Bourbon Caramelized Bacon and Heirloom Tomato BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda.
Hands down, this is the best BLT I have ever made.
And ever had.
I would even say, this Heirloom Tomato BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda is the best BLT ever, but I am not going to. One, people can get a little offensive over that statement. Two, I can never know for sure that this is the best EVER, because I really haven’t had that many BLT’s in my lifetime. So how’s this, as of right now, this is my favorite BLT.
And with good reason.
I mean, are you looking at what I am looking at? I just love this sammie.
For me, a BLT is all about really good ingredients – good bacon, GREAT tomatoes and good lettuce. You also need to turn this into a BLAT by adding some ripe avocados. Then just melt some gouda cheese and find some delicious bread. If you can do that, you’ll be guaranteed a winner BLT.
I typically stay away from classic BLT’s because the tomatoes always suck. Sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true. When it comes to tomatoes I am a huge snob. If I am going to use tomatoes (and eat them), they have to be amazing. Meaning they have to be perfectly sweet and tart. During the winter I always buy grape tomatoes because I find they taste best. I almost never buy beefsteak tomatoes because I never have any luck with them.
This summer though?? Well, this summer I have been all about the heirloom tomatoes. The little cherry ones, the sweet medium size ones and the awkward big ones. Actually, they are all awkward looking, but that’s what makes me love them so much. Un-perfect is so much better than mass-produced, identical looking tomatoes – if you ask me. Bring on the dimples, shiny, rough skin and bi-colored produce because I love it.
What I am trying to say, is that if I want to make a good BLT, summer is my only chance.
Lately, if I see good lookin tomatoes, I buy them. Whether I need them or not. I buy them because I know that having them will force me to come up with a way to use them before they start to go bad on me. And if I don’t come up with anything, I can literally eat a whole pint in one sitting….just the tomatoes. Nothing else.
Ok, so I think you get the idea. You need good tomatoes and now is the time to get them – moving on.
To the bacon!
Everyone’s favorite right? I mean, what’s a BLT without the B? Still good if you have good tomatoes I guess, but not what we are looking for.
Bacon is awesome on it’s own, but I really wanted to make a killer BLT. So I did what I do best, I went for a little sweet and savory combo and umm, added bourbon, because a splash of bourbon can never hurt. Especially on a Monday.
I cooked the bacon in a mix of maple syrup, bourbon and a pinch of cayenne. You guys, if you already loved bacon, prepare to love it even more. This bacon has the power to turn bacon haters into bacon lovers. Even vegans might have a hard time resisting this bacon.
I love the flavors of the maple syrup mixed with the subtle flavor of bourbon and the spiciness of the cayenne. It’s bacon done right.
Since I can’t make a sandwich without a little melted cheese I added my favorite, smoked gouda. Don’t skimp on the gouda guys. I have always thought that BLT’s were a little boring. I mean what’s a sandwich without some cheese??
Cheese makes a BLT complete.
Oh, but so does a fried egg and a slice of avocado. I do not think I have ever made a BLT without an egg or avocado. I put eggs on a lot of things (need to make leftovers shine? Put an egg on it), but on top of a BLT is a must.
There’s even a little chipotle mayo going on too. I told you I wanted to make a killer BLT!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Bourbon Caramelized Bacon and Heirloom Tomato BLT w/Fried Eggs + Smoked Gouda.
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course, Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Keyword: bacon, BLT, eggs, lettuce, tomatoes
Hands down, this is the best BLT I have ever made.
Ingredients
- 4-6 slices thick cut bacon
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon if needed sub water
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or more to your taste
- 4 slices really good whole grain bread or your favorite breadI
- 2-4 ounces smoked gouda cheese sliced
- 2 cups spring lettuce mix + a handful of MicroGreens
- 2 heirloom or regular tomatoes sliced
- 1 avocado pitted + sliced
- 2 fried eggs 4 if you are making a giant BLT
- salt and pepper to taste
Chipotle Bourbon Mayo (optional)
- 1/2 cup good quality mayo I like to use an olive oil based mayo
- 1 in chipotle chile adobo minced
- 1 teaspoon bourbon optional
Instructions
Chipotle-Bourbon Mayo
-
In a bowl mix together the mayo, chipotle pepper and bourbon. Cover and keep in the fridge until ready to use.
