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!

Print 4.5 from 4 votes Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. The Recipe 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. Prep Time 10 minutes Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 25 minutes Servings 2 BLT'S Calories 1132 kcal 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 In a small bowl mix together the maple syrup, bourbon and cayenne pepper. 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. Remove the bacon from the heat and drain on paper towels. Drizzle a little more glaze over top of the warm bacon. Slice the tomatoes on a cutting board and drizzle with just a little olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Let stand 5 minutes. Meanwhile preheat the broiler (and start frying your eggs). 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! 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! Save to Recipe BoxGo to Recipe Box

Now that’s a good summertime BLT! Monday lunch or dinner, either way, you can’t go wrong!