BLT
A sandwich filled with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, often with mayonnaise
The BLT is a sandwich from the United States, named for its main ingredients: bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Usually served between slices of bread, often toasted, it is sometimes finished with mayonnaise. The BLT is especially popular in summer when tomatoes are in season, and is widely eaten for lunch or as a snack.
- BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, and tomato
- Often served on toasted bread with mayonnaise
- Became popular in the US after World War II
- A summer favorite when tomatoes are in season
- Inspired record-breaking giant sandwiches
What is BLT?
A BLT is a sandwich built from bacon, lettuce, and tomato, usually layered between two slices of bread. The bread is often toasted, and mayonnaise is a common addition. The bacon can be crisp or tender, depending on taste. Iceberg lettuce is often chosen for its crunch, while the tomato should be fresh and flavorful. The sandwich is simple in appearance, with the red of the tomato and green of the lettuce standing out against the bacon and bread.
Where does BLT come from?
While bacon, lettuce, and tomato were eaten together in other dishes, the BLT sandwich itself does not appear in recipes before the early 20th century. A 1903 cookbook described a club sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and turkey. The BLT became widely popular in the United States after World War II, as supermarkets made its ingredients available year-round. The initials 'BLT' likely started as restaurant shorthand before becoming widely used by the public.
How is BLT made?
To make a BLT, slices of bacon are cooked until they reach the desired texture. The sandwich is assembled with bacon, fresh lettuce, and sliced tomato between two slices of bread, which may be toasted or left plain. Mayonnaise is often spread on the bread. The choice of bacon, type of lettuce, and variety of tomato can be adjusted to taste. Some people add other ingredients or swap out the bacon for alternatives.
How and when is BLT eaten?
The BLT is most commonly eaten as a lunch or snack. It is especially popular in the summer when tomatoes are at their best. The sandwich is usually served on a plate, sometimes with soup or a side salad. It is eaten with the hands, and is a staple in cafes and home kitchens alike. The BLT is valued for its balance of salty bacon, juicy tomato, and crisp lettuce.
Kinds of BLT
Many variations exist, from using turkey bacon or tofu instead of pork bacon to adding fried egg, avocado (making it a BLAT), or sprouts. Some versions omit lettuce or use different types of bread. The club sandwich is a related two-layered sandwich, with one layer being a BLT and the other often filled with sliced meat. Health-conscious versions may use low-fat mayonnaise or less salty bacon.
What BLT means
The BLT is a well-loved sandwich in the United States and the United Kingdom. It has inspired art, such as Claes Oldenburg’s Giant BLT sculpture, and has been the subject of record-breaking attempts for the world’s largest BLT. In the UK, it has been named the nation’s favorite sandwich in polls. The BLT is also sometimes referenced in political and cultural discussions as a symbol of broad appeal.
Questions people ask about BLT
What is a BLT made of?
A BLT is made with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, usually served between slices of bread, often with mayonnaise.
Where did the BLT originate?
The BLT comes from the United States and became popular after World War II, though its ingredients were eaten together earlier.
Can the BLT be made with other ingredients?
Yes, variations include using turkey bacon, tofu, or adding ingredients like fried egg, avocado, or sprouts.
Is the BLT always served toasted?
No, the bread can be toasted or left plain, depending on personal preference.
When is the BLT usually eaten?
It is most often eaten for lunch or as a snack, especially in summer when tomatoes are fresh.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "BLT", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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