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This souped-up BLT sandwich brings together smoky bacon coated in sweet BBQ sauce, cool ranch dressing, and garden-fresh veggies. The mix delivers an incredible taste explosion that'll hit all your cravings for something rich, smooth, and a bit naughty at the same time.
I came up with this sandwich while trying to use up extra BBQ sauce after grilling on the weekend. What began as just playing around in the kitchen has turned into my favorite fast meal that even my fussiest buddies ask for when they drop by.
- Thick cut bacon stands as the main attraction with its substantial bite and way it perfectly holds onto the BBQ coating
- BBQ sauce brings sweetness and tang that turns regular bacon into something magical
- Ranch dressing adds a velvety richness that complements the strong flavors
- Cheddar cheese contributes sharpness and gooey texture that pulls everything together
- Fresh tomato slices deliver juicy freshness that balances the heaviness
- Shredded lettuce gives you that necessary crunchy contrast
- Sandwich buns serve as the base. Try brioche for added decadence or sourdough for extra flavor
Crafting Your Mouthwatering BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT
- Cook the Bacon
- Put your bacon strips in a skillet before turning on heat to medium. This lets the fat melt slowly for perfectly cooked bacon. Let it go about 6 to 8 minutes until it's almost done but still a bit flexible.
- Glaze with BBQ Sauce
- Paint both sides of your bacon with plenty of your go-to BBQ sauce. This step turns plain bacon into sweet, flavorful magic. Keep cooking another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce gets sticky and dark. Keep an eye on it since the sugar can burn fast.
- Toast the Buns
- While your bacon's cooking, get your buns ready. For the tastiest results, spread some butter on the cut parts and toast them in another pan or under the broiler until they turn golden. Toasting stops your sandwich from getting mushy and makes it extra tasty.
- Add Cheese
- Put a piece of cheddar on each bottom bun and stick them under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes. You want the cheese good and melty but not completely runny. This makes the perfect base for building your sandwich.
- Assemble the Sandwich
- Begin with your cheese-covered bottom bun. Stack 3 pieces of the BBQ-coated bacon, folding them to fit if needed. Top with 2 slices of tomato and a big handful of lettuce. Drizzle ranch dressing over it all, mainly on the lettuce part.
- Serve Immediately
- Top it all with the upper bun and eat while everything's fresh and the bacon's still warm. Cut it corner to corner if you want to show off all those beautiful layers.
The type of BBQ sauce you pick really changes how this tastes. I once tried it with a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce at a summer cookout and my whole family went crazy for it. My nephew now turns his nose up at plain BLTs and only wants this fancy version whenever he stays over.
Outstanding Bread Options
Every amazing sandwich starts with good bread. For this BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT, I love brioche buns because they're buttery and slightly sweet, which goes great with the savory fillings. Sourdough works brilliantly too, with its tanginess cutting through the sweet BBQ sauce. Pretzel buns bring an interesting chew and saltiness that lots of my friends really go for. Whatever bread you pick, make sure you toast it well so it doesn't get soggy from the juicy tomatoes and sauces.
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Smart Prep Shortcuts
While these sandwiches taste best fresh, you can get stuff ready ahead for quick assembly. You can cook and glaze the bacon up to two days early and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. Just warm it up in a pan or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds before putting your sandwich together. Clean and prep lettuce and store it with a paper towel in a container to soak up extra moisture. Cut tomatoes right before assembly for the best taste and texture. Having these parts ready makes this sandwich perfect for busy nights or last-minute get-togethers.
Tasty Twists
This BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT works as a great starting point for making your own versions. Try using pepper jack instead of cheddar if you want some heat. Add avocado slices for a smooth element that works amazingly with bacon. Throw in some thin-sliced red onion or pickled jalapeños for extra kick. For a bigger sandwich, add some sliced grilled chicken or turkey. In summer, use a thick slice of heirloom tomato for incredible fresh flavor. You can change it up endless ways based on what's in season or what you like best.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Sure, turkey bacon can be a healthy swap! Since it’s less fatty, a tiny bit of oil in the pan will keep it from sticking. The glaze will still cook up beautifully, but keep an eye on it—it cooks quicker than pork bacon.
- → What are the best buns for this sandwich?
Brioche buns are soft and buttery, making them a top pick. If you don’t have those, Kaiser rolls, pretzel buns, or thick sourdough slices hold up to the hearty fillings really well too.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s definitely better fresh, but parts can be prepped! Cook the BBQ-glazed bacon and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the bacon and throw everything together with fresh veggies.
- → What sides go well with this sandwich?
Keep it simple with chips, fries, or a side salad. Want something more fitting? Go for coleslaw, potato salad, or crispy corn on the cob. And don’t forget pickles—they’re a tangy, crunchy add-on.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Add some heat with spicy BBQ sauce or mix in a little hot sauce to the ranch. If you like bolder spice, use jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, or sprinkle red chili flakes over the bacon before glazing it.