Make a classic BLT sandwich for a crowd with toasted French bread, creamy mayonnaise, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and thick slices of summer tomatoes.
Simplicity is wonderful with any meal but something I particularly strive for when entertaining. Hosting involves a certain degree of overextending oneself as it is, so over-the-top food prep is not usually on the menu. Especially during the summertime. It's too hot for all that fuss. Allow me to introduce you to an epic shareable BLT sub sandwich that will become your go-to for summer gatherings. It packs up perfectly for picnics or anything outdoors but you don't need a specific occasion to make it--just a few hungry friends that love a good ol' BLT sandwich.
Try these recipes, too, for the most popping picnic season!
What Goes in a Good BLT Sandwich?
- Bacon
- Crusty French Bread
- Lettuce
- Mayonnaise or Smashed Avocado
- Tomato
- Sea Salt & Pepper
I mentioned recently that I only started eating tomatoes (used to REALLY dislike them) at the beginning of this year. Despite my nearly lifelong aversion, I am quite familiar with the makings of a good BLT. My mother was a big fan of BLT sandwiches and schooled me on the elements so that I could make them for her. 🙂 You'll need a juicy ripe tomato, crisp romaine lettuce, crispy bacon, buttery white bread, mayo, sea salt, and a little black pepper. For this shareable BLT sub sandwich, specifically, we'll use a loaf of crusty French bread that you can find in the bakery section of your local grocery store, thick tomato slices, and applewood bacon.
How to Properly Stack a BLT Sandwich
Since French bread is thicker than your standard slice of say, Texas Toast, you'll want to load up this epic shareable BLT sub sandwich with multiple slices of bacon, tomato, and lettuce to make sure each bite captures all the right flavors. It's also important to layer your ingredients in a specific order for maximum tastiness. What order, you say? Keep reading, boo.
- Bread
- Mayo or Avocado
- Tomato
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Bread
To keep the sandwich from sliding around, I recommend you start by slathering your mayo on the bottom slice of bread. Next add the tomato. The mayo will act as a barrier that keeps the tomato juices from making the bread soggy, by the way. Next up, pile on the bacon then lettuce. Finish the stack with your remaining bread slice et voila! That's the perfect BLT stacking order. You're welcome.
Tips for this Recipe
- How to cook bacon for a BLT? Cook your bacon in the oven to save time and minimize grease pops. To do this, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and lay the bacon out on a rimmed baking sheet.
- What kind of tomatoes to use in a bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich? Heirloom tomatoes are my absolute favorite in a BLT but not always in season. Look for tomatoes that are large (fill up your palm) and feel a bit heavy (that means they're juicy). Green tomatoes are also great in BLT sandwiches!
- How to transport this sandwich for a picnic? I recommend cutting the sandwich into six portions but keeping them aligned so that you can wrap all the pieces in foil at once.
- How to season a BLT? Sea salt and black pepper is really all you need to let the fresh flavors of the sandwich come through. You can also add a bit of garlic powder if you like.
- What can you put on a BLT instead of mayo? Mayonnaise gives a BLT a bit of tanginess and creaminess but, in my opinion, the tomato provides enough tang so I like to switch out the mayo in favor of avocado. Either smash and spread the avocado over your bread or simply lay a few slices down. The creaminess will be covered.
It is peak season for outdoor summer dining so this unique picnic idea needs to be on your radar. And sharing is caring so be sure to pin this giant BLT sandwich recipe on Pinterest. hanks for reading!
How To Make An Epic Shareable BLT Sub Sandwich
How to turn the classic BLT sandwich into a giant crowd favorite
- 1 loaf French bread
- 1 large tomato cut into ½-1 inch thick slices
- 5 leaves romaine lettuce
- 12 ounces applewood smoked bacon you can use up to 1 pound
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- sea salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Arrange bacon slices on a cookie sheet or other shallow baking pan and place in oven. Bake for about eight minutes or until cooked through and crispy.
Meanwhile, slice French bread loaf in half, lengthwise, in order to create top and bottom pieces for the sandwich.
Spread softened butter on the inside of each bread piece then place directly on oven rack, buttered side up. Bake for about six minutes or until golden brown. (Check at halfway point so that it doesn't burn!) Allow bread to cool for a few minutes before handling.
To assemble sandwich: spread mayo on bottom piece of bread then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Arrange tomato slices in a single layer on top of this, followed by bacon then lettuce. Lastly, top sandwich with remaining piece of bread.
You can either slice sandwich into individual portions at this point or allow each person to cut their own sandwich to size.
Recipe Video
Tamara J. says
I love the ideas and tips on how to stack the BLT so the bread doesn’t get soggy!
Brittany Fiero says
You can't beat a good classic sandwich like this! BLT's are so delicious and easy to make. I want one now.
Renia says
Shareable? No way I'm sharing this delicious sammi.
LaKita says
This recipe definitely makes me want a BLT! I love that you gave suggestions on how to layer the ingredients. I would have just piled everything on there.
SHANIKA says
This BLT Sandwich looks so good! It's a huge thing here in NYC and this recipe would do good in my house!
Mila Clarke Buckley says
You must know there's a special place in my heart for a good BLT. I'm trying your method!
Katrina Adams says
Perfect summer sandwich!!! I have never tasted a BLT because I don’t eat tomatoes but this makes me want to try one!
Aline says
I LOVE BLT sandwiches but somehow never tried to make them haha you just inspired me!! Thanks!! xx