BLT Fried Egg Sandwich: the ultimate breakfast, brunch, or even late-night snack that’s about to revolutionize your sandwich game! Forget everything you thought you knew about simple sandwiches because this isn’t just a BLT; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Imagine biting into crispy bacon, juicy tomato, fresh lettuce, and a perfectly fried egg, all nestled between toasted bread. Are you drooling yet?
While the exact origins of the BLT are somewhat murky, it gained immense popularity in the early to mid-20th century, becoming a diner staple across America. Adding a fried egg elevates this classic to a whole new level of deliciousness. The richness of the yolk perfectly complements the salty bacon and tangy tomato, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a culinary marriage made in heaven!
People adore this BLT Fried Egg Sandwich for its incredible taste and satisfying texture. The crispy bacon, soft egg, and crunchy lettuce offer a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can whip up this masterpiece in minutes. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast or a comforting lunch, this BLT Fried Egg Sandwich is guaranteed to hit the spot. Get ready to experience sandwich perfection!
Ingredients:
- For the Bacon:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- For the Fried Eggs:
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Tomato:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced about ¼ inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For the Lettuce:
- 4 large leaves of crisp lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg work well)
- For the Bread:
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (Sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat are all great options)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Preparing the Bacon:
Okay, let’s get started! First things first, we need to cook the bacon. I prefer crispy bacon for my BLT fried egg sandwich, so I’m going to share my method for achieving that perfect crispiness.
- Choose Your Method: You can cook bacon in a skillet, in the oven, or even in the microwave. I personally prefer the skillet method for even cooking and maximum crispiness, but the oven method is great if you’re cooking a large batch.
- Skillet Method: Place the bacon strips in a cold skillet. This is key! Starting with a cold skillet allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispier bacon.
- Cook Over Medium Heat: Turn the heat to medium and cook the bacon slowly, turning it occasionally, until it’s crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Keep a close eye on it, as bacon can go from perfectly crispy to burnt very quickly.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Microwave Method: Place bacon strips between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice, depending on the thickness. Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Drain the Bacon: Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet (or baking sheet) and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off the excess grease. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture and preventing your sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Reserve the Bacon Fat (Optional): Don’t throw away that delicious bacon fat! You can save it in a jar in the refrigerator and use it for cooking other things, like eggs, vegetables, or even to add flavor to soups and stews. It adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
Frying the Eggs:
Next up, let’s fry those eggs! I like my fried eggs with a runny yolk, but you can cook them to your preference.
- Prepare the Pan: Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Make sure the butter is melted and the pan is hot, but not too hot, or the eggs will cook too quickly and the whites will become rubbery.
- Crack the Eggs: Gently crack each egg into the skillet. Try to avoid breaking the yolks.
- Cook the Eggs: Cook the eggs for 2-4 minutes, or until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. If you prefer your yolks more cooked, you can cook them for a longer time. You can also cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or two to help cook the tops of the eggs.
- Season the Eggs: Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove from Heat: Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
Preparing the Tomato and Lettuce:
While the bacon and eggs are cooking, let’s get the tomato and lettuce ready.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into about ¼ inch thick slices.
- Season the Tomatoes: Season the tomato slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This helps to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Wash and Dry the Lettuce: Wash the lettuce leaves thoroughly and dry them completely. Excess water on the lettuce can make your sandwich soggy. I like to use a salad spinner to dry my lettuce quickly and efficiently.
Assembling the BLT Fried Egg Sandwich:
Now for the fun part assembling the sandwich! This is where all the delicious components come together to create the ultimate BLT fried egg experience.
- Toast the Bread: Toast the bread slices to your liking. I prefer mine lightly toasted, but you can toast them darker if you prefer.
- Spread the Mayonnaise: Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of toasted bread. Mayonnaise is a classic BLT ingredient, but you can substitute it with another spread if you prefer, such as aioli or even a flavored cream cheese.
- Layer the Ingredients: On one slice of bread, layer the lettuce, tomato slices, bacon, and fried egg. Be generous with the bacon!
- Top with the Other Slice of Bread: Top with the other slice of bread, mayonnaise-side down.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately. I like to cut mine diagonally for a more visually appealing presentation.
