You’re here for one purpose – to learn how to make the ultimate BLT Sandwich – and this recipe delivers! You’ll love everything from the toasted bread, perfectly cooked bacon, thick slices of juicy tomato, and an irresistible layer of avocado (which is optional but highly necessary).

What makes this really memorable is our famous 3-ingredient sandwich sauce that makes this the best BLT recipe you’ll try. Love at first bite!

BLT Sandwich with toast, lettuce, tomato, bacon and sauce

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Watch the BLT Sandwich Video

I’m sharing all of my best tips for making your best BLT Sandwich. This is one of the most popular sandwiches in America (right up there with Grilled Cheese). Watch the video tutorial and you will be craving it (you might as well get the ingredients first).

What is a BLT?

B L T stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. Okay, okay, so we snuck in some avocado, which makes it a BALT, or maybe it’s a BLAT? Either way, the important takeaway is that once you try this iconic sandwich with avocado, there is no going back.

Everyone loves the flavor profile of a classic BLT, which is why it has been one of the most beloved sandwiches in the world. We even have a BLT Salad and a Breakfast BLT Sandwich (technically a BELT? 😅), and even a BLT Pasta Salad.

Stacked BLT Sandwiches cut in half to show center

BLT Ingredients

There are 3 components to this sandwich (bread, fillings, and sauce) and the quality of your ingredients can take your sandwich from good to exceptional:

  • Bread – Honestly any bread will work here, but my all-time favorite bread for a BLT is Sourdough Bread for the elevated taste and texture. If using storebought sliced bread, look for a generous 1/2″ thick slice for a heartier sandwich. You’ll also need a bit of butter for toasting the bread which adds a ton of flavor to the sandwich.
  • Fillings – bacon, lettuce and tomatoes are the iconic blend, but I also can’t ignore avocados. Use thick-sliced heirloom tomatoes if you can get your hands on them; they are so meaty and satisfying. Iceberg is the classic choice but you can also use green leaf lettuce, romaine, or butter lettuce (a.k.a. Boston or Bib lettuce).
  • Sauce – Traditionally, mayo is used for BLTs, and it works in a pinch, but I’m here to tell you that there’s something better (more on that below).
Ingredients for BLT sandwich with bacon, bread, tomatoes, lettuce, avocados and sandwich spread

The Best BLT Sandwich Sauce

We fell in love with this sandwich sauce when we tried the Chicken Bacon Avocado Sandwich at a restaurant called Kneaders. I loved the spread so much that I asked for an extra side to take home so I could re-create it. My love for copycat recipes runs deep.

It has just 3 ingredients and the combination is memorable: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 Tablespoons sour cream, and 2 teaspoons yellow mustard. The sauce also keeps well in the refrigerator if you want to make a batch to have on hand. Try it on your next BLT and you will have a new favorite.

Sandwich sauce spread ingredients before and after stirring together

How to Cook Bacon for a BLT

The easiest (and least messy) way to cook a big batch of bacon is to oven-baked bacon. We prefer regular thin-cut bacon for BLT’s because it’s easier to bite through, but thick-cut bacon will also work well if that is what you have on hand.

  • Regular Bacon: arrange in a single layer over a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven at 400˚F for 15-20 minutes.
  • Thick-Cut Bacon: Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack over the foil. Arrange bacon over the rack and bake at 400˚F for 20-28 minutes. You can omit the rack but you will need to flip the bacon halfway through so the bottom gets crisp.
  • For a Single Sandwich or a smaller batch of bacon, I cook my bacon in the Air Fryer or on a skillet.
How to cook bacon on a baking sheet

How to Make a Perfect BLT Sandwich

  • Start by cooking your bacon and setting it aside to cool (instructions above) then prepare your sauce and refrigerate it until you need it. Also, butter and toast the bread on both sides.
  • Spread 1 Tbsp sauce over the bottom bun then layer with lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
  • Spread another 1 Tbsp sauce over the top bun and place it over the avocado.
Toasting bread and assembling a BLT sandwich in the proper order

Can I Make a BLT Ahead?

