Grilled Bacon BLTs
When Smitten Kitchens Deb Perelman decided to make BLTs for her family, she vowed not to mess with them. There's white bread and full-fat mayonnaise. There isnt kale in place of iceberg. Definitely no turkey bacon. A perfect BLT is a pure and delicious thing that I wanted my kids to experience properly, especially since we only have them a couple of times a year. Grilling the bacon helps stretch the summery vibes into fall, and as a bonus youll save your kitchen from a greasy mess.
When Smitten Kitchens Deb Perelman decided to make BLTs for her family, she vowed not to mess with them. There's white bread and full-fat mayonnaise. There isnt kale in place of iceberg. Definitely no turkey bacon. A perfect BLT is a pure and delicious thing that I wanted my kids to experience properly, especially since we only have them a couple of times a year. Grilling the bacon helps stretch the summery vibes into fall, and as a bonus youll save your kitchen from a greasy mess.
- Carbohydrate 0.0425315625 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.002139375 g
- Fiber 0.017390625 g
- Protein 0.0071859375 g
- Saturated Fat 0.000643125 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (113g)
- Sodium 0.028875 mg
- Sugar 0.0251409375 g
- Trans Fat 9.18750000000003E-05 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Prepare a grill for medium heat.
- Stir together mayonnaise and Sriracha in a small bowl. Taste and add as much Sriracha as desired to meet your preferred level of spiciness.
- Arrange bacon strips across grate and grill until lightly charred around the edges, 5–7 minutes. (Flare-ups are common, so lower the lid if needed and carefully raise just to check doneness.)
- Turn bacon over and grill until browned and crisp, about 4 minutes. Cooking times can vary significantly based on how thick your bacon is and the heat of your grill. (If you’re grilling bacon for the first time, keep a close eye on it and check often.)
- Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain.
- Arrange bread on grate and grill until toasted, about 30 seconds per side.
- Transfer to a cutting board.
- Spread Sriracha mayonnaise over 1 side of each slice of bread.
- Season tomatoes with salt and pepper, then build sandwiches with lettuce on the bottom, tomatoes in the middle, and bacon on top (tear lettuce leaves and cut bacon in half to fit nicely if needed).
- Close up sandwiches and slice in half on a diagonal.
- You can also serve this as a BLT buffet: Arrange toast, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce on platters with Sriracha mayo and salt and pepper alongside and let everyone make their own.
The Perfect Grilled Bacon BLT: A Summertime Staple
There's something undeniably magical about a perfectly crafted BLT. The crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and cool lettuce all come together in a symphony of flavors and textures. But for me, a busy mom juggling work, kids, and a million other things, finding the time to prepare a truly exceptional BLT often feels like a luxury. That is, until I discovered the simple yet transformative power of grilling the bacon.
My love for BLTs began during a family trip to the coast when I was a child. We'd spend our days building sandcastles, swimming in the ocean, and evenings devouring simple, yet satisfying meals. One of the highlights was always the BLTs my dad would prepare, each one a masterpiece of rustic perfection. He'd grill the bacon to perfection. That memory is part of my BLT obsession. It's a very personal and emotional experience for me.
Over the years, I've experimented with countless variations, from adding avocado to trying gourmet bread. But in the end, I always return to the classic: perfectly grilled bacon, ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a generous spread of mayonnaise. The key, I've learned, lies in the details. The bacon must be thick-cut, giving it the ideal crispiness and juicy center. The tomatoes should be in-season, bursting with flavor, and the mayonnaise, well, it's essential! I never compromise on the quality of the ingredients. A trip to the farmers' market to collect the best possible ingredients adds a special touch to my cooking.
Grilling the bacon adds a smoky depth that elevates the sandwich to a whole new level. It's also a great way to avoid splattering your kitchen with grease. The char adds a delicious complexity to the bacon's flavor, making it a more intense, yet more satisfying experience. And the best part? It’s incredibly simple.
I've found that grilling the bacon on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side delivers the perfect balance of crispiness and tenderness. But, you have to keep your eyes peeled. Be aware of flare-ups. You'll know when it's ready – it will have a beautiful golden-brown hue and a satisfying sizzle.
Beyond the bacon, I also like to grill the bread lightly. This adds a nice touch of texture and makes for a more substantial sandwich. I often experiment with the type of bread, and have a favorite local bakery that I frequently visit to make sure I get exactly what I want. Sometimes I'll even toast it slightly and then brush it with some garlic butter before grilling it.
The assembly is equally straightforward. I typically layer the lettuce, followed by the juicy slices of tomato and the perfectly grilled bacon. A creamy, seasoned mayonnaise ties the whole thing together. In my version, I add some Sriracha for a little heat, creating a flavorful and balanced sandwich. If I am feeling ambitious, I might add a slice of perfectly ripe avocado.
Grilling bacon BLTs is more than just a recipe; it’s a family tradition, a shortcut to summer memories, and a delicious way to add a little excitement to an everyday meal. The smoky flavor of the grilled bacon, the burst of fresh ingredients, and that satisfying crunch— it all comes together to create a sandwich that’s simple, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.
So, the next time you're craving a truly extraordinary BLT, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a casual lunch or a backyard barbecue. And trust me, once you taste the difference, you'll never go back to cooking bacon in the pan again.
