Ouisie's Blt Sandwich Recipe

Sandwich

1. 1

   Prepare bacon

   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set an oven rack on top or use a wire rack set in the sheet. Lay bacon slices in a single layer without overlap. Bake 15–20 minutes, rotating the pan once at 10 minutes, until bacon is crisp but not brittle. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and keep warm. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat for toasting bread if desired; discard the rest or reserve for another use.

2. 2

   Prepare tomatoes and lettuce

   While bacon cooks, slice tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Season tomato slices lightly with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Rinse lettuce leaves, spin or pat dry, and tear any large leaves so they fit the bread slices.

3. 3

   Prepare spread

   In a small bowl combine mayonnaise (1 cup) and Dijon mustard (2 tsp). Mix until smooth and taste; adjust salt/pepper if desired. This will be the primary spread on the sandwich.

4. 4

   Toast bread

   Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly butter one side of each bread slice with the unsalted butter (about 2 tbsp total). If you saved 1 tbsp bacon fat, you can brush the skillet and use that with the butter for extra flavor. Toast bread, buttered side down, 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Alternatively, toast in a toaster oven until golden.

5. 5

   Assemble sandwiches

   Spread about 2 tablespoons of the mayo-Dijon mixture on the unbuttered side of four toasted bread slices (these will be the interior sides). On each of those slices layer: 3 slices of bacon (hot or warm), 2–3 tomato rounds (seasoned side up), 2 leaves of lettuce, and optional avocado slices or pickle chips if using (slice the avocado thinly and fan 1/4 per sandwich). Top with an additional 2 teaspoons of the spread if you like extra creaminess. Close sandwiches with the remaining toasted bread slices, buttered side out.

6. 6

   Finish and serve

   Press sandwiches gently, cut each sandwich diagonally (or in half) with a sharp knife. Serve immediately while bacon is still warm. Provide extra salt and pepper at the table. Makes 4 sandwiches (servings).