A great BLAT sandwich is made with high-quality ingredients, proper preparation and the right balance of flavors and textures. The key ingredients for a great BLAT are bacon, lettuce, avocado and tomato. The addition of the avocado is what elevated a classic BLT sandwich to something with a bit more texture. Avocados have become increasingly popular in recent years and have been considered a trendy food item, and this is just another example.
2 Tomatoes
2 Avocados
Romaine Lettuce
Feta Cheese
Mayonnaise
8 Slices of Bacon
Everything Seasoning
Sea Salt
Cut your green leaf lettuce into smaller pieces, slice tomatoes and season with salt n’ pepper. Seasoning tomatoes with salt and pepper can enhance their flavor and make them taste more delicious. Salt helps to bring out the natural sweetness of tomatoes and can also enhance other flavors. Black pepper, on the other hand, adds a subtle spiciness and can also provide a contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Tomatoes are often picked before they are fully ripe, so seasoning them with salt and pepper can help to make up for the lack of flavor. Salt and pepper can also help to mask any off-flavors that might be present in under ripe tomatoes. Another popular tomato type to use for this sandwich is an heirloom tomato, which offers more unique, complex flavors and often have a more interesting taste than traditional tomatoes. They are also generally considered to be more nutritious than other tomato varieties.
Next, you need to decide how you prefer your avocados. You can either slice them or mash them, and the only real difference is the preference of texture. Sliced avocados retain their shape and have a firm, creamy texture, while mashed avocados are smooth and creamy, with a more homogenous texture.
Baking bacon and frying bacon are two different methods of cooking bacon that produce different results. Frying bacon involves cooking the bacon in a pan over a stovetop burner, where the bacon is submerged in its own fat. This method allows for the bacon to cook quickly and for the fat to render out of the bacon, giving it a crispy texture. However, it can also create a lot of splatters and smoke, and it requires constant attention to make sure the bacon doesn’t burn.
Baking bacon, on the other hand, involves cooking the bacon in the oven. The bacon is placed on a baking sheet and placed in the oven to cook. Because the bacon is not submerged in fat, it does not render as much fat as frying does. This means that the bacon will be less crispy and have a softer texture. However, baking bacon is a more hands-off method of cooking and is less messy than frying bacon. It also cooks more evenly than frying.
For this recipe, I’m choosing to just bake the bacon for convenience. I also choose to buy Black Label thick cut bacon, every time it’s on sale I have a hard time not buying it. Follow the instructions on the back for backing, which is the oven at 375 for about 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, set aside and dab with some paper towels to remove the grease.
There is always the option of using turkey bacon if you don’t like to eat pork. I’ve never had a problem with turkey bacon, and it’s certainly a healthier alternative. Maybe next time.
If you’re going to make the ultimate blat, it starts with using fresh bread.
Fresh bread offers superior taste and texture. The flavor is richer, often reflecting the particular grains or other ingredients used in its preparation. It can significantly enhance the overall taste of the sandwich by adding a layer of complexity to the BLAT’s simplicity.
It also offers a delightful textural contrast. The exterior crust tends to be crispier, providing a satisfying crunch, while the inside remains soft and fluffy. This diversity of textures can elevate the sandwich experience, complementing the crispiness of the bacon and the softness of the avocado and tomato.
On the other hand, packaged bread provides convenience and longevity. It is pre-sliced, which ensures uniformity and ease when making multiple sandwiches.
Packaged bread is also treated with preservatives to extend its shelf life. This means it can be kept for longer periods, making it a staple in many households for its readiness and availability. However, the flavor of packaged bread may not be as rich or distinctive as fresh bread. The may be more uniform and lack the crisp crust and soft interior that fresh bread offers.
I would highly recommend using thick sliced fresh white bread rather than packaged bread from the grocery store to maximize the potential of this sandwich.
Once you’ve decided on your type of bread, toast your bread until you are happy with the color.
