Name: BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices thick-cut bacon; 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread, toasted; 1 large tomato, sliced; 4 leaves romaine or butter lettuce; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Get ready to fall head-over-heels for the BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe, a sandwich that proves the classics can always get even better. Imagine crispy, smoky bacon layered with juicy tomato slices, fresh lettuce, and the pièce de résistance: a homemade garlic aioli that makes every bite sing. All of this is nestled between golden-toasted sourdough. Whether you’re craving a satisfying lunch or need a crowd-pleasing brunch idea, this is the BLT you’ll come back to again and again!

BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe keeps things easy, but every ingredient truly counts. The best BLTs are all about that perfect crunch, freshness, and bold flavor, and with a vibrant garlic aioli, every component plays a starring role. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bacon: Use thick-cut for extra crunch and flavor; cook until it’s perfectly crispy to add irresistible texture.
Sourdough or Sandwich Bread: Toasting your bread brings out the flavor and keeps your sandwich from getting soggy.
Tomato: Go for a ripe, large tomato for juicy, tangy slices that balance the richness of the bacon and aioli.
Romaine or Butter Lettuce: Fresh, crisp leaves give your BLT its classic crunch and a pretty pop of green.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your garlic aioli; use a good-quality mayo for the best taste.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an unmistakable punch to the aioli—finely mince or grate it for even flavor.
Lemon Juice: Just a touch brightens everything and cuts through the richness of bacon and mayo.
Salt: Essential for seasoning your aioli so all the flavors shine.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spice and rounds out the aioli beautifully.

How to Make BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Start with the bacon, because is there anything better than the smell of it sizzling away on the stovetop? Arrange your thick-cut bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until they’re golden and crispy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate, in order to soak up the excess fat, giving you perfectly crunchy bacon for your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli

While the bacon cools, make the brightest and creamiest element of this recipe: the garlic aioli. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced or grated garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. This quick aioli gives your sandwich that gourmet upgrade and takes just two minutes to pull together.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Next up, grab your sourdough or favorite sandwich bread and toast it until it’s perfectly golden. Toasting offers a satisfying crunch, and it serves as a sturdy, flavor-packed base to build the rest of your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe, making sure nothing gets soggy between those layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

This is the fun part! Lay out the toasted bread slices and liberally spread the freshly made garlic aioli on one side of each piece. Now, add a layer of crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and two slices of that crunchy, savory bacon. Crown it all with a second slice of bread (aioli side down), press gently, and slice the sandwich in half for maximum visual appeal.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe are ready to enjoy immediately! The contrast between the cool tomato, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and robust garlic aioli is pure lunchtime bliss. Get your napkins ready—these are satisfyingly messy in the best possible way.

How to Serve BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a few extra cracks of black pepper, or even some chopped chives can be the perfect finishing touch. For a pop of color, tuck a couple of extra lettuce leaves or tomato slices on the side, or add a small bunch of microgreens.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a handful of kettle-cooked chips, crispy fries, or cool, refreshing pickles. A crunchy slaw or summer salad makes a great companion too, adding freshness and extra crunch to every bite of your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the sandwiches into quarters and securing each with a cocktail pick for a party platter. Serve mini versions on slider buns for a fun brunch spread, or stack them with a fried egg or avocado slices for an over-the-top breakfast sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the components separately for best results. Keep the bacon, aioli, lettuce, and tomato each in airtight containers in the fridge, and assemble your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe just before eating for maximum freshness.

Freezing

While the assembled sandwiches aren’t freezer-friendly, both the cooked bacon and the garlic aioli can be prepared ahead and frozen on their own. Freeze bacon in a single layer and thaw as needed; store aioli in a tightly sealed container and use within a month for best flavor. Just give the aioli a quick whisk after thawing.

Reheating

To re-crisp bacon, heat it in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in a preheated oven for a few minutes. If your bread has gone soft, a quick toasting will bring back its crunch. Avoid microwaving assembled BLTs, as this can make the bread soggy and the lettuce limp.

FAQs

Can I make the garlic aioli ahead of time?

Absolutely! The aioli for your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe can be prepared up to three days in advance and kept in the fridge. In fact, making it ahead lets the flavors blend for an even tastier sandwich.

What’s the best bread to use?

Sourdough is a favorite for its chew and tang, but any hearty sandwich bread will work beautifully. Just make sure to toast it until golden for that satisfying crunch in every bite of your BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the bacon for your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. You’ll still get all the savory, smoky elements that make a great BLT, with the bonus of a fully vegetarian BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe.

How can I add even more flavor?

Get creative! Sliced avocado or a fried egg both add richness and creaminess, while a layer of peppery arugula or pickled red onions can brighten up the whole sandwich. Feel free to adjust the aioli too—a pinch of smoked paprika or a few dashes of hot sauce work wonders.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free sandwich bread, and make sure your other ingredients (especially bacon and mayo) are certified gluten-free if needed. The BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe tastes just as delicious, no matter your bread preference.

Final Thoughts

This BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe transforms a beloved classic into something extra-special with one simple homemade twist. When you need a meal that feels fresh, comforting, and just a little luxurious, give this recipe a try—you’ll love every flavorful, crunchy bite!

BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate BLT experience with this recipe featuring crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato, and a flavorful garlic aioli, all sandwiched between slices of toasted bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

8 slices thick-cut bacon

Sandwich:

8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread, toasted
1 large tomato, sliced
4 leaves romaine or butter lettuce

Garlic Aioli:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely minced or grated
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp; drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare Aioli: Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the aioli.
Toast Bread: Toast the bread slices until golden.
Assemble Sandwich: Spread garlic aioli on one side of each bread slice. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and bacon. Top with the second bread slice, cut in half, and serve.