California BLT’s Blat – Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten

My summers in California were always a blur of sunshine, salty air, and the constant hunt for the perfect avocado. My aunt, a true Californian through and through, swore the secret to happiness lay in a perfectly ripe Haas, a thick slice of tomato warmed by the sun, and crisp bacon. While I couldn’t always replicate the sunshine, her iconic “California BLT,” as we affectionately called it, using the best ingredients, was always a guaranteed taste of summer, no matter where I was.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Yield: 2 Sandwiches
• Dietary Type: Varies (can be gluten-free with gluten-free bread)

Ingredients

• 6 slices smoked bacon
• 4 slices good white bread, cut 1/2-inch thick
• 4 tablespoons good mayonnaise (recommended Hellman’s or Bestfoods)
• 4-8 tender green lettuce leaves, washed and spun very dry
• 1 ripe Hass avocado
• 1/2 lemon, juice of
• 1 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/2-inch thick
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Cutting board
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. This indirect heat will cook the bacon perfectly crisp without burning.

2. Place a wire rack on a sheet pan. This elevates the bacon, allowing the fat to render and crisp evenly. Arrange the bacon on the rack in a single layer. Overlapping the bacon will result in unevenly cooked pieces.

3. Bake for 15 to 25 minutes, until the bacon is browned and crisp. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.

4. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels. This removes excess grease and helps maintain the crispness. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

5. Place the bread slices on a sheet pan. Toasting the bread adds a crucial textural element to the sandwich.

6. Toast the bread in the 400 degree F oven for 5 minutes.

7. Turn the slices and toast for 1 more minute, until all the bread is evenly browned. Keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn. You want a golden-brown color.

8. Place 2 slices of the toasted bread on a cutting board. These will be the bases of your BLTs.

9. Spread each slice with about 1 tablespoon of good mayonnaise. Don’t skimp on the mayo – it adds richness and moisture to the sandwich.

10. Cover the bread slices with a layer of lettuce. Be sure the lettuce is thoroughly dry to prevent a soggy sandwich.

11. Peel the avocado and slice it 1/2-inch thick. Choose a perfectly ripe avocado that is creamy and yields gently to pressure.

12. Toss the avocado slices gently with the lemon juice. The lemon juice prevents the avocado from browning and adds a bright, citrusy flavor.

13. Arrange the avocado slices on top of the lettuce leaves. Distribute evenly for maximum avocado enjoyment.

14. Place 3 slices of bacon on top of each sandwich. Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon to your preference, but three slices is a good starting point.

15. Add a layer of tomato slices on top of the bacon. Use large, ripe tomatoes sliced about 1/2-inch thick. Heirloom varieties are especially delicious in this sandwich.

16. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Seasoning is crucial for bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.

17. Spread each of the remaining 2 slices of toasted bread with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and place, mayonnaise side down, on the sandwiches. This helps the sandwich hold together and adds another layer of creamy flavor.

18. Cut in half and serve immediately. Cutting the sandwich in half makes it easier to handle and eat.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Crisp Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, try placing the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and microwaving it for 30 seconds.
• Mayonnaise Matters: Use a high-quality mayonnaise like Hellman’s or Bestfoods for the best flavor. Homemade mayonnaise is also a fantastic option if you have the time.
• Bread Choice: While the recipe calls for white bread, feel free to experiment with other types of bread such as sourdough or multigrain. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.
• Avocado Handling: To prevent avocado browning, rub the cut surfaces with lemon juice immediately. You can also store leftover avocado with a piece of onion in an airtight container.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your California BLT immediately for the best flavor and texture. The toasted bread will soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.

Leftovers are not ideal, as the bread will become soggy and the avocado will brown. However, if you must store them, wrap the sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheating is not recommended. It’s better to assemble fresh sandwiches when you’re ready to eat.

Nutritional Information

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	550 kcal	28%
Total Fat	35g	54%
Saturated Fat	8g	40%
Cholesterol	35mg	12%
Sodium	1150mg	48%
Carbohydrates	47g	16%
Fiber	9g	36%
Sugar	8g	32%
Protein	17g	34%

Variations & Substitutions

• Sprouts for Lettuce: For a different texture and flavor, substitute sprouts for the lettuce.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free bread to make this sandwich gluten-free.
• Turkey Bacon: For a lower-fat option, substitute turkey bacon for the pork bacon.
• Spicy Mayo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise for a spicy kick.
• Roasted Garlic Mayo: Mix roasted garlic into the mayonnaise for a richer, more complex flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: While assembling the sandwich fresh is best, you can prep the ingredients in advance. Cook the bacon, slice the tomatoes and avocado, and wash the lettuce. Store everything separately and assemble just before serving.

Q: What kind of tomatoes are best for this sandwich?
A: Ripe, juicy tomatoes are key. Heirloom tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, or even garden-fresh tomatoes work well.

Q: How do I keep the avocado from browning?
A: Tossing the avocado slices with lemon juice helps prevent browning. You can also wrap leftover avocado tightly in plastic wrap with a piece of onion.

Q: Can I use a different kind of bread?
A: Absolutely! Sourdough, multigrain, or even a croissant would be delicious. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold all the ingredients.

Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can substitute the bacon with grilled halloumi cheese or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

This California BLT is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of fresh, flavorful ingredients. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own. Share your creations with friends and family, and let them experience the taste of sunshine in every bite. Enjoy!