My Million Dollar BLT is extra easy to make, and there’s a secret trick that will have even those of you who have never been fans of BLTs going back for seconds. Read on to see what all the fuss is about!

Million Dollar BLT

BLTs are a classic American sandwich with lettuce, fresh sliced tomatoes, and lots of crispy fried bacon. They are typically served on toasted white bread with a thin mayo spread.

My BLTs are the best because I marinate my tomatoes in Italian seasonings, salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic reduction. The bread is lightly toasted, and it is served with LOTS of big thick bacon, mayo, and romaine lettuce.

This bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich is AMAZING. No kidding, this is the best BLT recipe! Marinating the tomatoes in Italian seasoning and balsamic reduction adds so much extra flavor, and it only takes a few additional minutes to prepare. Thick sliced bacon brings a smoky, salty taste, and fresh romaine lettuce is the leafy green that ties it all together.

This super easy, delicious sandwich is going to be your go-to lunch all summer long!  It’s simple to put together, flavorful, and perfect for these sunny summer days.

For even more excellent summer sandwich ideas check out my Simple All-Natural Turkey Sandwich or my Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich.

Try our Chopped Italian Sandwich too!

Where did the BLT originate?

Even though bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes have been around for ages, it wasn’t until relatively recently that someone thought to put them together into a sandwich. Around 1900 there is a recipe recorded in a cookbook that talks about a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich that also included turkey. (Also good, but not the classic!) In the 20s there were a few recipes that were close, but most of them included pickles instead of tomatoes.

There are a lot more references to BLTs in the 40s and 50s, but they weren’t called BLTs back then. That didn’t catch on until the 70s, probably from cafes trying to speed up their ordering!

No matter where they came from though, BLT sandwiches are a modern classic. Crunchy, delicious, and filling, they’re a great culinary invention!

What goes on a BLT?

Part of the attraction of a good BLT is the simple ingredients. Here are the basic components for my perfect BLT.

• Thick cut bacon
• Fresh Romaine lettuce
• Tomatoes
• I prefer Roma tomatoes because of the concentrated flavor, but some people prefer beefsteak because they have more flesh and fewer seeds
• Mayonnaise
• Bread (I like sourdough, but you can use your favorite!)

Secrets for the perfect Million Dollar BLT

You might think that making a BLT is as easy as throwing some ingredients on bread, but it is pretty easy to make a really bad BLT! If you keep a few things in mind, you can make your BLT even better.

• Don’t make BLTs out of season. Ever. You must have GOOD tomatoes. A BLT is a summer sandwich. Fight me.
• Remember to drain the bacon after cooking. Less oil means a crisper sandwich.
• Choose a thick sliced bread with a hearty flavor. Homemade or bakery bread are great for sandwiches!
• Let your toast cool before you spread the mayo on it so the bread doesn’t warm up the mayonnaise.
• After you wash your lettuce pat it dry to remove any excess water.
• Cut your bacon in half after it’s been cooked to fit more neatly on your sandwich bread. It will also help cover more of your sandwich with bacon, which is always good.

In addition to this, my personal secret is to marinate your tomatoes.

How to marinate tomatoes for a BLT

You only need a few simple ingredients for your tomato marinade to make this the best BLT you’ve ever had. 

• Olive Oil
• Balsamic Vinegar (or a balsamic reduction if you have one handy or want to go the extra mile and make one)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian Seasoning

Balsamic Reduction Instructions

You probably remember my balsamic reduction recipe from my Caprese Salad With Balsamic Reduction. (Another awesome summer lunch idea, by the way!)

A balsamic reduction is super easy to make, and it really brings this BLT recipe to a whole new level. “Balsamic reduction” sounds fancy, but it is the easiest thing in the world to prepare! It only has two ingredients, and it only takes 20 minutes.

1. Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan
2. Heat on medium-high and stir constantly until the sugar is dissolved
3. Simmer for 20 minutes until the mixture is reduced by half

What else can you put on a BLT?

One great thing about BLTs is how much you can customize them. There are tons of ways to change it up and get a variation on your favorite! Try some of these additions, maybe your discover a brand new flavor combination to fall in love with.

• Avocado adds a creamy, smooth texture and a new layer of flavor
• Horseradish–mix it with the mayo to give your sandwich a spicy kick
• A fried egg makes this sandwich even heartier
• Kale is a great option in addition to lettuce
• Sriracha sauce if you like that spicy flavor