Once you try this Pimento Cheese BLT Sandwich, you’ll never want a classic BLT again! With creamy pimento cheese, crispy bacon and all the classic fixings, this sandwich is a game-changer.
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You really don’t need a recipe to make a BLT, but I’d argue that not all BLTs are created equal. So what makes this the best BLT sandwich to ever cross your lips? Two words: Pimento cheese.
Imagine the classic sandwich elevated to new heights with a creamy, tangy spread that adds a whole new dimension of flavor. It’s the perfect marriage of savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce and the classic Southern spread, all nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. Trust me, once you’ve tried this pimento cheese BLT sandwich, you’ll never look at a plain ol’ BLT the same way again!
Kelly’s Note: This recipe made its debut in my cookbook, The Secret Ingredient Cookbook, which is packed with 125 family-friendly recipes for breakfast through dessert.
Why Is this the Best BLT?
- Homemade pimento cheese. Say goodbye to ordinary mayo! Our BLT features a quick-fix pimento cheese recipe that adds a tangy kick and loads of flavor.
- Toasted brioche bread. Light and airy with a hint of sweetness, brioche provides the ideal canvas for crafting the perfect sandwich.
- Crispy thick-cut bacon. No thin slices of bacon here!
For the Pimento Cheese:
- Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to our cheese spread.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For the best texture and flavor, opt for a block of sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese and grate it yourself using the large holes of a box grater. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess and flavor of the spread so I don’t recommend using it.
- Mayo: Adds a slight tanginess and silky texture, plus helps bind the ingredients together.
- Diced jarred pimento peppers: These mild peppers bring a tangy sweetness to the mix. Make sure to drain any excess liquid from the pimento peppers before adding them to the mixture. Once opened, your jar of pimento peppers will keep for up to nine months in the fridge.
For the Sandwiches:
- Thick-cut bacon: While some may argue that thinner is better when it comes to the bacon you use for a BLT, I’m Team Thick-Cut for its hearty, satisfying texture in every bite. And don’t waste those bacon drippings! It’s my secret to the best bacon caramel popcorn and bacon-cheddar biscuits.
- Bread: I love using buttery brioche slices for my BLT sandwiches, but any ol’ bread works. This homemade bread made without yeast would be delicious, too!
- Lettuce: I like using romaine lettuce for its refreshing crunch, but feel free to swap in iceberg or butter lettuce, or your favorite mixed greens.
- Tomato: Thick slices of juicy tomato provide the perfect balance of acidity. Season them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to amplify their flavor. Don’t hesitate to mix things up with heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes for a pop of color and taste.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
This recipe consists of two parts – making the pimento cheese and assembling the BLT sandwiches.
1. Make the Pimento Cheese
If you can open a jar of pimento peppers, you can make pimento cheese – it’s that easy! Simply dump all of the ingredients into a bowl and stir until combined. I use my stand mixer to beat the ingredients together, but a hand mixer works or even a sturdy spatula and some good ol’ elbow grease works, too.
A Few Tips:
- DO bring your cream cheese to room temp before mixing. This will make blending with the other ingredients easier and prevent lumps in the final spread.
- DON’T skip draining the excess liquid from the jarred pimento peppers. Excess liquid can make the spread too watery and affect its consistency.
- DO taste the pimento cheese before serving and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- DO refrigerate and chill the cheese spread for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.
Storing leftovers: Store any leftover pimento cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Allow it to come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
2. Assemble the Perfect BLT
Assembling a BLT isn’t exactly rocket science, but to avoid soggy bread and achieve the perfect bite, follow these simple steps to assemble your sandwich:
- Toast your bread until it’s golden brown and crispy. This step helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy from the other ingredients.
- Spread the pimento cheese on one or both slices of toasted bread. I like to slather on a generous, but not too generous, portion of the creamy pimento cheese spread on one of the slices.
- Layer on the lettuce and add the tomato slices. Season the tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Add the crispy bacon and top with the second slice of bread.
- Slice and serve. The key here is to use a sharp serrated knife to cut through the layers of the sandwich without squishing the fillings.
The Best Tomatoes for BLTs: When it comes to choosing the perfect tomatoes for your BLT sandwiches, opt for ripe, juicy varieties like beefsteak or heirloom tomatoes. Seasonal picks, especially from your own garden or local farmer’s market, offer unbeatable freshness and flavor.
When it comes to side dishes to serve alongside this iconic sandwich, these are my favorites:
- Homemade Barbecue Potato Chips – There’s something timeless about the combination of a BLT sandwich and a handful of crispy potato chips.
- Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Spinach Strawberry Salad – You’ll love the poppyseed dressing that accompanies this refreshing summer salad.
- Classic Three-Bean Salad
- Crispy Baked Zucchini Fries
- Broccoli Salad – It has the perfect ratio of veggies to creamy dressing and is loaded with bacon, cheese and grapes.
These side dishes are sure to round out your BLT meal and satisfy all your cravings!
If you’re a fan of classic sandwiches with a twist, you’re going to love these recipes, too:
- Parmesan Crisp BLT Sandwich
- The Ultimate Egg Sandwich
- Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Biscuit Breakfast Sandwich
- Melted Cheese Sandwich Wraps
- Homemade Uncrustables
Ingredients
FOR THE PIMENTO CHEESE
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temp
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons diced jarred pimento peppers
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FOR THE SANDWICHES
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 8 slices brioche bread
- 1 heart of romaine, halved, leaves separated
- 4 thick slices tomato
Instructions
MAKE THE PIMENTO CHEESE
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mayonnaise. Using a spatula, stir until smooth and combined. Stir in the pimento peppers, salt, and pepper, then taste and season.
MAKE THE SANDWICHES
- Cook the bacon in a large skillet set over medium heat, draining the fat as needed, until crisped. Set the bacon aside.
- Toast the bread.
- To assemble each sandwich, spread a portion of the pimento cheese on one slice of bread. Top with romaine leaves and a slice of tomato. Sprinkle the tomato with salt and pepper, then arrange two slices of bacon on top. Add the top pieces of bread, cut the sandwich in half, and serve.
Nutrition
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