A BLT sandwich is delicious for a work or school lunch and you can prep the sandwiches a day ahead. To keep the avocados vibrant, toss the avocado slices in a little lemon juice before adding to the sandwich. To keep the bread from getting soggy, package the tomatoes and sauce separately and add them just before serving

The BLT Sauce can be made ahead, covered, and stored in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

Once the BLT is assembled, it should be enjoyed right away.

Fully assembled BLT Sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado and sauce

More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love

Admittedly I’ve never been a sandwich person, but the BLT has my name all over it. It has to be truly special for me to love a sandwich and these never fail to impress. It’s so hard to pick just one favorite but you must try the Cheeseburger Sliders!

BLT Sandwich with the Best Sauce

5 from 103 votes
BLT Sandwich
How to make the ultimate BLT Sandwich! Everything from toasted bread, perfectly cooked bacon, thick slices of tomato and avocado, and of course our 3-ingredient sandwich sauce that makes this the best BLT recipe you’ll try.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 4 sandwiches

BLT Sandwich Ingredients:

  • 8 slices of bread, cut 1/2” thick
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp unsalted butter, to toast the bread
  • 12 slices bacon, regular sliced*
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, thickly sliced
  • 4 green lettuce leaves, rinsed and spun dry
  • 1 large avocado, or 2 small avocados pitted, peeled and sliced.
  • salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce for BLT Sandwiches:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise*
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tsp yellow mustard

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F. Place bacon on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until browned and crisp then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
  • In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • Lightly butter both sides of the toast and toast on a dry griddle or skillet over medium-high heat just until golden brown.
  • Arrange 4 slices of bread on a cutting board and spread 1 Tbsp of sauce over each toast. Add lettuce then tomato, bacon, avocado. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the avocado.
  • Spread 1 Tbsp sauce over the remaining toasted bread and place over the sandwich, sauce side down. Cut in half if desired and serve.

Notes

*This recipe calls for regular thin-cut bacon which is easier to bite through, but if you prefer using a thick-cut bacon, bake in the oven for 20-28 minutes or to your desired crispness. 

Nutrition Per Serving

720kcal Calories36g Carbs16g Protein57g Fat14g Saturated Fat57mg Cholesterol949mg Sodium663mg Potassium7g Fiber6g Sugar1722IU Vitamin A15mg Vitamin C106mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
BLT Sandwich with the Best Sauce
Amount per Serving
Calories
720
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
57
g
88
%
Saturated Fat
 
14
g
88
%
Cholesterol
 
57
mg
19
%
Sodium
 
949
mg
41
%
Potassium
 
663
mg
19
%
Carbohydrates
 
36
g
12
%
Fiber
 
7
g
29
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
16
g
32
%
Vitamin A
 
1722
IU
34
%
Vitamin C
 
15
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
106
mg
11
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BLT Recipe, BLT Sandwich
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 720
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
5 from 103 votes (58 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Linda Kachur
    October 6, 2021

    I add a few thin slices of brie to lie next with the avocado. It can be salty, so don’t slice them thick.

    Reply

  • pattimcd
    September 16, 2021

    Although the sandwich recipe is great, I have become OBSESSED with the best sauce! To say it’s the best, it’s an understatement. So simple, yet so good. I literally use it on everything – breakfast sandwiches, on eggs benedict, spread it on all sandwiches…I don’t understand it, but it’s just THAT good!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 17, 2021

      Wow, that is awesome feedback. Thank you so much for your kind words, we appreciate it!

      Reply

  • Jim Smith
    August 27, 2021

    I have a binder three inches thick of recipes I’ve made (pre and during Covid). This is going in there. The sauce is magic with the rest.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 28, 2021

      Wow, a binder full of recipes – that’s amazing!! I’m glad this one made the cut!

      Reply

  • Greg
    August 3, 2021

    I love a good blt. I add fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon to mayo. and process, it really compliments the fresh tomato and lettuce. Don’t forget the avocado.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 3, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, Greg and for giving this recipe a good review!

      Reply

  • Rick B.
    July 20, 2021

    Oh man, my mouth was watering when you guys were eating those BLTs. Definitely gonna try that secret sauce with caution though, gotta keep that waistline in check.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 20, 2021

      So good! I hope you try these soon!

