Classic BLT with Garlic Basil Aioli is truly something to behold.
We’ve taken the sandwich everyone knows and loves and elevated it a few notches to quite possibly be the most delicious sandwich we’ve ever created.
And it all comes together in about 20 minutes, from start to finish!
HOW TO MAKE A CLASSIC BLT WITH GARLIC BASIL AIOLI
Some of our favorite sandwiches that have come out of the H2FaL kitchen are:
- Grilled Honey Mustard Sandwich
- Marinated Steak Sandwich
- Fantastic Fried Fish Sandwich
- Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Italian Sandwich
And don’t get us, those are without a doubt, some of the best sandwiches around. But there is something the BLT that gets us so excited.
Watch us make our Classic BLT with Garlic Basil Aioli!
WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS SANDWICH
- Bread slices (we love sourdough)
- Tomatoes (we love heirlooms – in the summertime!)
- Bacon (can we get an ‘amen’ for smoked black pepper bacon!)
- Arugula (you can’t be the peppery taste)
- Garlic Basil Aioli (you gotta make this, folks)
- Salt, pepper & butter (you’ll see what we mean soon)
COOK THE BACON IN ADVANCE
Obviously, bacon is a vital part of the classic BLT. Nowadays, you can find many varieties in many well-stocked supermarkets and your local butcher.
Go with your favorite type of bacon, but our favorite is smoked, black-pepper bacon. Incredible.
EXPERT TIP: Skip the skillet! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Take out 1 or 2 rimmed baking sheets and place the bacon flat in rows, trying not to overlap. Bake the bacon for about 8 to 10 minutes (depending on thickness), and then flip until perfectly crisp. Drain on a paper towel. The bacon cooks evenly and stays perfectly flat!
HEIRLOOM TOMATOES ARE PERFECT FOR A BLT
When they are in season, and you can find them, we absolutely the taste and texture of a beautiful heirloom tomato.
We love the variety of heirlooms, some with slightly different tastes and often different beautiful colors. They have very delicate skin, so be careful when transporting and handling them.
If you can’t find heirlooms, then go with your favorite variety. Tomatoes at their peak are always best, when possible.
GARLIC BASIL AIOLI IS THE PERFECT ADDITION
Folks, you just won’t believe how making your own garlic basil aioli will, dare we say, transform your life.
Okay, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but it’s no exaggeration to say it takes this Classic BLT to astronomical culinary heights.
We also love our Balsamic Rosemary Aioli and our Kickin’ Remoulade for sandwich spreads!
CLASSIC BLT WITH GARLIC BASIL AIOLI FAQs
- What is the best bread for a BLT? You can use whatever kind you prefer. Our favorite is sliced sourdough. To get the perfect texture and flavor, we heat up a skillet and toss in about 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add 1 or 2 slices of the bread, and move around in the skillet until coated with butter. Cook until perfectly toasted, about 2 minutes. Flip and repeat, adding a bit more butter if necessary.
- Can cheese be added to the BLT? Of course! Cheese can be added to practically anything! You can even place a cheese slice (cheddar is nice) on top of the tomatoes and bacon and then place it under the broiler just to melt the cheese melts. Assemble the sandwich as directed.
- Can I use regular store-bought mayonnaise for the aioli? Absolutely! Get a good quality mayo and stir in the basil and garlic. Or, just use good ole plain mayo. For a less calories, omit the aioli completely, although it will no longer be the best-ever BLT…just sayin’.
Just look at this sandwich and tell us you’re not craving it right now!
Are you ready to make what we think is one of the very best sandwiches in the entire world? Go for it!
And when you make it, be sure to take a picture, post it to Instagram and tag @howtofeedaloon and #howtofeedaloon!
Classic BLT with Garlic Basil Aioli
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup garlic basil aioli click for recipe
- 8 slices bacon
- 3 heirloom tomatoes sliced ¼" thick
- Salt and pepper
- 4 cups baby aruglula
- 8 slices sourdough bread cut into eight ½" thick slices, toasted
Instructions
- Make the garlic basil aioli. Set aside in the fridge.
- Bake the bacon in a 400°F. pre-heated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes flipping once, half-way through. Alternatively, cook in skillet, until crisp. Transfer to paper-towel lined plate. Reserve.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl untl melted. Add 1 to 2 slices of bread, moving around to coat with butter. Cook until toasted on the bottom-side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, add more butter, if necessary, and cook the other side until toasted, about 1 to 2 minutes more. Set aside and continue with other slices.
- Spread the aioli one side of each slice of toast.
- Arrange the tomatoes ontop of the aoil-side of the toast and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Top with bacon and then and the remaining toasts (aioli facing down) for each sandwich. Slice on a diagonal, if desired. Serve with garlic basil aioli on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
POST UPDATE NOTE: This was originally posted in August, 2016, but was updated with new tips, photography and video in August, 2019.
Holly says
This afternoon we were gifted with a basket of fat, ripe tomatoes and was I ever ready for a BLT for dinner! The Garlic Basil Aioli make them over the top and cooking bacon in the oven was so clean and easy. I made your Breakfast Potatoes as a side. Thanks for a delish dinner.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Holly! Wow!! What a meal! That sounds absolutely heavenly! Thank you so much for sharing! You just made us really hungry! ♥️
Chris says
This is ridiculously good. Love all your recipes. I have a question. When you mention kosher salt are you using Morton’s or Diamond Crystal?
Kris Longwell says
Hey Chris! Thanks so much and sorry for the delayed response! We typically use Morton’s Kosher salt. Great texture and quality. Hope this helps!! Best, Kris & Wesley