Patrick Oconnell
The BLT is a beloved classic sandwich. The name is derived from its core ingredients: bacon, lettuce, and tomato. There is much debate about whether cheese should be included in a BLT. Some people argue that adding cheese ruins a BLT, while others believe that it enhances the sandwich by adding a delicious, creamy texture. Those who support the addition of cheese recommend using shredded cheese, as it melts more easily than slices, and suggest pairing it with avocado and cucumber for extra nutrition and freshness. Ultimately, the decision to include cheese in a BLT is a matter of personal preference, and both variations have their own loyal followers.
Do you put cheese on a BLT?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese on a BLT | Some people add cheese to their BLTs, but others argue that it ruins the sandwich. |
| Cheese Recommendations | Cheddar, white cheddar, Muenster, Provolone, or American. |
| Cheese Texture | Shredded cheese melts more easily than slices. |
| Bread | White sandwich bread, sourdough, French, or milk bread. |
| Bread Texture | Some prefer untoasted bread, while others recommend toasting it in bacon fat. |
| Bacon | Thinly sliced, salty, and smoky. |
| Lettuce | Butter lettuce, shredded iceberg, romaine, or butterhead (Boston or Bibb). |
| Tomato | Ripe, in-season slicing tomatoes such as beefsteak, Brandywine, or Mortgage Lifter. Pre-season with salt to enhance flavor and reduce moisture. |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann's or Duke's. |
| Add-ons | Avocado, cucumber, and red onion slices. |
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What You'll Learn
Adding cheese to a BLT
If you decide to add cheese to your BLT, there are a few things to consider. First, what type of cheese should you use? Sliced cheddar or white cheddar are popular choices, but you could also use Muenster, Provolone, or any other cheese you like. Just avoid using American cheese, as it's not the best option for this particular sandwich.
Another thing to consider is whether you want to melt the cheese or leave it cold. Some people prefer the creaminess of melted cheese, while others enjoy the sharpness of a cold, dry cheese. If you choose to melt the cheese, shredded cheese will melt more easily than slices. You can simply sprinkle the shredded cheese over your bread and cook it in a skillet until the cheese has melted and the bread is crisp.
In addition to cheese, you can also add other ingredients to your BLT, such as avocado, cucumber, or red onion slices. Just be careful not to overload the sandwich with too many ingredients, as this can take away from the simplicity of a classic BLT.
Finally, don't forget the importance of the other ingredients in your BLT. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes, and pre-season them with a little salt to draw out extra moisture and enhance their flavor. Cook your bacon to a crisp, and choose a bread that can hold up to the ingredients, such as sourdough or hearty white sandwich bread.
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Types of cheese to add to a BLT
While some people prefer the classic BLT without cheese, others enjoy adding cheese to their BLTs. A grilled cheese BLT is a combination of two classic sandwiches, offering the best of both worlds.
For a grilled cheese BLT, shredded cheese is recommended as it melts more easily than slices or other cuts. A medium sharp cheddar cheese is a good option as it stands up to the other ingredients without overpowering them. American cheese is also a popular choice for its gooeyness. If you're looking for an Italian spin on your BLT, you can try using provolone or fontina cheese.
Some people prefer their cheese cold and dry, with a sharp cheddar under the lettuce and tomato, paired with mayo under the bacon, creating a flavour war between fatty and acidic flavours.
So, while there is no definitive answer on whether to add cheese to a BLT, it is ultimately a matter of personal preference, and you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.
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How to cook the bacon in a BLT
There are a few different ways to cook bacon for a BLT, with varying levels of effort and clean-up required.
One method is to cook the bacon in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. This is a straightforward option, but it can be messy and require more clean-up than other methods.
