I was very surprised recently to learn that what I thought was a quintessentially American sandwich was actually British in origin!!! Taste Atlas says that the BLT first appeared in British cookbooks in the 1920’s but that it only gained popularity in the U.S.A in the post-war period. It further surprised me to learn that the BLT was, in 2019 ranked as the UK’s favourite sandwich but only came in 6th in the United States!
I guess though, for anyone who is new to Earth…first, hi, welcome, glad you found me! Second, BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, tomato being the three key ingredients of this sandwich.
I LOVE a BLT and it’s avocado-ey cousin the BLAT.
I was hoping to find a classic BLT in the American chapter of Good Housekeeping’s World Cookery. Not that I need an excuse to make one. However, I was simultaneously delighted and horrified to see their idea of a BLT. Here’s their recipe:
The GHWC BLT – The Pros
You will notice that Good Housekeeping calls it a Bacon, Tomato and Lettuce Sandwich. Which if you look at my picture above is actually my preferred way of layering. I don’t understand why you would go to the bother of getting nice bread and toasting it, only to have the tomato making it all soggy and gross half way through eating it.
My preferred version – from the top-down: toasted bread, bacon, tomato, lettuce mayo, toasted bread. So, thank you Good Housekeeping for getting the order correct!
An potato chips and pickles on the side are always a good idea!
I am ambivalent about whether or not you have a double or single decker BLT. I do think though that the second piece of bread requires either another condiment or another dab of mayonnaise. My preferred option is some Dijon Mustard.
I made my BLT on holiday and we only had some very hefty olive sourdough which normally would not be my choice for a BLT. This was a very heavy bread so double decking my sandwich was not an option – the bread would have overpowered everything. (The olives did make a tasty, if not traditional, alternative!).
The GHWC BLT – The Con
In the words of Amy Winehouse, what kind of fuckery is this?
Who puts processed cheese on their BLT?
You may as well just take a dump on it.
A little bit of Brie, some vintage cheddar? I”m here for it.
Processed cheese?
A Few BLT Questions For You
Do you love a BLT? Or do you prefer a BTL?
Double or Single Decker?
What’s your preferred bread?
Iceberg or fancy lettuce?
What degree of crisp of the bacon? I like my bacon so crisp it is snappable!
Mustard?
Avocado?
Other additions? (If you say processed cheese, you’re dead to me)
Is the BLT the best sandwich ever? Or only the 6th best?
If not your number one, what is better?
Leave your answers in the comments!!!
Have a great week!
4 Comments on The BLT – An American Classic?
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Best sandwich is a Ruben, followed by a good chicken salad on sourdough. Yes to cheddar or swiss on a BTL (tomatoes properly in the middle) and avocado is an acceptable addition, but processed cheese belongs only on a grilled cheese with canned tomato soup that your mom makes you.
Hi Brandyce, do you know I have never had a Reuben? They are not that common here. But there is an American sandwich shop that is quite near my work so the next time I need to go into the office, I am going to try one for lunch! Thanks for the recommendation! Totally agree with you on the chicken salad sandwich. I also love a grilled cheese with tomato soup! xx
What kind of fuckery is this?! HAHAHAHAH
Jenny!!!!! Do you know what I was doing the EXACT moment I read your comment? What I am still doing in fact? Watching an episode of Murder She Wrote! It is the first episode with Jerry Orbach in it. I was thinking about you and then all of a sudden there you were in my inbox!!! Best wishes to you and Mr R for a fabulous Christmas! xxx