’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly craveable. Toasted bread in bacon drippings adds a golden edge, while the tomato hack ensures bold flavor even when heirlooms aren’t in season.
Want to read more? Click here for The Season(ing) Finale post!
sandwiches
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Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Equipment
baking sheet (half-sized or 2 quarter-sized, rimmed)
food processor or mini food processor (optional)
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Ingredients
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The Process
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Suggested Meals
Serve with your favorite soup, salad, or fruit as a side.
Storage & Leftovers
The bread will get soggy if stored as a whole sandwich. If planning for storage (or a sack lunch), avoid some of the sogginess by placing lettuce or bacon on the bread slices. The recommendation is to store the components separately and assemble the sandwiches immediately prior to serving.
Substitutions & Variations
Avocado is a classic addition. Really you can do anything you want and come up with your own acronym!
FAQs
Q: Can I make a BLT vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes. Use plant-based bacon alternatives, smoked tempeh, or roasted mushrooms for umami. Vegan mayo and avocado add creaminess. Toasted sourdough or hearty whole grain bread helps mimic the classic texture.
Q: What’s the best bread for a BLT?
A: Toasted sourdough, country white, or whole wheat are all great. The key is a sturdy slice that crisps well and holds up to juicy tomatoes and mayo.
Q: How do I keep the sandwich from getting soggy?
A: Toast the bread, pat tomatoes dry, and layer strategically: lettuce acts as a moisture barrier between tomato and bread. Assemble just before serving.
Q: Can I prep BLTs ahead of time?
A: You can cook the bacon and prep the lettuce and tomato in advance. Store components separately and assemble right before eating to preserve texture.
Q: What’s a good mayo substitute?
A: Try mashed avocado, pesto, hummus, or a yogurt-based spread. For tang, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
Nutrition Facts
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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet; your needs may differ.
Nutrition information is estimated using USDA databases and may vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
The 2,000-calorie reference is used as a general guide. Individual calorie needs typically range from 1,600-2,400 calories per day for adult women and 2,000-3,000 calories per day for adult men, depending on age, activity level, and other factors.
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Macerate
The culinary technique of soaking fruits or vegetables in liquid (wine, vinegar, citrus juice) or coating with sugar to soften them and draw out natural juices. This process breaks down cell walls through osmosis, creating a syrupy mixture where the produce absorbs external flavors while releasing its own. Unlike marinating meat, macerating works specifically with produce to enhance sweetness, create textured toppings for desserts, or develop complex flavor profiles for sauces. The technique takes 30 minutes to overnight depending on the firmness and desired intensity of the fruit or vegetable.
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