W.d's Blt Recipe

Prep bacon

Arrange the 8 slices of bacon in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet fitted with a wire rack (or directly on the baking sheet if no rack). Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway if not using a rack, until bacon is deep golden-brown and crisp. Remove and transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat if desired.

Toast bread

While the bacon finishes, lightly butter one side of each of the 4 bread slices with the softened butter. Toast the bread in a skillet over medium heat, buttered side down, or in a toaster oven until golden and crisp, about 2–3 minutes per side in a skillet.

Prepare tomato and lettuce

Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and set aside. Slice the large tomato into 1/4-inch thick slices. Season the tomato slices on both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (reserve remaining pepper for finishing).

Mix spread

In a small bowl, combine 3 tbs mayonnaise and 1 tsp Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt or a dash of hot sauce if using.

Assemble sandwiches

Spread the mayonnaise-mustard mixture evenly on the untoasted side of all 4 bread slices. On two bread slices (these will be the bottom halves), layer: 2 lettuce leaves, tomato slices (divide evenly, about 3–4 slices per sandwich), and 4 slices of bacon. If using optional avocado, slice or mash 1/2 cup and add on top of the tomato. Add pickles or hot sauce if desired. Finish with another lettuce leaf, then top with the second bread slice, buttered side out.

Finish and serve

Press sandwiches gently, cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal, and sprinkle remaining 1/2 tsp black pepper over the cut surface. Serve immediately with chips or fries.

If using avocado: halve and pit one avocado, scoop out 1/2 cup of flesh and either slice thinly or mash with a fork and a pinch of salt. Add to sandwich layers when assembling. For pickles: place 2 tbs of sliced pickles on top of tomato. For hot sauce: stir into the mayo-mustard mix or drizzle on bacon before closing the sandwich.