BLT'S
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In a small bowl mix together the maple syrup, bourbon and cayenne pepper.
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Place the bacon on a cold griddle or in large skillet. Do not over crowd the skillet. Heat the skillet to medium-low heat. Once the bacon has cooked for a few minutes and starts to curl, flip the bacon. Brush the top side with the bourbon-maple glaze and sprinkle with fresh black pepper. Continue cooking the bacon over medium low heat, flipping every few minutes and brushing again with glaze until the bacon is crisp (you will not use all the glaze). If needed, drain some of the grease off during cooking. Try to watch the bacon closely, the sugar will caramelize and the bacon can burn if you do not keep flipping and brushing with the glaze.
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Remove the bacon from the heat and drain on paper towels. Drizzle a little more glaze over top of the warm bacon.
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Slice the tomatoes on a cutting board and drizzle with just a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile preheat the broiler (and start frying your eggs).
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Toast the slices of bread lightly in the toaster. Place all slices of bread on a baking sheet. Spread a little chipotle mayo over two slices of bread. Divide the sliced gouda cheese over all four slices of bread. Place under the broiler for 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted. WATCH CLOSELY, they cook quick!
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Divide the lettuce over the two bottom slices of bread (the ones with the mayo). Add the tomato slices, avocado slices and bacon. Drizzle any remaining bourbon glaze over the bacon (or to your taste). Place an egg over the bacon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the top slice of cheesy bread (cheese side touches the egg). Serve with extra mayo if desired. EAT. Right away!
Now that’s a good summertime BLT! Monday lunch or dinner, either way, you can’t go wrong!
I really need to try these heirloom tomatoes. I just can’t find any farmers markets in Florida. I cry.
But, Bourbon bacon? Count me alllll over these. I just might have to test the bourbon on it’s own a few times. You know, quality control…right?
Pinned!
Haha! I like the way you think! 🙂
Thanks Taylor!
I love a BLT but could not handle the egg. Then again I am not an egg person. I think I could do the cheese since it is melted. Ha!! I have to have cheese melted.
YES! Cheese should totally be melted. I am SO with you! 🙂
Thanks Charlotte and sorry for yet another egg recipe. I know they are not your thing.
I love BLTs but you’re totally right…I never order them because they always had hard tomatoes. I’m loving summer produce right now too and this BLT looks amazing.
Thank Bri! I am still loving all the summer produce too. Hope you have a great Monday!
That looks amazing! The best looking sandwich I think I’ve ever seen. Wish I was enjoying one right now.
Thanks Rie!
I happen to have some smoked gouda in the fridge, bacon in the freezer, and some heirlooms on my counter. I think I know what I’m making this week!
Yay!! Thanks so much and I hope you love this!
Hmmm…love a good BLT!!!
Who couldn’t! 🙂
Thanks Laura! Hope you had a good Monday!
Holy hot diggity damn, girl! I want this to be the best BLT I’ve ever eaten because clearly I haven’t experienced the BLT in its full glory. I agree – regular BLTs have sucky tomatoes, but your fresh ‘maters look absolutely amaaaazing! PLUS, the avo?! BLAT me, sister!
🙂
Thanks Julia!
This looks incredible. We are big BLT fans over here and the addition of the egg and avocado puts it over the top. Must find the heirloom tomatoes though- that’s the key ingredient for me. Another great recipe Tieghan!
Thanks Kathy and yes, heirlooms are so the key! 🙂
my stomach is growling and it’s not even 10 am yet 🙂 Love heirloom tomatoes! They are the best part of summer!
Best part of summer for sure! 🙂
This might be the BEST BLT ever. I too, love the imperfection of heirloom tomatoes, it scares me how store bought “normal” tomatoes are all identical, round and red.