Another option is to bake the bacon in the oven. This approach can yield perfectly flat, crisp, and succulent strips of bacon with minimal cleanup. To do this, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Cut a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil about twice as long as a rimmed baking sheet. Pinch and fold the foil every inch or so to create ridges for the bacon fat to drain into while cooking. You can crowd the bacon slightly if needed, and it's okay if the pieces overlap a bit since they will shrink as they cook. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the bacon, but you should start checking it after about 10 to 15 minutes and adjust the spacing if necessary.
When it comes to the type of bacon, thick-cut bacon is a good option for a BLT as it provides a nice, meaty texture. However, thinner bacon can also be used, just be sure to keep an eye on it while cooking as it will cook faster.
Finally, don't forget to season your bacon! A little salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing the flavour of your BLT.
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Other ingredients to add to a BLT
While some purists believe that adding anything extra to a BLT ruins the sandwich, many people enjoy experimenting with additional ingredients.
Avocado is a popular choice, adding vitamins C, K, E, B5, and B6, as well as healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants. You could also try adding sliced or mashed avocado in the form of guacamole.
If you're looking for something deep-fried, fried green tomatoes can add a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants to your sandwich. You could also try swapping out the regular mayonnaise for peppered balsamic mayo, chipotle mayo, or even horseradish to add a kick of spice to your sandwich.
For a healthier option, you could try spreading some hummus on your bread instead of mayonnaise. Hummus will add protein and fibre to your diet, as well as iron, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
If you're a fan of seafood, you could add a crab cake to your BLT for a classy twist. You could also add a fried egg for a protein boost.
If you're looking for something spicy, you could add some fresh jalapeño slices or other chillies. If you're looking for something sweet, you could try adding sliced bell peppers or even some jam, which goes surprisingly well with the saltiness of the bacon.
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Bread to use for a BLT
While the classic BLT is a simple sandwich, with few ingredients, the type of bread you use can make a big difference.
Some people prefer untoasted bread for their BLTs. This is because the soft, untoasted bread hugs the ingredients, keeping them safely inside the sandwich. Untoasted bread also keeps its moisture, meaning the crumb is spongier and can hold more mayonnaise. It will also stop the crunchy, ripply bacon, lettuce and tomato from sliding around.
However, others prefer the taste and texture of toasted bread. If you want to toast your bread, butter one side of each slice and place the slices buttered-side down in a skillet or on a griddle over medium-low heat. You could also try grilling your BLT, which gives you crunchy, buttery bread.
When it comes to the type of bread, it's really up to you. Sourdough is a popular choice, as it has more flavour than standard white sandwich bread, while still having the right structure for piling with ingredients. Rye is another option, with its chewy, thin ring of crust and spongy crumb. Ciabatta is also a good choice, as it has surprise pockets for hidden mayonnaise. If you want to add cheese to your BLT, a medium sharp cheddar is a good option, as it stands up to the other ingredients without overpowering them.
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Frequently asked questions
Whether or not to put cheese on a BLT is a matter of personal preference. Some people believe that adding cheese ruins a BLT, while others enjoy the addition of cheese for a creamier texture and extra flavour.
If you decide to add cheese to your BLT, there are several types that pair well with the other ingredients. Sliced cheddar or white cheddar are popular choices, but you could also use Muenster, Provolone, or any other cheese of your choice.
To make a BLT with cheese, start by cooking the bacon. You can do this on the stove, in the oven, or in the microwave. Once your bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, drain it on a paper towel and set it aside. Next, slice and season your tomato with salt and pepper to enhance its flavour and reduce sogginess. Choose a type of lettuce such as butter lettuce or shredded iceberg, depending on your preference for tenderness or crunch. Toast your bread in bacon fat for extra flavour, or leave it untoasted. Assemble your sandwich by layering the bacon, lettuce, tomato, and cheese on the bread. Spread mayonnaise on the bread if desired.
Yes, there are several other ingredients that you can add to a BLT with cheese to make it even more hearty and flavourful. Avocado, cucumber, and red onion slices are all great options for adding texture and nutrition. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough or French sandwich bread.
