Crispy Thick Bacon Lettuce Tomato And Light Mayo On Grilled House – Made French Bread Recipe

Prepare bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top if available. Arrange 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in a single layer on the rack or directly on the foil if you don't have a rack. Roast in the preheated oven 15–20 minutes, turning once at about 10 minutes, until edges are deeply golden and bacon is crisp but not burnt. For extra-even crispness use the rack. Remove bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly.

Prepare bread

While the bacon cooks, cut the French loaf in half lengthwise so you have two long halves. Spread 1 tablespoon softened butter evenly on the cut side of each half. Place the cut-side down on a preheated grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, or under a broiler set to medium-high, and grill 1–2 minutes until the bread is lightly golden and crisp. Remove and set cut-sides up.

Prepare tomato and seasonings

Slice the large tomato into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick slices. Lightly sprinkle the tomato slices with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; set aside so excess juices are released onto a plate (pat dry before assembling if too wet).

Assemble spread

Spread 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise evenly across the bottom half of the grilled bread. Spread the remaining 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise on the top half. (This keeps the sandwich light while adding moisture.)

Assemble sandwich

On the bottom half of the bread, layer the washed lettuce leaves in a single even layer, then arrange tomato slices overlapping slightly. Top the tomatoes with the 8 slices of crisp bacon, breaking slices in half if needed to fit evenly. Sprinkle the bacon and tomatoes with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper if desired. Close the sandwich with the top half of the bread, cut the loaf into 4 equal sandwiches, pressing gently to compact.

Serve

Serve immediately while bacon and bread are warm. Optionally serve with kettle chips or a pickle spear.