Which number are you?
There is an art to building a quality BLAT.
First, spread mayonnaise on one side, and spread the avocado on the other. Lightly season the avocado with the sea salt and everything seasoning. If you can, try and get Trader Joe’s Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. It’s truly superior to any other everything seasoning I’ve tried.
Everything seasoning has gained popularity due to its versatility and convenience. As a pre-made blend of spices, seeds, and salt, it offers a quick and easy way to add flavor to a variety of foods. From eggs to avocado toast, soups and stews, everything seasoning can be used to enhance the taste of any dish.
The combination of spices and seeds in everything seasoning also provides a unique and delicious taste that appeals to a wide range of people. With its versatility and ease of use, it is no wonder that everything seasoning has become a staple in many kitchens and has gained widespread popularity in recent years.
Another option to include in this step is the addition of lemon juice. While not included in this recipe, lemon juice can be great addition to a BLAT because of its bright, acidic flavor. The tartness of lemon juice helps to balance the rich and savory flavors of the bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato, resulting in a well-rounded and delicious sandwich.
The acid in the lemon juice helps to bring out the flavors of the avocado, tomato, and bacon, making each ingredient in the sandwich taste even more delicious. The addition of lemon juice also helps to prevent the avocado from turning brown, making it a practical choice for those who want to keep their sandwich looking fresh. With its bright flavor and practical benefits, lemon juice is a great addition to the BLAT and adds a unique and enjoyable taste to the sandwich.
Place 3-4 slices on 1 side of the bread, and place the feta cheese on the avocado side of the bread.
Feta cheese is a great addition to this recipe because of its distinct flavor and texture. The tangy, slightly salty taste of feta cheese provides a nice balance to the milder flavors of the bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato. The crumbly texture of feta cheese also offers a nice contrast to the soft, creamy texture of the avocado, making each bite of the sandwich more enjoyable.
The combination of these flavors and textures make for a delicious and satisfying sandwich, making feta cheese a great addition to the BLAT.
Lastly, top the bacon with the tomato, and the feta with the lettuce leaves.
Romaine lettuce is the most popular lettuce for a this type of sandwich due to its crunchy texture and mild flavor. Its long, crisp leaves provide a satisfying crunch when bitten into, making it a great choice for adding a crunchy texture to the sandwich.
The mild flavor of romaine lettuce also allows the other ingredients in the sandwich to shine, without overwhelming the other flavors. Unlike other lettuce varieties like Iceberg, which can have a very bland flavor, Romaine lettuce has a subtle flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sandwich, making it a popular choice for a BLT or BLAT.
Lastly, sturdy texture makes it less likely to wilt or fall apart in the sandwich, making it a practical and convenient option for those looking for a tasty and convenient sandwich.
Cut the BLAT in half and dig in!
The BLAT (bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato) sandwich is sometimes considered to be an improvement on the classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) sandwich. The addition of avocado provides a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the bacon and tomato.
The avocado also adds healthy unsaturated fats and nutrients to the sandwich, making it a more well-rounded meal. Furthermore, the avocado helps to hold the sandwich together, making it less messy and easier to eat than the traditional BLT. Some people also believe that the avocado provides a more satisfying and filling addition to the sandwich, making the BLAT a better option for those who want a more substantial meal. However, personal preferences and tastes vary, and some people may still prefer the classic BLT to the BLAT.
The BLT sandwich is popular for a number of reasons. One of the main reasons is that it is a simple, yet satisfying sandwich that can be made with basic ingredients. The bacon provides a salty and savory flavor, while the lettuce and tomato add freshness and a crunchy texture.
It can also be easily customized to personal taste and dietary needs, by adding or removing ingredients. The combination of flavors and textures in the sandwich make it appealing to a wide range of people. The sandwich can also be served in different styles, like toasted or non toasted bread, different types of bread and even with different type of bacon.
However, in my opinion…the BLAT is superior to the BLT.
