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; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 clove garlic (minced or grated); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread (toasted); 2 large tomatoes (sliced); 4 large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce

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If you’re looking for a sandwich that’s familiar but just a little bit fancy, prepare to fall in love with these BLTs with Garlic Aioli. Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all piled onto perfectly toasted bread, get a huge flavor upgrade thanks to a rich, homemade garlic aioli. The result is a sandwich that’s both easy and irresistibly delicious, with every bite delivering tangy, smoky, and fresh flavors. Whether you’re making an impressive lunch or a laid-back dinner, BLTs with Garlic Aioli are bound to become your new favorite.

BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making incredible BLTs with Garlic Aioli comes down to picking the right, simple ingredients. Each element—from smoky bacon to vibrant tomatoes and zesty homemade aioli—plays an essential part in both the flavor and texture of the final sandwich.

Thick-cut bacon: Crisp, hearty bacon is the backbone of this sandwich, providing salty, savory depth with every bite.
Sourdough or sandwich bread: Sturdy bread toasted golden brown helps support all the fillings while adding crunch and flavor.
Large tomatoes: Opt for ripe, juicy slices; they’ll add the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
Romaine or butter lettuce: Fresh, leafy greens lend a crisp crunch and beautiful color contrast.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your homemade garlic aioli, binding everything together.
Garlic: Just one clove (minced or grated) infuses the aioli with its signature punch.
Lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the aioli, giving the whole sandwich a subtle tangy zing.
Dijon mustard: Adds complexity and a hint of sharpness to the aioli.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make BLTs with Garlic Aioli

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon

Begin by laying your bacon strips in a cold skillet, then heat over medium, cooking until they reach your ideal crispiness. Don’t rush this step—slow, steady cooking renders the fat and ensures an even, irresistible crunch. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly minced or grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-blended. This luscious spread is what sets BLTs with Garlic Aioli apart, lending every bite a robust garlicky flavor with just the right zip from the lemon and mustard.

Step 3: Toast the Bread

Pop your sourdough or favorite sandwich bread into the toaster and get it golden brown. Toasting adds wonderful crunch and helps keep the bread sturdy enough to handle those juicy fillings and creamy aioli.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

Lay out your toasted bread and generously spread the garlic aioli on one side of each slice. On half of the slices, layer on the lettuce leaves, followed by juicy tomato slices and then two crisp strips of bacon each. Cap each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, aioli side down, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Using a sharp knife, slice your sandwiches in half. Serve immediately while the bacon is warm and the bread still has that satisfying crunch. BLTs with Garlic Aioli are best enjoyed fresh—nobody can resist a bite when they’re this beautiful.

How to Serve BLTs with Garlic Aioli

Garnishes

Elevate your homemade BLTs with Garlic Aioli by popping a few vibrant garnishes alongside. Think fresh basil leaves, microgreens, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the tomatoes. These finishing touches add both color and even more flavor to your beautiful sandwiches.

Side Dishes

While BLTs with Garlic Aioli can hold their own, they’re extra satisfying with good company. A classic pickle spear, kettle-cooked chips, or a bright side salad pairs perfectly. For a heartier meal, try pairing with sweet potato fries or a chilled pasta salad—your tastebuds will thank you!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your BLTs with Garlic Aioli into a showstopping platter by cutting each sandwich into diagonal halves or quarters and arranging them on a large board with bowls of extra aioli, sliced avocados, and a colorful side salad. Or skewer them with toothpicks and serve as sliders or party bites—instant crowd-pleasers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover components, store the bacon and aioli separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Freshly slice extra tomatoes and lettuce just before assembling for the best texture.

Freezing

The fully assembled sandwiches aren’t ideal for freezing, but you can definitely freeze cooked bacon. Simply let it cool, place between layers of parchment, and stash in a zip-top bag for up to a month. Thaw and crisp up before sandwich time. The garlic aioli is best made fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days—avoid freezing as it may separate.

Reheating

To refresh bacon, heat the slices in a skillet or a 350°F oven for a few minutes until warmed and crisp. The bread and veggies are best assembled fresh, so reconstruct when ready to eat. Stir the garlic aioli if it’s been made ahead to revive its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought aioli instead of making my own?

Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, pick your favorite store-bought garlic aioli for these BLTs with Garlic Aioli. Homemade brings an extra burst of flavor, but there’s no shame in keeping things simple.

What’s the best type Main Course

Sourdough is a top pick for its flavor and sturdiness, but any hearty sandwich bread will work. Just aim for slices thick enough to handle the juicy fillings and ensure a good, golden toast.

How do I make my bacon extra crispy?

Start the bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and flip the slices halfway for even crisping. For super crisp strips, you can also bake the bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15–20 minutes on a wire rack.

Can I make BLTs with Garlic Aioli vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the bacon for crispy tempeh strips, coconut bacon, or your favorite plant-based alternative. All the other layers and the tangy garlic aioli work perfectly in a vegetarian version.

What are some tasty add-ons I can try?

For a brunch-worthy twist, add sliced avocado or a fried egg to your BLTs with Garlic Aioli. A few slices of red onion or even fresh basil can also add a lovely pop of flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like biting into BLTs with Garlic Aioli—each layer is a little celebration of flavor and texture. Get creative with your add-ons and make these sandwiches your own. Gather up those simple ingredients, whip up the garlicky aioli, and treat yourself or your loved ones to a meal that’s both comforting and totally crave-worthy!

BLTs with Garlic Aioli Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Enjoy the classic BLT sandwich with a flavorful twist of garlic aioli. This recipe combines crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce sandwiched between slices of toasted bread slathered with a homemade garlic-infused mayonnaise.

Ingredients

Scale

Bacon:

8 slices thick-cut bacon

Garlic Aioli:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic (minced or grated)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly:

8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread (toasted)
2 large tomatoes (sliced)
4 large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Prepare the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Toast the Bread: Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread garlic aioli on one side of each slice. Layer 4 slices with lettuce, tomato, and two slices of bacon each. Top with the remaining bread slices, aioli side down.
Serve: Slice in half and serve immediately.