Is there anything better than a classic BLT? How about a BLT with a creamy, garlicky aioli? Trust me, this twist on the traditional BLT is a total game-changer. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce are already fantastic on their own, but the garlic aioli adds a whole new level of richness and flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you’re craving a sandwich that packs a punch!
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Why You’ll Love BLTs with Garlic Aioli
Picture this: crispy bacon, perfectly ripe tomatoes, cool lettuce, and that savory, garlicky kick from the aioli all tucked into a warm, toasty bun. Here’s why you need to make these ASAP:
- Elevated Flavor: That creamy garlic aioli takes your basic BLT to gourmet status. It’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor that will make your taste buds dance.
- Simple Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe is that you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already. No need for fancy stuff—just good, fresh flavors!
- Quick & Easy: These sandwiches come together in no time at all. You’ll have a satisfying meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for those busy days.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A BLT is a universally loved sandwich, but when you add garlic aioli, it’s like a whole new experience. Serve these at your next get-together, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
- Customizable: Want to add some avocado? Go ahead! Prefer a spicier version? Add a dash of hot sauce to the aioli. It’s your sandwich—make it your own!
Ingredients
Let’s break down what you’ll need for these mouthwatering sandwiches:
- Bacon: You can’t have a BLT without crispy bacon! Cook until golden brown and crispy for that perfect crunch.
- Lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce adds that perfect cool crunch to balance the richness of the bacon and aioli.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. They bring a pop of freshness to each bite.
- Bread: Go with your favorite bread, but I recommend something sturdy like sourdough or whole grain for a bit of texture and flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used to toast the bread and add a golden, crispy finish.
- Garlic Aioli: The star of the show! A creamy mix of mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of salt and pepper.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make these amazing BLTs with garlic aioli? Let’s dive in:
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Toast the Bread: Brush both sides of your bread slices with olive oil and toast them in the skillet until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side.
Prepare the Garlic Aioli: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Spread a generous amount of garlic aioli on each slice of toasted bread. Then layer the bacon, lettuce, and tomato on one slice, and top with the other slice of bread.
Serve and Enjoy: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve immediately. These are best enjoyed fresh, with that crispy bacon and creamy aioli melting together in every bite!
How to Serve BLTs with Garlic Aioli
These sandwiches are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make the meal even more satisfying:
- Crisp Salads: Pair with a light, refreshing salad with a simple vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- Potato Chips or Fries: You can’t go wrong with the classic combo of a sandwich and crispy chips or fries on the side.
- Pickles: Serve with tangy pickles for a nice contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
- Soup: A bowl of creamy tomato soup is the perfect pairing for a BLT!
Additional Tips
- Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add some fresh avocado slices to the sandwich. It pairs perfectly with the garlic aioli.
- Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to the aioli.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the garlic aioli in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Bread Options: Try different types of bread like ciabatta, brioche, or even a hearty whole wheat for a change.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A1: Yes! Turkey bacon is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just cook it until it’s crispy!
Q2: How can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
A2: You can use gluten-free bread for a delicious and safe alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Q3: Can I make this sandwich without the aioli?
A3: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use regular mayonnaise or even mustard for a different twist.
Q4: Can I prepare the garlic aioli in advance?
A4: Yes, you can make the aioli ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: If you have any leftover BLT sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. However, the bread will lose its crispness, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh!
Q6: How do I make my aioli extra garlicky?
A6: If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra clove of minced garlic to the aioli for more of that bold flavor!
Q7: Can I make these sandwiches in a panini press?
A7: Yes! A panini press will give your sandwiches an extra crispy finish. Just be sure to press them lightly to avoid squashing the sandwich.
Q8: Can I use a different type of bread?
A8: Of course! Feel free to try different breads like multigrain, whole wheat, or even croissants for a buttery twist.
Q9: How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
A9: Toast the bread well and spread a light layer of aioli. The toasty bread helps keep things crispy, and the aioli adds flavor without making it soggy.
Q10: Can I make this sandwich for a crowd?
A10: Yes! You can easily make a big batch. Just increase the amount of ingredients and assemble as needed.
Conclusion
These BLTs with Garlic Aioli are everything you’ve been craving and more—crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. The garlic aioli takes this classic sandwich to the next level, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or serving it up for friends and family, this sandwich is bound to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy!
Print
BLTs with Garlic Aioli
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Brunch, Lunch, Sandwiches
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Upgrade your classic BLT with a garlicky twist! This version features crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all topped with a creamy, homemade garlic aioli. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick weekend meal.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Aioli:
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1 head garlic + 1 small clove of fresh garlic, divided
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2/3 cup + 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
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2 egg yolks
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1 tbsp white vinegar
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1/2 tsp mustard powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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Pinch black pepper
For the Sandwiches:
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2 large tomatoes, washed
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8 slices thick sourdough or white artisan bread
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1 small head green leaf lettuce, washed and spun dry
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16 pieces bacon, freshly cooked and drained
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Salt and pepper to taste
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8 sandwich picks or toothpicks
Instructions
Make the Roasted Garlic:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Slice off the top of the garlic head to expose the cloves. Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the head. Wrap in foil and roast for 45 minutes until soft.
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Let cool, then squeeze garlic out of skins. Set aside or refrigerate.
Make the Aioli:
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In a food processor, combine fresh garlic, roasted garlic, egg yolks, vinegar, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
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Blend until smooth. Slowly add remaining olive oil, blending until smooth. Add water if needed to adjust consistency.
Assemble the Sandwiches:
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Slice tomatoes into ½-inch thick slices and blot dry with a paper towel.
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Toast the bread slices to your preference.
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Spread garlic aioli (about 1 tbsp) on each toast slice.
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Top with lettuce, then 2 slices of tomato per sandwich. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Add 4 slices of bacon per sandwich, cut to fit if needed.
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Optionally, spread more aioli on the remaining toast slices. Place on top, aioli side down.
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Slice each sandwich in half and secure with sandwich picks. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Extra Aioli: This recipe makes 1 cup of garlic aioli, which can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days.
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Bacon Alternative: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
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Add-Ons: Try adding avocado or sliced pickles for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 175mg