The Ultimate BLT with Basil Aioli
Thick-cut bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a basil aioli take this classic BLT sandwich over the top.
The aioli is just mayo, garlic, lemon, and fresh basil whisked together, and it makes every bite taste like summer. Pile everything onto toasted sourdough with a little red onion and you have the Ultimate BLT.
Why You’ll Love This BLT with Basil Aioli
- Basil aioli: fresh, garlicky, and lemony.
- Thick-cut bacon: crispy and hearty.
- Summer tomatoes: juicy and seasoned.
- 25 minutes: an easy lunch upgrade.
BLT with Basil Aioli Ingredients
Thick-Cut Bacon
Cooked until crispy.
Toasted Sourdough
Sturdy and crunchy.
Iceberg Lettuce
Cool, crisp crunch.
Ripe Tomato
Seasoned with salt and pepper.
Red Onion
A little bite.
Basil Aioli
Mayo, grated garlic, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
Swap It: Use turkey bacon for a lighter version, or gluten-free bread.
How to Make a BLT with Basil Aioli
Step 1: Make the Aioli
Whisk together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and crushed basil.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon until crispy.
Step 3: Toast
Toast the sourdough.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread aioli on the bread and layer bacon, lettuce, seasoned tomato, and red onion.
Carly’s Expert Tips
- Season the tomato. Salt and pepper make it pop.
- Bake the bacon. At 400°F for even, crispy strips.
- Aioli on both slices. Every bite gets flavor.
- Use peak-season tomatoes. They make the sandwich.
Make It Your Own
- Avocado: Add sliced avocado.
- Fried egg: Add a fried egg.
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the aioli.
- Turkey: Make it a club.
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Make the basil aioli up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate.
What to Serve With a BLT with Basil Aioli
Serve with chips, a pickle, tomato soup, or a pasta salad.
Storing and Reheating
Best fresh: Assemble right before eating.
Aioli: Keeps for up to 3 days.
Bacon: Store cooked bacon for up to 4 days.
What People Ask About BLT with Basil Aioli
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. Any bread works.
Can I make the aioli ahead?
Yes. Up to 3 days.
What tomatoes are best?
Ripe heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes.
Can I use store-bought pesto in the aioli?
Yes. Stir a spoonful into mayo.
The Ultimate BLT with Basil Aioli
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk together mayo, garlic, lemon juice, and crushed basil to make the basil aioli. Set aside.
- Cook the thick-cut bacon until crispy.
- Toast the sourdough bread slices.
- Spread the basil aioli generously on the toasted bread.
- Layer the bacon, iceberg lettuce, sliced ripe tomato (seasoned with salt and pepper), and red onion on the bread to assemble the sandwich.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a slice of avocado or a fried egg to your BLT.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste, especially the tomatoes and basil.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the basil aioli.
