This BLT sandwich recipe starts with crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and toasted bread, then gets a flavorful upgrade from bright basil aioli and tangy everything bagel spread.
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A good BLT sandwich recipe doesn't need much—crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and toasted bread already do most of the work. When tomatoes are at their peak, a BLT is one of those simple meals that never gets old.
This version keeps everything you love about a classic BLT but adds two easy homemade sauces that take it over the top. The tangy everything bagel spread and bright basil aioli add extra flavor without stealing the spotlight from the bacon and tomatoes.
Why This BLT Sandwich Earns A Repeat Spot
- Classic BLT flavor: Crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and toasted bread never go out of style.
- Two easy sauce options: The everything bagel spread and basil aioli add flavor while letting the BLT remain the star.
- Perfect for tomato season: When good tomatoes are available, this sandwich practically makes itself.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff: A handful of ingredients come together for a lunch that's far greater than the sum of its parts.
- Easy to customize: Use one sauce, both sauces, or stick with mayonnaise and make it your own.
What You'll Need
- For the BLT: Thick-cut bacon, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and sturdy toasted bread are the backbone here—simple ingredients that really need to shine.
- For the Basil Aioli: Fresh basil, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper blend into a bright, herby sauce that tastes like summer.
- For the Everything Bagel Spread: Mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and everything bagel seasoning make a creamy, tangy spread with plenty of savory flavor.
The Best Sauces For A BLT Sandwich
A classic BLT is hard to beat, but the right spread can take it from a good sandwich to one you'll keep thinking about after lunch. While mayonnaise is always a solid choice, these are my favorite ways to add a little extra flavor.
- Everything Bagel Spread: Tangy, savory, and loaded with everything bagel seasoning, this spread adds richness and texture without overwhelming the bacon and tomatoes.
- Basil Aioli: Fresh basil, lemon, and garlic bring brightness that pairs beautifully with ripe summer tomatoes.
- Classic Mayonnaise: Sometimes simple really is best. A generous swipe of good mayonnaise lets the bacon and tomatoes do all the talking.
Use one, use both, or stick with mayo. There isn't a wrong answer here.
Swaps & Variations
This BLT sandwich recipe is easy to customize depending on what you have on hand and how far you want to take the sandwich situation.
- Make it a BLTA: Add ripe avocado for a creamy layer that pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and summer tomatoes.
- Change the bread: Sourdough, thick white bread, multigrain, or toasted everything bagels all hold up beautifully.
- Add cheese: Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, or provolone bring another layer of savory flavor.
- Swap the protein: Turkey, ham, or roasted chicken turn this into more of a club-style sandwich.
- Add pickled crunch: Quick-pickled red onions add brightness and balance to rich bacon.
- Make it spicy: Pickled jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of sriracha all work well.
- Try different spreads: The basil aioli and everything bagel spread are my favorites, but a good mayonnaise is always welcome on a BLT.
Tips & Tricks
This sandwich is simple, but a few small details make a big difference.
- Lightly toast the bread: It gives the sandwich structure and helps everything hold together.
- Start with great tomatoes: A BLT is only as good as the tomatoes you put on it, so use the ripest ones you can find.
- Season the tomatoes: A little kosher salt and black pepper bring out their flavor immediately.
- Let the tomatoes sit briefly: A minute or two after seasoning helps draw off excess moisture before they hit the sandwich.
- Build it in layers: Lettuce helps create a barrier between the tomatoes and bread, keeping everything from getting soggy.
- Use plenty of spread: Whether you choose the basil aioli, everything bagel spread, or classic mayonnaise, don't be shy.
BLT Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
Everything Bagel Spread
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon everything but the bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Basil Aioli
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sour cream
- ½ lemon, juice and zest
- ½ cup basil leaves, rough chopped
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
BLT Sandwich Components
- 8 slices sandwich bread
- 12 pieces crispy bacon
- tomatoes, sliced
- lettuce, torn into large pieces
Instructions
Everything Bagel Spread
- Simply mix all of the everything bagel spread ingredients together and set aside.
Basil Aioli
- Add all ingredients for the aioli to a food processor and pulse until you get the consistency you like. I like to see tiny specs of basil in mine.
BLT Sandwich Construction
- Layer your BLT using the bread, spread, lettuce, tomato, bacon, spread, bread system. This helps minimize slippage and sogginess.
- I always serve mine with a side of the everything bagel spread and the basil aioli for dipping. Don't judge.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage
BLTs are best built fresh, but both spreads can be made ahead and kept ready in the fridge.
- Store the sauces separately: Keep the basil aioli and everything bagel spread in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Wait to assemble: Bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce are best layered right before serving so the bread stays fresh.
- Keep cooked bacon chilled: Cooked bacon holds well in the fridge and can be crisped quickly before building sandwiches.
You Asked, I Answered
What is the best bread for a BLT?
A sturdy white bread, sourdough, or toasted sandwich loaf all work well because they hold up to the bacon, tomatoes, and spreads without falling apart.
Can I make the sauces ahead of time?
Yes. Both the basil aioli and everything bagel spread can be made a few days ahead and kept chilled until you are ready to build sandwiches.
Should tomatoes be salted for a BLT?
Yes. A little kosher salt and black pepper help bring out the tomato's natural flavor and make a noticeable difference in the finished sandwich.
Other Sandwich Recipes You'll Love
- BLT Egg Sliders: Everything you love about a BLT gently held in between to hardboiled egg halves with an extra brunch-friendly twist.
- Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches: Crispy, hearty, and exactly the kind of sandwich that earns repeat status.
- Steak Sandwiches with Horseradish Sauce: Bold, tender, and layered with big flavor from the very first bite.
- Italian Beef Recipe for Sandwiches: Fall-apart tender, loaded with flavor, and always worth the nap afterward.
Who’s Stirring the Pot?
Hi, I’m Ruth—recipe developer, comfort-food creator, and the voice behind Rufus For Real. I specialize in cozy, doable, flavor-packed meals for real-life kitchens, and I’m a firm believer that breakfast, dinner, and everything in between should be simple, satisfying, and impossible to mess up.
You’ll find me sharing even more comfort-food goodness, kitchen tips, and behind-the-scenes chaos over on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube (@rufusforreal everywhere).
If you love approachable recipes with a whole lot of personality, pull up a chair—there’s always room at this table.
Happy Cooking!
-Ruth aka Rufus
Jodie Riddel says
Top shelf for a BLT!
Rufus says
Thank you, thank you!