The BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato) became popular in the United States after World War II when sliced bread, canned bacon, and fresh produce were widely available. It epitomizes classic American comfort food, often served at diners and backyard barbecues.

In the South, the BLT may include avocado or a smear of mustard. In the Pacific Northwest, smoked salmon sometimes replaces bacon for a “Lox‑BLT.” The core ingredients stay the same, but condiments and extra greens vary by region.

It is typically served on toasted white or whole‑wheat bread, cut diagonally, with a side of potato chips or a pickle. The sandwich is often presented on a simple plate with a small napkin.

The BLT is a go‑to lunch for picnics, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It’s also a popular quick‑serve option at brunches and weekend barbecues.

Its simplicity combined with contrasting textures—crisp bacon, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy mayo—creates a balanced bite that has made it an enduring staple of American comfort food.

Common errors include over‑toasting the bread, which makes it too hard, using soggy lettuce, and stacking the tomato before the lettuce, which leads to a soggy sandwich. Follow the layering order (lettuce, bacon, tomato) and keep the mayo thin.

Crisp bacon adds texture and releases its rendered fat, which flavors the sandwich and keeps the bread from becoming soggy. Pre‑cooked bacon is often softer and lacks that essential crunch.

Cook the bacon ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep lettuce, tomato, and toasted bread separate, then assemble just before serving to maintain crispness.

The bread should be golden‑brown and lightly crisp, the bacon golden and crunchy, lettuce bright green and dry, and tomato slices ruby‑red with a thin sheen of juice. The sandwich should hold together without the bread sagging.

The YouTube channel Food Wishes, hosted by Chef John, specializes in approachable, step‑by‑step video recipes that blend classic techniques with humor, covering a wide range of cuisines and comfort foods.

Food Wishes focuses on clear, narrated instructions with a light‑hearted tone, often highlighting simple ingredient swaps and practical kitchen tips, whereas many other channels emphasize high‑production visuals or gourmet plating.