California BLAT Sandwich - Barefoot Contessa's Gourmet Twist
Indulge in a gourmet twist on the classic BLT with the California BLAT sandwich! Featuring crispy smoked bacon, luscious Hass avocado, and ripe tomatoes sandwiched between perfectly toasted slices of artisan white bread, this recipe offers a deliciously fresh take on a beloved classic. Inspired by Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten, this lunchtime favorite adds a creamy excitement of mayonnaise, a zesty hint of lemon, and the vibrant crunch of tender lettuce, making it ideal for a sophisticated lunch or a satisfying snack that will transport you straight to California's sunny coast.
2
Servings
520
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked Bacon
6 slices (baked until crispy)
White Bread
4 slices (artisan, cut 1/2-inch thick)
Mayonnaise
4 tablespoons (recommended: Hellman's or Bestfoods)
Tender Green Lettuce Leaves
4-8 leaves (washed and spun very dry)
Hass Avocado
1 (ripe and sliced 1/2-inch thick)
Lemon Juice
1/2 (juice)
Ripe Tomatoes
1 large (sliced 1/2-inch thick)
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
to taste (sprinkled liberally)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Arrange the smoked bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, or until the bacon is brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the oven and drain excess grease on paper towels. Set aside.
3
For the bread, place the thick-cut slices on a baking sheet and toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes. Flip the slices and toast for an additional 1 minute until evenly golden and crisp.
4
Take two slices of toasted bread and generously spread about 1 tablespoon of your preferred mayonnaise on each. Layer the lettuce leaves over the mayonnaise.
5
Peel the ripe Hass avocado and slice into 1/2-inch thick slices. Gently toss the avocado slices with fresh lemon juice to retain their vibrant color and flavor. Arrange the avocado on top of the lettuce
6
Add the crispy bacon slices, three per sandwich, on top of the avocado.
7
Next, layer the tomato slices on top of the bacon.
8
Season the tomatoes generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced taste.
9
For assembling, spread another tablespoon of mayonnaise on each of the remaining slices of toasted bread and place them, mayo-side down, over the tomatoes to close the sandwiches.
10
Carefully cut the sandwiches in half to serve and enjoy your gourmet California BLAT!
Nutrition Information
38g
Carbs
18g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the acronym BLAT stand for in this recipe?
BLAT stands for Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato.
Who is the inspiration behind this California BLAT sandwich?
This recipe is inspired by Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to make 2 servings.
What is the calorie count for one serving of this sandwich?
Each serving contains approximately 520 calories.
What oven temperature is required to cook the bacon?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How long should the smoked bacon be baked?
Bake the bacon for 15 to 25 minutes or until it is brown and crispy.
What is the best way to arrange bacon for baking?
Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
What type of bread is recommended for this gourmet sandwich?
The recipe calls for artisan white bread cut into 1/2-inch thick slices.
How do you toast the bread for the BLAT?
Toast the bread in the oven for 5 minutes, then flip and toast for 1 additional minute until golden.
Which mayonnaise brands are recommended?
Hellman's or Bestfoods mayonnaise is recommended for this recipe.
How much mayonnaise is used in total?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of mayonnaise, which is about 2 tablespoons per sandwich.
Why is lemon juice used on the Hass avocado?
Lemon juice is used to help the avocado slices retain their vibrant color and enhance the flavor.
How thick should the avocado slices be?
The avocado should be sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces.
How many slices of bacon go into each sandwich?
Each sandwich includes three slices of crispy smoked bacon.
What kind of lettuce should be used?
Use 4 to 8 tender green lettuce leaves that have been washed and spun very dry.
How many tomatoes are needed for the recipe?
One large ripe tomato, sliced 1/2-inch thick, is required.
What seasonings are suggested for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be seasoned liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 18g of protein.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are 38g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Is this sandwich suitable for a snack?
Yes, it is described as being ideal for a sophisticated lunch or a satisfying snack.
What are the primary tags associated with this recipe?
Key tags include blat, bacon, avocado, sandwich, lunch, snack, and barefoot contessa.
How should the sandwich be assembled?
Layer lettuce over mayo-spread toast, followed by lemon-tossed avocado, bacon, and seasoned tomatoes.
How do you prevent the bread from being soggy?
Ensure the lettuce is spun very dry and toast the bread until it is crisp.
What is the final step before serving?
Carefully cut the sandwiches in half and enjoy.
What type of bacon is specified?
The recipe specifies using smoked bacon.
Can I use any avocado?
The recipe specifically recommends using a ripe Hass avocado.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, the fiber and sugar content are not provided in the nutritional data.
Where should the bacon drain after cooking?
Once cooked, the bacon should be drained on paper towels to remove excess grease.
How is the avocado prepared before adding it to the sandwich?
The avocado is peeled, sliced, and gently tossed with fresh lemon juice.