Heirloom Tomato BLTs with Avocado

A focus on quality ingredients and some extra avocado make this the best BLT sandwich you'll ever have

I visited the farmers' market this weekend and it seems that summer produce is officially at its peak. Almost every stall was full of ripe tomatoes and I loaded up on sweet grape and heirloom varieties. When tomatoes are this juicy and fresh, I like to keep things simple and use them raw as often as possible. A BLT sandwich isn't the most inventive use of them, but this version has a few touches that make it the best ever: toasted bread, seasoned heirloom tomatoes, crispy thick-cut bacon, peppery arugula, and an extra creaminess from ripe avocado. It's the little details and quality ingredients that make the sandwich special. Make one for lunch or dinner today and enjoy summer tomatoes at their best.

Note: I won't touch mayo, but I included it in the recipe below since I know it's an essential part of most traditional BLT sandwiches.


Related Recipes:
- Bacon, Egg, & Cheddar Sandwiches
- BGLT Sandwiches
- Chicken Bacon Caesar Sandwiches


Heirloom Tomato BLT Sandwiches with Avocado (BLTA Sandwiches):

• Put 6 strips of thick-cut bacon into a cold skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the fat renders and the bacon is crispy.
• Toast 4 slices of sourdough bread until golden brown, thickly slice 1 small heirloom tomato, and thinly slice 1 ripe avocado.
• Season the tomato and avocado slices with salt and pepper.
• Lightly spread two pieces of bread with mayonnaise (optional) and lightly smash the avocado slices onto the other two slices of bread.
• Top with each piece of the mayo-spread bread with a layer of tomatoes, three slices of bacon, a handful of baby arugula, and finish with the avocado-mashed bread.

Serves two