      Reply

  • Maureen
    July 10, 2021

    Scrumptious! Just made this sandwich this evening. Both my husband and I loved it! Making it better still is that we used our first-for-the-season tomato from our garden. Oh and the sauce? Fantastic! I will be making this sandwich again and again. Thanks for this fantastic recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 10, 2021

      The perfect way to use garden tomatoes! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Maureen!

      Reply

  • Ricky
    June 4, 2021

    Tried this last night and my wife and I loved it! Definitely a game changer! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 4, 2021

      That’s great, I am so happy to hear that, Ricky!

      Reply

  • Claudine
    April 4, 2021

    Best ever BLT sandwich I’ve ever had…Thank you for all your great recipes.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 4, 2021

      So awesome! Thank you for your fantastic review, Claudine.

      Reply

  • Donna MC Kenzie
    March 29, 2021

    Natasha
    Loved your BLT Sandwich

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 29, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

    • Debbie Lahrson
      May 14, 2021

      What bread are you using in this recipe?

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        May 15, 2021

        Hi Debbie, It was a thick-sliced artisan bread (pre-sliced and purchased at Fred Meyer in the regular bread aisle).

        Reply

  • Kendall
    February 18, 2021

    Mmmmm so good! Used thick cut bacon, truffle mayo, and cheery tomatoes (didn’t have anything else). Served with your creamy cucumber salad. Would eat this again in a heartbeat!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 18, 2021

      Yum! That sounds so good right now! Thank you for sharing that with me, Kendall!

      Reply

  • Fiona
    January 26, 2021

    The most delicious sandwich I’ve ever cooked in my life 🥰 Thank you for the recipe ❤️ You are just fantastic 🔥🔥🔥

    Reply

    • Natasha
      January 26, 2021

      I am all smiles reading your comment. Thank you for the amazing review!

      Reply

  • Jane Cimone
    January 21, 2021

    Wow! Natasha, this was magical. Loved it to bits.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      January 21, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Chris
    December 12, 2020

    Didn’t see the sauce being as good as it was, well played 🙂

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      December 13, 2020

      THanks, Chris. Glad you liked it!

      Reply

  • Dylan Reedy
    October 14, 2020

    I wont make a blt without this sauce again

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      October 14, 2020

      I’m so glad you enjoyed this sandwich & sauce!

      Reply

  • William Poeta
    September 24, 2020

    Your BLT sandwich was a huge hit. The sauce puts it over the top. Delish!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 24, 2020

      Hello William, thank you for your awesome feedback!

      Reply

  • Gaynelle
    September 15, 2020

    May I make a suggestion? And this is going to sound really picky – but it makes all the difference in the world. When putting the sandwich together, put the tomato either first of last so that it is in direct contact with the sauce. It totally ramps the taste up several notches, because the acid combines with the sauce. Yum!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 15, 2020

      Good idea, thanks for your suggestion! I should try that next time.

      Reply

  • Zara
    August 25, 2020

    Delicious! I love that the sauce is only 3 simple ingredients but it takes the sandwich to a whole other level! Thank you so much for the recipe, I’ll be trying your brownie recipe next

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 25, 2020

      You’re welcome, Zara! I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Cheryl B
    August 20, 2020

    Amazing sauce and sandwich! Added a fried egg, making it a BLEAT (lol) and used Dijon in the sauce. Absolutely delicious…served it with corn on the cob…what a fabulous summer dinner! Another winner Natasha; thank you!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 20, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed this sandwich, Cheryl! Thank you for this wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Judy Cindrich Myers
    August 16, 2020

    This is such a great sandwich ! I’m making it again today for lunch. I have beautiful tomatoes, thick sliced bacon, and now I just need to go to grocery store to pick up the avocados ! Yay ! Thanks, for sharing ! I watch you all the time !

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      August 16, 2020

      Yummy! I am so happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

  • Debbie
    August 5, 2020

    This BLT recipe takes it to the next level. The sauce, butter toasted bread and avocado are all game changers in this sandwich. Love it!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 5, 2020

      I’m so happy you enjoyed this recipe, Debbie! Thank you for that wonderful review!

      Reply

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