BLT Sandwiches with Aioli

These easy BLT Sandwiches with Garlic Aioli are packed with flavor and perfect for lunch. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, crunchy toasted bread, and a tasty lemon garlic mayonnaise spread come together to make a sandwich that delights with every bite. Adding flavored mayo takes this classic sandwich up a notch and makes it feel a little more special. This recipe makes enough for four sandwiches, which is great when feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

I first made this sandwich on a lazy weekend afternoon and it quickly became a favorite lunch in our house. The garlic aioli adds just the right amount of zing to balance the smoky bacon and fresh lettuce.

Ingredients

• Bacon center cut: lean and crisps up nicely, choose a trusted brand like Oscar Mayer for consistent quality
• Light sandwich bread: wheat or honey wheat varieties offer good texture and flavor for a balanced sandwich
• Green leaf lettuce: tender with ruffled edges, it provides a fresh crunch without overpowering other flavors
• Tomatoes on the vine: these are harvested ripe, giving you the best natural sweetness and juiciness
• Fresh garlic clove: raw garlic adds pure, sharp flavor to the aioli freshly minced is key to avoid bitterness
• Lemon juice: adds brightness that mellows the garlic and lifts the mayonnaise
• Light mayonnaise: keeps the aioli creamy but not heavy, look for a good quality brand with simple ingredients
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: essential seasoning to enhance every layer of the sandwich

Instructions

Sauté the Bacon and Render Fat:

Cook the center cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until evenly crisp. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Save a tablespoon of the rendered fat for extra flavor or drain it all depending on your preference. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease while it cools and crisps further.

Prepare the Garlic Aioli:

While the bacon is cooking finely mince or crush the fresh garlic clove. Place it into a small bowl and add freshly squeezed lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften the sharpness of the garlic and let the flavors intertwine. After resting stir in the light mayonnaise along with salt and pepper to taste mixing until smooth and creamy.

Toast the Bread:

Lightly toast your sandwich bread slices until golden and crisp. This will add crunch and prevent the bread from becoming soggy once the aioli and tomato slices are added.

Assemble the Sandwich:

Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on each slice of toasted bread. Begin layering with crisp green leaf lettuce followed by thick slices of ripe tomatoes. Top the tomatoes with the crispy bacon strips. Place the second slice of bread on top and gently press down.

Serve and Enjoy:

Cut the sandwich in half or quarters if preferred. Serve immediately while the bacon is warm and the bread still crisp for the best texture and flavor combination.

My favorite ingredient by far is the garlic aioli. It transforms a simple BLT into something special. I remember making this sandwich during a weekend picnic and everyone kept asking what was different. The lemon and garlic mix adds freshness that makes every bite memorable.

Storage tips

Store leftover aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you have leftover bacon keep it in a separate container to maintain its crispiness and reheat in a skillet or oven to revive its texture. The sandwich is best enjoyed fresh but you can prepare components ahead of time for quick assembly.

Ingredient substitutions

If you prefer turkey bacon it works well though the flavor and crispiness will be slightly different. For bread gluten free or sourdough varieties make excellent alternatives. Roma tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes are great stand ins depending on what is in season. For a dairy free version sub out the mayonnaise for an avocado spread with a hint of garlic and lemon.

Serving suggestions

Pair this BLT sandwich with a simple green salad or some crunchy kettle chips for a satisfying lunch. A chilled cucumber or tomato salad complements the sandwich nicely and keeps the meal light and refreshing. A cold glass of iced tea or lemonade works beautifully with the lemon and garlic flavors.

Enjoy this sandwich immediately for the best texture and flavor. Prep components ahead of time to assemble quickly on busy days.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of bacon works best for BLT sandwiches?

Center-cut bacon is ideal because it crisps nicely while remaining lean, enhancing the sandwich without excess grease.

→ Can I substitute the bread used in these sandwiches?

Yes, wheat or honey wheat varieties are preferred for balance, but any light sandwich bread works well according to taste.

→ How is the garlic aioli prepared?

Fresh garlic is minced finely and combined with lemon juice and light mayonnaise, allowing flavors to meld for a tangy, smooth spread.

→ What type of tomatoes are recommended?

Tomatoes on-the-vine are best for their ripeness and flavor, but beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes are great alternatives.

→ Can this sandwich be made healthier?

Using turkey bacon and light bread reduces calories while maintaining the sandwich's delicious taste and texture.