Blt And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

The BLT is a classic sandwich, but what type of cheese should you add to take it to the next level? Cheddar, provolone, or Swiss? Well, it depends on your taste preferences and how adventurous you're feeling.

Some people argue that adding cheese ruins a BLT, but others swear by it. If you're in the latter camp, or are curious enough to give it a go, there are several types of cheese that pair well with the other ingredients.

A BLT typically consists of bacon, lettuce, and tomato, with some sort of condiment—usually mayonnaise. The bread is also important, and while some prefer a sturdy sourdough, others opt for a hearty white bread.

If you're adding cheese, you'll want something that complements the salty bacon and fresh tomato without overwhelming the other ingredients. Cheddar is a popular choice, especially sharp cheddar or white cheddar. Provolone is also a good option, as it has a mild flavour and melts well. If you're feeling fancy, you could try lacy Swiss cheese, or go for a more unique option like Muenster, Gouda, or feta.

When it comes to assembling your BLT with cheese, the key is to add the cheese to the sandwich and then toast it in a skillet so that it melts and gets all gooey. You don't want to over-toast the bread, just a light golden colour will do.

So, the next time you're craving a BLT, why not experiment with adding some cheese? You might just find your new favourite sandwich combination!

Cheddar cheese

Why Cheddar Cheese is the Perfect Addition to a BLT

A Classic Combination

Melting Qualities

Flavour

Cheddar is a good choice for a BLT as it has a strong flavour that can stand up to the other ingredients. It is not too overpowering, but it adds a nice sharpness that complements the saltiness of the bacon and the freshness of the tomato and lettuce.

Texture

Versatility

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be used in different ways to elevate a BLT. It can be shredded, sliced, or melted, and it can be added in different quantities to suit personal preference. It can also be combined with other cheeses to create a more complex flavour profile.

White cheddar cheese

White cheddar is a type of cheddar cheese that is typically aged for a longer period, resulting in a stronger, sharper flavour than other cheddars. The longer ageing process also gives the cheese a firmer texture, making it ideal for slicing or shredding. When added to a BLT, white cheddar provides a creamy, salty, and slightly tangy flavour that pairs well with the other ingredients.

When choosing the right white cheddar for your BLT, look for a good-quality cheese with a smooth, uniform texture and a slightly crumbly consistency. The cheese should have a pale yellow to ivory colour, and there may be some small cracks or holes in the surface. Avoid white cheddar that looks dry or has discoloured spots, as this indicates that the cheese is past its prime.

To assemble your BLT with white cheddar, start by cooking your bacon. You can fry it in a pan, bake it in the oven, or use an air fryer for easier cleanup. While the bacon is cooking, toast your bread and prepare the other ingredients. Spread mayonnaise or another preferred sauce on the bread, and if desired, add avocado slices or slices of another type of cheese for an extra creamy texture. Then, layer on the lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Finally, top with shredded or sliced white cheddar cheese, season with salt and pepper, and add the second slice of bread.

For the best flavour and texture, it's important to use ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp, butterhead, romaine, or iceberg lettuce. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, whole grain, rye, or a tortilla for a BLT wrap.

With its sharp flavour and creamy texture, white cheddar is an excellent choice for enhancing the flavours and textures of a BLT sandwich. It adds a delicious savoury element that complements the smokiness of the bacon, the crispness of the lettuce, and the juiciness of the tomato.

Provolone

When making a BLT, it is important to choose a bread that is sturdy enough to hold up to the juicy tomatoes. Slice it thickly so that once toasted, the outsides are crisp while the insides remain tender. Sourdough or whole grain sourdough is a good option. Rye and whole wheat are two other popular options that provide additional flavour.

For the bacon, thick-cut, crispy bacon is best. It is important to use good-quality bacon.

For the lettuce, choose something light, crisp, and tender. While iceberg is classic, butter lettuce or romaine have a little more flavour and are less watery.

The tomato is arguably the most important element of a BLT. Peak, in-season tomatoes are best as they are the sweetest and juiciest. However, you can make a good BLT with any decently ripe tomato. Use a beefsteak tomato or heirloom tomato, and slice it thick.

As for the cheese, cheddar or white cheddar is the best option. However, you could also use provolone, Mueller, havarti, or gouda. It is best to avoid American cheese.

To assemble the BLT, decide whether to toast your bread, and then pile it with sliced avocado, lettuce, tomato, bacon, cucumber, cheese, and spread with mayo. Slice in half and serve.

Mozzarella

When adding mozzarella to a BLT, it is essential to consider the quality of the cheese. Using fresh, high-quality mozzarella will elevate the sandwich and create a more luxurious experience.

One of the benefits of using mozzarella is its versatility. It can be used in various forms, such as fresh balls of mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, or even shredded mozzarella. Each form will lend a different texture and flavour to the sandwich. For instance, fresh mozzarella will provide a soft and creamy texture, while shredded mozzarella can be melted to create a gooey, stringy effect.

When assembling the BLT with mozzarella, it is recommended to layer the cheese just above the lettuce, with sliced tomatoes placed on top. This allows the cheese to act as a barrier between the juicy tomatoes and the bread, helping to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.

For those who enjoy a more substantial sandwich, adding a slice of deli turkey can transform the BLT into a hearty club sandwich. Furthermore, the type of bread used can be varied according to personal preference. Sourdough, whole grain, rye, and whole wheat are all popular options that can provide additional flavour and texture to the sandwich.

When preparing the BLT with mozzarella, it is crucial to ensure that the avocado is ripe, with black skin and soft flesh. Similarly, the tomatoes should be perfectly ripe, bright red, and juicy. To prevent sogginess, it is recommended to slice the tomatoes slightly thicker and blot them on a paper towel before placing them on the sandwich.

In conclusion, mozzarella is an excellent cheese to pair with a BLT sandwich. Its mild flavour and creamy texture complement the other ingredients, and its versatility allows for customisation to suit individual tastes. By adding mozzarella, along with other optional ingredients, you can create a unique and indulgent BLT experience.

Feta

To make a BLT with feta, start by gathering your ingredients: bacon, lettuce, tomato, bread, butter, mayonnaise, and of course, feta cheese. You can also add other ingredients such as avocado, cucumber, or red onion slices to give your BLT a more substantial feel.

Cook your bacon until it is crispy, and toast your bread lightly. You can butter your bread before toasting for extra flavour, but this step is optional. Spread mayonnaise on the bread, then add your lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the tomato, and add your desired amount of feta cheese. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, and gently press down.

You can also get creative and experiment with different types of bread, or try toasting the bread in the oven as your bacon cooks. You can also try adding other sauces or ingredients, such as garlic aioli, sriracha mayo, or even a fried egg, to make your feta BLT even more indulgent.

Frequently asked questions