Blt And Cheese: The Perfect Match

The BLT is a classic sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato as its main ingredients. But what kind of cheese goes on a BLT? While there is no definitive answer, popular choices include cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, and provolone. Some people also like to add avocado to their BLTs for a creamy texture and extra flavour.

Cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese

BLT with Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Swiss Cheese

A BLT is a classic sandwich that can be made even better by adding cheese. While there are many types of cheese that can be used, cheddar, mozzarella, and Swiss cheese are three excellent options that will take your BLT to the next level. Here's everything you need to know about using these cheeses to create a delicious and satisfying sandwich.

Cheddar Cheese BLT

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for BLTs as it pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. For the best flavour, opt for a medium or sharp cheddar cheese. Shredded cheddar melts more easily than slices, creating a gooey and indulgent sandwich. To elevate your BLT even further, try using white cheddar cheese. It has a slightly stronger flavour that will complement the bacon, lettuce, and tomato perfectly.

Mozzarella Cheese BLT

Mozzarella cheese is another excellent option for a BLT. Its mild flavour and creamy texture make it a great choice for those who want their BLT to have a more subtle cheese taste. When paired with fresh, ripe tomatoes, mozzarella can really shine. To take your sandwich to the next level, try using fresh mozzarella, which has a softer texture and more delicate flavour than its aged counterpart.

Swiss Cheese BLT

Swiss cheese, known for its distinctive flavour and melt-in-your-mouth texture, is another excellent choice for a BLT. Its slightly nutty and sweet flavour can complement the smokiness of the bacon and the freshness of the lettuce and tomato. Lacy Swiss cheese, which has smaller holes than regular Swiss cheese, is a particularly good option for this sandwich. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to your BLT.

Building Your BLT

When building your BLT, start by cooking your bacon to your desired level of crispness. While some prefer the classic stovetop method, baking your bacon in the oven is a less messy alternative that allows you to cook more at once. Once your bacon is cooked, drain it on a paper towel and set it aside.

Next, prepare your bread. Sourdough is a popular choice for BLTs as it has a more robust flavour than standard white sandwich bread while still having the right structure for piling on the ingredients. If you're using sliced bread, opt for thicker slices to ensure your sandwich can withstand the weight of the fillings. Toasting your bread is a matter of personal preference, but it can add a nice crunch to your sandwich.

Now it's time to assemble your sandwich. Spread your desired condiment—mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or even a creative option like fig jam or raspberry jam—on the bread slices. Then, layer on your lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Finally, add your chosen cheese. If you're using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the other ingredients. If you're using slices, simply lay them on top.

Once your sandwich is assembled, it's time to melt the cheese. Place your BLT in a skillet over medium heat and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking. If you're using sliced cheese, you may need to cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt evenly.

And there you have it! A delicious and indulgent BLT featuring cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese. Experiment with different combinations of bread, condiments, and toppings to create a sandwich that's perfectly tailored to your taste buds. Enjoy!

Shredded cheese melts better than slices

A BLT is a classic sandwich that combines bacon, lettuce, and tomato. While the "B" in BLT stands for bacon, some have argued that it should be called a BBLT because the bread is just as important. Sourdough is a popular choice for BLTs, but you can also use whole grain sourdough, rye, or whole wheat.

A BLT can be made even better by adding avocado, cheese, or both. While some people prefer sliced cheese on their BLTs, shredded cheese melts easier than slices or any other cuts. Shredded cheese has more surface area, which means it melts faster and more evenly. This is especially important if you're making a grilled cheese BLT, where the cheese is melted along with the other ingredients.

When choosing cheese for your BLT, you'll want to consider moisture content, fat content, age, and how the cheese is made. Moisture is one of the most important factors, as a cheese with more moisture will have more loosely packed milk proteins that separate easily when heated. Harder, drier cheeses like Parmesan will become oily and greasy when melted, while softer, moister cheeses like Brie will melt as soon as they're warmed.

Fat content also plays a role in how well a cheese melts. Low-fat and non-fat cheeses tend to melt poorly, becoming stringy when heated. Younger cheeses also tend to melt more easily than older ones, so a young cheddar will melt better than an aged one. Finally, some cheeses are stretched during the production process, like mozzarella and provolone, which makes them become stretchy or oily rather than thick and creamy when melted.

So, if you're looking to add some cheese to your BLT, consider using a medium sharp cheddar or American cheese, and shred it yourself for the best melting results.

Toasted vs. untoasted bread

When it comes to BLTs, the bread you use can make a big difference in terms of taste, texture, and even health benefits. While some people prefer the crunch and flavour of toasted bread, others find that untoasted bread provides a better textural contrast to the other ingredients in a BLT. Ultimately, the decision to toast or not to toast your bread for a BLT comes down to personal preference.

