Ultimate Gourmet BLT Delight
Indulge in the savory layers of our Ultimate Gourmet BLT Delight, where simplicity meets elegance! This sandwich is crafted to perfection with crispy bacon, ripe, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all held together by a freshly toasted baguette. The magic lies in the meticulous assembly and our signature house dressing that elevates the taste to extraordinary heights. By removing the soft centers of the baguette, we create a perfectly defined structure that allows each bite to be a delightful blend of flavors without becoming a soggy affair. Perfect for a light lunch or sophisticated snack, this sandwich is a celebration of quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
good quality fresh baguette
1 (split lengthwise, soft centers removed)
Hellmann's mayonnaise or aioli
5 tablespoons (preferably mayo)
basil pesto
3 tablespoons (store-bought or homemade)
bacon
10 slices (cooked until crisp)
large good quality tomatoes
2 (sliced, preferably beefsteak)
red leaf lettuce
1 head (leaves separated, washed, and dried)
balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup
sugar
3 tablespoons
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the house dressing. In a blender, combine the balsamic vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
2
With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Set aside once fully combined.
3
Slice the fresh baguette lengthwise but do not separate the halves. Carefully remove the soft centers to create a canoe-shaped cavity.
4
Using a broiler or a griddle, lightly toast the inside of the baguette until golden brown and slightly crisp.
5
While the bread is toasting, mix the mayonnaise with the basil pesto until well combined.
6
Once the baguette is toasted, generously spread the pesto mayonnaise on both inner halves.
7
Layer the crispy bacon across the bottom half of the baguette, ensuring even coverage for a flavorful bite.
8
Top the bacon with evenly spaced slices of fresh tomatoes, ensuring maximum juiciness with each mouthful. Drizzle the prepared house dressing generously over the tomatoes.
9
Fill the remaining cavity with the washed and dried red leaf lettuce leaves, packing them snugly to create a hearty sandwich.
10
Carefully close the sandwich and press down gently to compact the ingredients without squishing them.
11
Slice the sandwich diagonally using a sharp serrated knife to create 2 to 4 manageable pieces.
12
Secure the sandwiches with toothpicks if necessary for easier serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Gourmet BLT Delight?
The Ultimate Gourmet BLT Delight is an elevated version of the classic BLT sandwich, featuring a hollowed-out fresh baguette, crispy bacon, beefsteak tomatoes, red leaf lettuce, pesto mayonnaise, and a signature house-made balsamic dressing.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
A good quality fresh baguette is the recommended bread for this gourmet sandwich.
How should I prepare the baguette?
Slice the baguette lengthwise without fully separating the halves, then carefully remove the soft centers to create a canoe-shaped cavity.
Why is the soft center of the bread removed?
Removing the bread's center creates a defined structure that holds the ingredients securely and prevents the sandwich from becoming soggy.
What ingredients are in the house dressing?
The house dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, sugar, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
How do I emulsify the house dressing?
While the blender motor is running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
What is the recipe for the pesto mayonnaise?
Mix 5 tablespoons of Hellmann's mayonnaise (or aioli) with 3 tablespoons of store-bought or homemade basil pesto.
How should the bacon be prepared?
The bacon should be cooked until it is crispy before being added to the sandwich.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Large, good quality tomatoes, preferably beefsteak, are recommended for maximum juiciness.
How should the lettuce be prepared?
The red leaf lettuce leaves should be separated, washed, and thoroughly dried before assembly.
How do I toast the baguette?
Use a broiler or a griddle to lightly toast the inside of the baguette until it is golden brown and slightly crisp.
In what order should I assemble the sandwich?
Spread pesto mayo on the bread, layer bacon on the bottom, add tomato slices, drizzle dressing, and then pack the lettuce on top.
Where does the house dressing go in the sandwich?
The house dressing should be drizzled generously directly over the fresh tomato slices.
How do I ensure the sandwich stays together?
Press down gently after closing the sandwich to compact the ingredients and use toothpicks if necessary for serving.
What is the best way to slice the BLT?
Use a sharp serrated knife to slice the sandwich diagonally into 2 to 4 manageable pieces.
Is this recipe considered easy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy and involves straightforward preparation steps.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients required for the Ultimate Gourmet BLT Delight.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade basil pesto for the mayonnaise mixture.
What makes the house dressing unique?
The addition of a small amount of soy sauce and Dijon mustard creates a savory, complex flavor profile that elevates the sandwich.
What type of mayonnaise is preferred?
The recipe suggests using Hellmann's mayonnaise or a high-quality aioli.
How many bacon slices are needed?
The recipe calls for 10 slices of bacon cooked until crisp.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is used when blending the house dressing.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a gourmet sandwich suitable for lunch or a sophisticated snack.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While red leaf lettuce is specified for its texture and flavor, other crisp lettuce varieties could be used as a substitute.
How much sugar is in the dressing?
The dressing recipe includes 3 tablespoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
Do I need a blender for this recipe?
A blender is recommended to properly emulsify the balsamic house dressing.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Should the baguette be fully separated?
No, you should slice it lengthwise but keep the halves attached to better hold the fillings.
Is this BLT suitable for a light lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect option for a light lunch or a sophisticated snack.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this sandwich?
The sandwich combines savory bacon, sweet and tangy balsamic dressing, and fresh, herbaceous pesto.