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The Recipe · No.75 · The BLT

The BLT, and where to source it

The BLT — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM The BLT American 5best2buy.com

There are three ingredients and no place to hide, so buy real thick-cut bacon and a ripe summer tomato. Cook the bacon low so it renders and crisps flat instead of curling.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep10 min
Cook12 min
Makes2 sandwiches
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 2 sandwiches
Bacon
Thick-cut, dry-cured bacon crisps without shrinking to a sliver.
8 slices
Bread
A dense slice that toasts firm and holds the juice.
4 slices
Ripe tomato
A heavy summer tomato, sliced thick and salted.
1 large
Local / market
Crisp lettuce
Cold, dry leaves for the crunch against the warm bacon.
4 leaves
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
One-pot
The Method
  1. Render baconLay the bacon in a cold skillet and cook over medium-low so the fat renders and it crisps flat, about 10 minutes.
  2. DrainMove to paper towels; the bacon crisps further as it cools.
  3. ToastToast the bread until firm and spread both faces with mayo edge to edge.
  4. Salt tomatoSalt the tomato slices and let them sit a minute so they season through.
  5. StackBuild bacon, tomato, then lettuce so the lettuce shields the bread from the juice, and cut in half.
The Toolkit

Cast-iron skillet · Serrated knife · Tongs

Straight Answers
Can you make The BLT in an air fryer? — Sometimes

Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.

Can you freeze The BLT? — Not ideal

Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.

Can you make The BLT ahead of time? — Partly

The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.

Is The BLT gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is The BLT vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.75

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