Toasted Bread

Toasted bread has a darker hue and more intricate flavours due to the Maillard reaction, a series of chemical reactions that occur when fresh bread loses its moisture and turns brown. Toasting your bread may also offer some potential health benefits. According to registered dietician Jess Cording, toasted bread has a slightly lower glycemic index (GI) because the chemical reactions break down carbohydrates, making them easier to digest. This could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those who have difficulty processing untoasted bread. Additionally, the reduced moisture content of toasted bread may help prevent your BLT from becoming soggy.

However, one potential downside of toasted bread in a BLT is that it can create a textural imbalance, making the sandwich overly crunchy. Each bite can be abrasive on your tongue, gums, and cheeks, and the increased brittleness of the bread can lead to messy crumbs and ingredients falling out. Toasted bread may also amplify the burnt flavour of your bacon in an unpleasant way.

Untoasted Bread

Untoasted bread provides a soft and fluffy layer that comfortably contains the ingredients of your BLT, smoothing out each bite and leaving fewer crumbs. It offers a complementary textural contrast to the crunchy bacon and lettuce, making the sandwich more enjoyable and less messy. The mild flavour of untoasted bread also allows the smokiness of the bacon to shine through. Additionally, the softness of the bread provides a substantial yet delicate layer that helps keep the ingredients from falling out.

Whether you choose to toast your bread or not, the key to a great BLT is finding the right balance of flavours and textures. Toasted bread can provide a crunchy texture and enhanced flavours, while untoasted bread offers a softer contrast that highlights the smokiness of the bacon. Ultimately, you may need to experiment with both options to determine which one better suits your personal preference.

Mayonnaise vs. butter

While a BLT is a classic sandwich, there are many ways to make it your own. The "B" stands for bacon, the "L" for lettuce, and the "T" for tomato, but what about the spread?

Mayonnaise is a creamy condiment made from oil, egg yolk, and vinegar or lemon juice. It has a tangy, slightly acidic taste and is commonly used in sandwiches, salads, and as a base for sauces. Mayonnaise is high in calories and fat, mostly unsaturated fats from the oil.

Butter, on the other hand, is a dairy product made from churning cream. It has a rich and creamy taste and can be salted or unsalted. Butter is also high in fats, predominantly saturated fats, and contains cholesterol.

Both mayonnaise and butter are commonly used as spreads, but they have distinct characteristics. Mayonnaise is typically used cold, such as in sandwiches or as a dip, while butter is often used as a spread on warm items like toast or pancakes, and is also used in cooking and baking.

When it comes to a BLT, mayonnaise is the traditional choice. The tangy flavour of mayonnaise pairs well with the crisp bacon, lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. It adds a creamy texture and a slight tang to the sandwich.

However, butter can also be used on a BLT. The rich, creamy taste of butter can enhance the flavours of the other ingredients. Butter also has the advantage of being solid at cool temperatures, so it won't make the sandwich soggy.

Ultimately, the choice between mayonnaise and butter on a BLT is a matter of personal preference. Both options have their unique characteristics and can elevate the flavours of the sandwich in different ways.

As for the cheese, a BLT with cheese is a delicious variation. Cheddar or white cheddar is a popular choice, but you can also use provolone, Muenster, havarti, or gouda. Adding cheese to your BLT can take it to the next level, making it an even heartier and more indulgent sandwich.

Add avocado

Adding avocado to a BLT is a great way to make the sandwich more substantial and nutritious. Avocado's creamy texture and unique flavour complement the salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce.

• Use ripe avocados: Make sure your avocado is ripe with black skin and soft flesh. If your avocado is unripe, leave it on the counter for a day or two to ripen.
• Slice the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice the avocado flesh into long strips or cubes.
• Assemble the sandwich: Spread mayonnaise or another sauce on the bread, then add lettuce, tomato slices, bacon, avocado, and any other desired ingredients such as cucumber or red onion slices.
• Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper on the tomato slices and avocado to enhance their flavours.
• Toast the bread: You can choose to toast your bread or not, depending on your preference. If toasting, spread butter on the bread slices and toast them in a skillet or frying pan until lightly golden.
• Layering: Start with a layer of mayonnaise or aioli on the bottom slice of toast, then add lettuce, followed by bacon, and finally, the tomato.
• Secure the sandwich: Use a toothpick or small skewer to hold the sandwich together, especially if you have added a lot of ingredients.
• Add cheese: While not traditional, many people enjoy adding cheese to their BLTs. Cheddar, white cheddar, provolone, or Muenster are popular choices, but you can use any cheese you like.

Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and layering techniques to create your perfect BLT with avocado!

Frequently asked questions