Name: BLT with Basil Mayo on Sourdough
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 slices sourdough bread; 8 slices thick-cut bacon; 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup romaine or butter lettuce, washed and dried; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper to taste

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This BLT sandwich is next-level comfort between two slices of bread: crispy bacon, juicy summer tomatoes, and crisp lettuce piled on toasty sourdough, all brought together with a creamy basil mayo that tastes like sunshine in every bite. Whether you are whipping it up for a quick lunch or serving it alongside a bowl of soup for dinner, it is the kind of sandwich that never disappoints and always disappears fast.

I first made a version of this years ago while cooking for a client who loved classic flavors with a small twist. The basil mayo had everyone asking for seconds, and it has been a staple in my own house ever since. It comes together in under 20 minutes, which makes it the perfect answer to a hungry afternoon or a laid-back weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A great BLT is all about contrast, and this one nails it. You get the shatter-crisp crunch of thick-cut bacon, the cool juiciness of ripe tomato, the freshness of lettuce, and the tangy chew of toasted sourdough, all tied together with a creamy, herby spread. Every bite hits salty, fresh, and rich notes at once.

The real upgrade here is the basil mayo. It takes a classic sandwich from basic to genuinely gourmet with almost no extra effort, just a quick stir of a few ingredients while the bacon bakes. It is the kind of small touch that makes people think you fussed far more than you actually did.

It is also fast and flexible. The whole thing is ready in about 25 minutes, it works for lunch, dinner, or casual entertaining, and the components are easy to scale up when you are feeding a crew. Once you have the basil mayo in your fridge, you will find yourself putting it on everything.

Ingredients

For four sandwiches you will need eight slices of sourdough bread and eight slices of thick-cut bacon, which holds its texture and stays crispy rather than crumbly. Add two medium ripe tomatoes, sliced, and one cup of washed and dried romaine or butter lettuce. You will also want two tablespoons of olive oil for brushing and toasting the bread.

The basil mayo is what makes this sandwich special, and it could not be easier: half a cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil, one teaspoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it together and you are done.

A few notes for the best result. Look for heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes when you can, because their flavor makes an outsized difference in a simple sandwich like this. Sourdough is my top pick for its tang and sturdy crumb, but the bread just needs to be toasted well so it stands up to the juicy fillings.

BLT with Basil Mayo on Sourdough ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with the bacon, since it takes the longest. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lay the bacon slices on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until crispy, then transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Baking the bacon keeps it flat and evenly crisp while you handle everything else.

While the bacon cooks, make the basil mayo. In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chopped fresh basil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined, then set it aside so the flavors can mingle. This is also a good moment to slice your tomatoes and wash and dry the lettuce.

Next, toast the bread. Brush the sourdough slices lightly with olive oil and toast them in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven, for three to five minutes per side until golden and crisp. A proper toast is essential here; it is the structure that keeps the sandwich from turning soggy under all those juicy layers.

Now assemble. Spread a generous layer of basil mayo on one side of each toasted slice. Layer on the lettuce, tomato slices, and crispy bacon, then top with another slice of bread. Cut in half with a serrated knife if you like, and serve immediately with chips, pickles, or a fresh side salad.

Tips for the Best BLT Sandwich

Let the bacon cool for a minute or two before layering it in. Piping-hot bacon can wilt the lettuce and steam the bread, so a brief rest keeps everything crisp and fresh. When it is time to cut the sandwich, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion so you slice cleanly without squishing all your carefully stacked layers.

Do yourself a favor and double the basil mayo. It keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days and is fantastic on burgers, wraps, grain bowls, or even as a dip for raw veggies. Having a jar on hand makes future lunches feel instantly more special.

This sandwich loves company. Serve it with tomato soup or sweet potato fries for a cozy meal, or make it part of a bigger summer spread. It pairs beautifully with a cool bowl of classic gazpacho with heirloom tomatoes, and if you are grilling, a side of spicy grilled corn with cotija cheese rounds out the plate perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the basil mayo ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days, and the flavor only gets better as it sits.

What kind of bread works best besides sourdough?
Ciabatta, whole grain, or a hearty white bread all work well. Just be sure to toast it thoroughly so it holds up to the juicy fillings.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
You can, though fresh basil really makes the mayo shine. If using dried, reduce it to one teaspoon and let the mayo sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavor blooms.

How do I keep a BLT from getting soggy?
Toast the bread well, let the bacon cool slightly, and pat the tomato slices dry before layering. Assembling just before serving helps too.

Can I make it lighter or vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap in turkey bacon for a lighter version, or use crispy tempeh or smoky roasted mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian take.

If you tried this BLT with basil mayo, I would love to hear how it went. For more easy, feel-good meal inspiration, browse these healthy eating ideas from our sister site, then snap a pic and tag @thekitchensaid on Instagram so I can see your creation. Happy cooking!

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