I could not agree more about those store bought tomatoes. Thanks!
You had me at bourbon caramelized bacon. 🙂
Thanks Beth!
Look at all that yumminess between two pieces of bread!!
Thanks Brenda!
This is a such a great way to enjoy those heirlooms!
Agree! Not messing with them is the best way to go! 🙂
The BLT looks great! I’m drooling and need some now!
Thanks Maggie!
Wow.. this is AWESOME! Pinned!
Thanks and thanks for pinning!
I want this BLT right now…the bacon looks glorious but I’m sold on those tomatoes..I’m with you on only buying grape tomatoes in the winter but once summer hits I buy every heirloom and organic tomato I can get my hands on….Now you need to make a tomato basil soup to go with this…just a suggestion!!
Oh tomato basil soup? Sounds Good! I will think about it! 🙂
Thanks!
this looks so ridiculously & insanely good. BLTs for life!
Thank you! 🙂
This sandwich looks FAB! And I’m a total tomato snob too. The awkward looking ones taste the best!
Thanks Liz!! 🙂
Now that’s a BLT, love the heirloom tomatoes on this!
Thank you! 🙂
Okay…this really is the most delicious-looking BLT I’ve ever seen. Now I’m sad I’m not eating it for lunch RIGHT NOW!
And you’re so right, beautiful, perfect tomatoes are a totally necessity.
Thanks Rachael! Hope you had a great start to your week!
i definitely am craving a bite right now.. such a good looking sandwich. you can never go wrong with a blt!
Thanks Thalia!
Avocados and eggs on anything make it better! This is one delicious sandwich–yum!
I could not agree more! Thanks! 🙂
This is one crazy delicious looking blt and those tomatoes on a stick!! Dying here!
Haha! Thank you! 🙂
Dang, I’m going to have to make myself a half of one of these! Yummers! I made the peach dump for dessert tonight for company so now I know what the bourbon looks like. Ha!
THANKS! So happy you loved the peached dump! 🙂
This is what summer tastes like. Perfection.
Thanks! 🙂
Totally craving this right now!
🙂
Thanks Lori!
Definitely need to make these soon!
Let me know if you do! 🙂
THANKS!
That sandwich is insanely gorgeous, and that bacon – yum!!!
Thanks so much!
I have never purchased bourbon before…can you give any recommendations? This sandwich is lovely!
Ellen, I really only used bourbon for cooking (I do not drink), but I buy Jim Bean Bourbon.
Thanks and I hope you love this sandwich. Oh and feel free to just leave the bourbon out and glaze the bacon with just maple. it’ll still be delicious!
Question: Can i bake the bacon intead? I normally do on a rack at 375° for 20 min for thick bacon. I was thinking cook for a bit , turn over, cook some more, then brush with glaze.. I have 6 pounds to try this. Any advice? Recipe looks devine, can’t wait to try it..
Yup, that should work great! Hope you love this recipe and 6 pounds of bacon?!?! Wow!!
oh wow. these were wonderful! made it for valentine day dinner, and my husband said it was his new favorite sandwich. thanks for the great recipe!
Wow! Thats so awesome, thanks you for making it Kari!
Breakfast this weekend. Love your breakfast sandwiches
Thank you! I hope you love this!
OK, I have to comment that my 18 year old son is eating this as I type, and he is saying, “oh my. Wow. This is REALLY good. I didn’t add the egg, and I didn’t cook the bacon with bourbon and maple syrup (and left the bourbon out of the mayo, but did add chipotle chilis). All the other components are making him an incredibly happy teenager. I’m trying to focus on feeding him really good food to make up for the fact that he has to be at home taking remote university classes instead of going to his top choice college (as a freshman) that he was really looking forward to. So I am also VERY HAPPY that I was recently referred to your website and can make these really great recipes for our son as he continues to live with Mom and Dad. 🙂
Hi Christine! That is so sweet of you to make him some really good dinners while he is home! I am sure he appreciates it! Also, so happy you all enjoyed this one! Thank you! xTieghan