Heavenly Garden BLT with Basil Aioli
Celebrate the upcoming harvest season with this Heavenly Garden BLT, featuring ripe garden tomatoes and homemade basil aioli. This twist on the classic BLT enhances the traditional flavors with rich applewood-smoked bacon, creamy fresh mozzarella, and peppery arugula, all layered between toasted sourdough bread. The fragrant basil aioli adds a delightful freshness that elevates every bite. Perfect for lunch or as a snack, this sandwich truly captures the essence of summer's bounty!
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sourdough bread
2 slices (none)
Basil Aioli
2 tablespoons (see recipe section)
Applewood-smoked bacon
3 pieces (cooked)
Ripe medium tomato
1 (sliced)
Arugula leaf
1/3 cup (loosely packed)
Fresh mozzarella cheese
2 ounces (sliced)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Basil Aioli by following the recipe included in the ingredients list. Allow 30 minutes for preparation and chilling.
2
Once the aioli is ready, start assembling your sandwich.
3
Take two slices of sourdough bread and generously spread 1 tablespoon of basil aioli on one side of each slice.
4
On one slice of bread, layer the cooked applewood-smoked bacon, followed by the slices of ripe tomato.
5
Add the arugula leaves on top of the tomato, then place the fresh mozzarella slices over the arugula.
6
Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
7
Top with the second slice of bread, aioli side down, to complete the sandwich.
8
Grill or toast the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted slightly.
9
Slice in half and serve immediately with extra basil aioli on the side for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Heavenly Garden BLT?
It is a gourmet twist on the classic BLT featuring ripe garden tomatoes, homemade basil aioli, applewood-smoked bacon, fresh mozzarella, and peppery arugula on sourdough bread.
What are the main ingredients for this sandwich?
The ingredients include sourdough bread, basil aioli, applewood-smoked bacon, ripe medium tomato, arugula leaf, fresh mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
What kind of bread is recommended?
Sourdough bread is recommended, using two slices for one sandwich.
How do I prepare the Basil Aioli?
Follow the specific recipe included in the ingredients list and allow 30 minutes for preparation and chilling before use.
How much basil aioli should I use?
You should use approximately 2 tablespoons in total, spreading 1 tablespoon on each slice of bread.
What type of bacon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pieces of cooked applewood-smoked bacon.
What type of cheese is added to the BLT?
Fresh mozzarella cheese, specifically 2 ounces of sliced mozzarella, is used.
What kind of greens are featured in this sandwich?
The sandwich features 1/3 cup of loosely packed arugula leaves for a peppery flavor.
How should the tomato be prepared?
One ripe medium tomato should be sliced before being layered into the sandwich.
How do I assemble the Heavenly Garden BLT?
Spread aioli on sourdough, then layer bacon, tomato slices, arugula, and mozzarella. Season with salt and pepper before topping with the second slice of bread.
How is the sandwich cooked?
The assembled sandwich should be grilled or toasted in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
How do I know when the sandwich is ready?
It is ready when the bread is golden brown and the fresh mozzarella cheese has melted slightly.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is designed for 1 serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as perfect for lunch or as a snack.
What makes this a summer recipe?
It celebrates the harvest season by using ripe garden tomatoes and fresh basil, capturing the essence of summer's bounty.
Should I season the sandwich?
Yes, it is recommended to sprinkle salt and pepper to taste to enhance the natural flavors.
How should the sandwich be served?
Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately, ideally with extra basil aioli on the side for dipping.
Can I make the aioli in advance?
Yes, the instructions suggest allowing 30 minutes for the aioli to chill, so preparing it ahead of time is beneficial.
What is the heat level for grilling?
The sandwich should be cooked over medium heat to ensure even browning and melting.
What is the texture of the finished sandwich?
The sandwich features toasted, crunchy sourdough contrasted with creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
Does the recipe use pre-cooked bacon?
The recipe lists the bacon as 'cooked' in the preparation notes, so it should be prepared before assembly.
How much arugula is needed?
1/3 cup of loosely packed arugula leaves.
What flavor profile does the arugula provide?
Arugula adds a peppery freshness that elevates the other ingredients.
How much mozzarella is used?
2 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese.
Is the basil aioli spread on both slices of bread?
Yes, you should spread 1 tablespoon of aioli on one side of each of the two slices of sourdough.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include BLT, sandwich, basil aioli, fresh tomatoes, bacon, mozzarella, arugula, lunch, snack, summer recipes, and easy recipes.
Is this considered an easy recipe?
Yes, 'easy recipes' is one of the tags associated with this sandwich.
What makes the bacon in this recipe special?
The use of applewood-smoked bacon provides a specific rich and smoky flavor profile.
Can I use any tomato?
While any tomato works, the recipe specifically highlights ripe garden tomatoes for the best seasonal flavor.
How much time should I set aside for the aioli?
The instructions recommend allowing 30 minutes for preparation and chilling.