Ultimate Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Delight
Dive into the quintessential summer sandwich that elevates the classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato (BLT) to new heights! This recipe, honed from the culinary genius of James Beard, is crafted specifically for those who savor the indulgence of bacon fat. Say goodbye to traditional mayonnaise; this version is enriched with liquid bacon fat, creating a creamy, savory spread that's perfect for summertime picnics or leisurely lunches. With ripe, juicy tomatoes harvested at their peak, crisp lettuce, and perfectly cooked bacon, each bite is an explosion of flavor. Gather your friends for a delightful culinary adventure, and relish in the deliciousness of this exquisite sandwich — a true homage to bacon lovers everywhere!
4
Servings
283
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
egg yolk
1 (raw)
Dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon (prepared)
lemon juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
sea salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
bacon fat
1/2 cup (liquid, warm)
bacon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (prepared from the above)
bread
2 slices (your favorite type)
lettuce
1 small head (washed and leaves separated)
tomatoes
2 (sliced)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
bacon
4 ounces (cooked slices)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Blend until well mixed.
2
Carefully season the mixture with sea salt and ground black pepper.
3
Ensure the bacon fat is in liquid form and slightly warm but not hot. While the processor is running, gradually drizzle in the bacon fat. Continue to blend for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to emulsify and thicken. Once it starts to come together, you can add the bacon fat more quickly.
4
If the mayonnaise ends up too thick, blend in 1 teaspoon of boiling water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
5
Take your favorite slices of bread and spread 1 tablespoon of the bacon mayonnaise onto each slice. Layer the fresh lettuce and tomato slices on one of the pieces of bread, generously seasoning the tomatoes with black pepper.
6
Top the tomatoes with the crispy bacon slices and finish with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down. Gently press the sandwich together to hold all the glorious layers in place.
7
Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately, enjoying the summer flavors and satisfying crunch.
Nutrition Information
23g
Fat
10g
Carbs
8.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Delight?
It is an elevated version of the classic BLT sandwich that uses a unique homemade mayonnaise made from bacon fat.
What makes this BLT recipe unique compared to others?
This version replaces traditional store-bought mayonnaise with a savory spread enriched with warm liquid bacon fat.
Who is the culinary inspiration behind this sandwich?
The recipe is honed from the culinary genius of James Beard.
What are the primary ingredients for the bacon mayonnaise?
The spread is made from egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, sea salt, ground black pepper, and warm liquid bacon fat.
How do you prepare the base for the mayonnaise?
In a food processor, blend the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well mixed.
What state should the bacon fat be in for blending?
The bacon fat should be in liquid form and slightly warm, but not hot.
How should the bacon fat be added to the mixture?
While the processor is running, gradually drizzle in the bacon fat to ensure proper emulsification.
How long does it take for the mayonnaise to thicken?
It typically takes about 2 minutes of blending for the mixture to emulsify and thicken.
What if the bacon mayonnaise ends up too thick?
You can blend in 1 teaspoon of boiling water to achieve your desired consistency.
How much bacon mayonnaise should be used per slice?
Spread 1 tablespoon of the bacon mayonnaise onto each slice of bread.
What type of bread is recommended for this sandwich?
You can use two slices of your favorite type of bread.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
Use one small head of lettuce, washed with the leaves separated.
How many tomatoes are needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tomatoes, which should be sliced.
How are the tomatoes seasoned in the sandwich?
The tomato slices should be generously seasoned with black pepper.
How much bacon is required for this sandwich?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of cooked bacon slices.
What is the assembly order for the sandwich?
Layer lettuce and tomato on one slice of bread, top with bacon, and then add the second slice of bread mayonnaise-side down.
Why should you press the sandwich together gently?
Pressing the sandwich gently helps hold all the glorious layers and ingredients in place.
Should the sandwich be served immediately?
Yes, it should be served immediately to enjoy the peak summer flavors and satisfying crunch.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 283 calories.
How much fat is in one serving of this BLT?
There are 23 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 10 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this sandwich provide?
One serving provides 8.5 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are used in total?
The recipe consists of 12 total ingredients.
Is this a good recipe for summer activities?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summertime picnics or leisurely lunches.
What type of mustard is used in the mayo?
The recipe specifically calls for Dijon mustard.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The instructions recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How is the bacon fat categorized in the ingredient list?
It is listed as 1/2 cup of liquid, warm bacon fat.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include sandwich, bacon, blt, bacon mayonnaise, summer lunch, comfort food, and easy recipes.
What is the serving suggestion?
Cut the sandwich in half before serving to showcase the layers.