Tips and Variations:
Here are a few tips and variations to make your BLT fried egg sandwich even more amazing:
- Add Avocado: Add sliced avocado for a creamy and healthy addition.
- Use Different Cheese: Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone, for extra flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Bread: Experiment with different types of bread, such as croissants or bagels.
- Make it a Breakfast Sandwich: Add a slice of sausage or ham for a heartier breakfast sandwich.
- Grilled Cheese BLT Fried Egg: Butter the outside of the bread and grill the sandwich like a grilled cheese for a warm, melty experience.
- Use Heirloom Tomatoes: If you can find them, heirloom tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to your sandwich.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the bacon with tempeh bacon or grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
Enjoy!
I hope you enjoy this delicious BLT fried egg sandwich as much as I do! It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and variations to create your own perfect version of this classic sandwich.
Conclusion:
This isn’t just another sandwich; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The BLT fried egg sandwich is a must-try because it elevates the classic BLT to a whole new level of deliciousness. The crispy bacon, juicy tomato, and crunchy lettuce are already a winning combination, but adding a perfectly fried egg with its runny yolk takes it over the top. The yolk acts as a luscious sauce, binding all the flavors together in a symphony of textures and tastes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! You don’t need to be a culinary expert to whip up this masterpiece. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
* Bread is Key: While I used toasted sourdough in the recipe, feel free to experiment with your favorite bread. Brioche would add a touch of sweetness, while rye would give it a more robust flavor. Even a croissant would be divine!
* Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the bacon while it’s cooking for a little kick. A smear of sriracha mayo on the bread would also be fantastic.
* Cheese, Please!: A slice of cheddar, provolone, or even a creamy brie would complement the other flavors beautifully. Melt it under the broiler for an extra gooey treat.
* Avocado Addition: For a creamier and healthier twist, add a few slices of ripe avocado. It pairs perfectly with the bacon and egg.
* Go Green: Swap out the lettuce for spinach or arugula for a more nutritious and peppery bite.
* Herb Infusion: Sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or chives on top of the finished sandwich for added freshness and aroma.
* Make it a Melt: Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a griddle for a warm and melty experience.
* Bacon Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of bacon, you can substitute it with turkey bacon, prosciutto, or even crispy pancetta.
* Egg-cellent Options: While I prefer a fried egg with a runny yolk, you can cook the egg to your liking. Scrambled eggs or a hard-boiled egg would also work well.
* Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, replace the bacon with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.
I’m confident that this BLT fried egg sandwich will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can’t wait to hear what you think. Don’t forget to share your creations and variations with me in the comments below. Let me know what bread you used, what cheese you added, and any other creative twists you came up with. Happy cooking, and bon appétit! I’m eager to see your photos and read about your experiences. Let’s get this sandwich trending!
BLT Fried Egg Sandwich: The Ultimate Breakfast Recipe
Crispy bacon, runny fried egg, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayo layered between toasted bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch!
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced about ¼ inch thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 large leaves of crisp lettuce (Romaine or Iceberg work well)
- 8 slices of your favorite bread (Sourdough, brioche, or whole wheat are all great options)
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook bacon using your preferred method (skillet, oven, or microwave) until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Fry the Eggs: Melt butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Gently crack eggs into the skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until whites are set and yolks are runny (or to your preference). Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Tomato and Lettuce: Slice tomatoes into ¼ inch thick slices and season with salt and pepper. Wash and thoroughly dry lettuce leaves.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Toast bread slices to your liking. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, bacon, and fried egg on one slice of bread. Top with the other slice of bread, mayonnaise-side down.
- Cut and Serve: Cut the sandwich in half (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
- Bacon Fat: Reserve the bacon fat for cooking other dishes.
- Egg Doneness: Adjust egg cooking time to your preferred yolk consistency.
- Lettuce Dryness: Ensure lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent a soggy sandwich.
- Variations:
- Add sliced avocado, cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone), hot sauce, or red pepper flakes.
- Use different types of bread (croissants, bagels).
- Add sausage or ham for a heartier breakfast sandwich.
- Butter the outside of the bread and grill the sandwich like a grilled cheese.
- Use heirloom tomatoes for added flavor.
- Substitute bacon with tempeh bacon or grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
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