BLT with Mushroom

A Delicious Twist on the Classic BLT Sandwich: My Favorite Homemade Recipe

There’s something timeless and comforting about a BLT sandwich. The salty crunch of crispy bacon, the juiciness of fresh tomatoes, and the satisfying bite of crisp lettuce layered between two slices of toasted bread - it’s a classic combination that never goes out of style. But today, I want to share a slightly upgraded version of the traditional BLT that includes two of my personal favorites: roasted button mushrooms and creamy avocado. These extra ingredients not only enhance the flavor and texture but also make the sandwich feel a bit more elevated and satisfying, turning a simple lunch into something truly memorable.

If you’re looking for a hearty sandwich that’s easy to prepare yet packed with flavor, this BLT variation is for you. Below, I’ll guide you through each step of the process - from choosing the right bread to roasting mushrooms and assembling your perfect sandwich. Whether you’re making this for yourself on a quiet afternoon or serving it to guests, this BLT will leave everyone craving more.

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Ingredients

Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you’ll need to create this upgraded BLT sandwich:

• 2 slices of bread (sourdough, whole grain, or white bread all work well)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 slices of bacon
• 2–3 slices of ripe tomato (heirloom or vine-ripened preferred)
• 1–2 leaves of romaine or green leaf lettuce

Bonus Upgrades:

• ¼ avocado, sliced
• ½ cup button mushrooms, sliced

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How to make it

Step 1: Choosing the Right Bread

The bread you use can really define your sandwich. For this recipe, I prefer thick-sliced sourdough or a sturdy whole grain bread. These types hold up well under the weight of the toppings and offer a nice crunch when toasted. If you love a lighter bite, a rustic white bread or ciabatta roll also works beautifully.

To get started, toast the two slices of bread until golden brown and slightly crisp. I like to toast mine in a pan with a light coating of butter for extra flavor, but a toaster works just fine too.

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🥓 Step 2: Crispy Bacon Perfection

Now onto one of the stars of the BLT: the bacon.

For maximum crunch and flavor, I recommend baking the bacon in the oven. It results in evenly cooked slices with less mess compared to pan-frying.

But, I just pan-fried the bacon

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
3. Lay the bacon slices flat in a single layer.
4. Bake for 3 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and desired crispiness.
5. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease.

This method creates bacon that’s perfectly crisp without curling or burning. You can also sprinkle a little brown sugar on the bacon before baking if you enjoy a sweet-savory twist.

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Step 3: Roasting Button Mushrooms

Adding roasted mushrooms to a BLT is a simple way to introduce umami richness that pairs beautifully with bacon.

Here’s what to do:

1. Slice ½ cup of button mushrooms.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the mushrooms, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Optional: Add a small clove of minced garlic during the last minute for extra aroma.

Roasted mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy depth that complement the rest of the sandwich wonderfully.

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Step 4: Prepping Avocado and Other Fresh Ingredients

No gourmet sandwich is complete without avocado! It provides a creamy texture that acts like a buttery spread, balancing the salty bacon and acidity from the tomatoes.

• Slice ¼ of a ripe avocado and fan out the slices.
• Optional: Squeeze a little lemon or lime juice to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Wash and dry a few leaves of crisp lettuce (romaine or green leaf work best).
• Slice the tomatoes - thicker slices help them stand up to the other components without falling apart.

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Step 5: Assembling the Sandwich

Now for the fun part - putting it all together. Here’s how I like to stack my upgraded BLT for the perfect bite:

1. Spread mayonnaise generously on both slices of toasted bread. You can use regular mayo, or switch it up with a flavored aioli (garlic or chipotle works great).
2. Layer the crispy bacon on one side.
3. Next, place the sliced tomatoes evenly.
4. Add your lettuce leaves—make sure they’re dry so your sandwich doesn’t get soggy.
5. Add the roasted mushrooms
6. Lay down the avocado slices on the top half of the bread.
7. Carefully bring the sandwich halves together, press gently, and cut diagonally (because diagonal sandwiches taste better, right?).

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This BLT is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to make it a full meal, here are some perfect accompaniments:

• A side of kettle chips or sweet potato fries
• Pickles or pickled red onions
• A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Tomato soup for dipping on chilly days

For drinks, consider a cold brew coffee, iced tea, or a sparkling lemonade.

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Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this sandwich is how versatile it is. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian version: Omit the bacon and add roasted eggplant or tempeh bacon.
• Spicy twist: Add sriracha to your mayo or include thinly sliced jalapeños.
• Cheesy upgrade: A thin slice of cheddar, Swiss, or provolone melted on the bread takes this to a whole new level.
• Bread-free option: Turn it into a lettuce wrap or serve the fillings over mixed greens as a salad.

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Final Thoughts

This BLT with roasted mushrooms and avocado has become one of my favorite sandwiches to make at home. It’s simple yet indulgent, familiar yet elevated. What I love most is that it’s endlessly customizable - you can play with the ingredients based on what you have in your fridge, and it still tastes incredible.

Whether you’re a BLT purist or someone who loves experimenting with classic recipes, I highly recommend giving this version a try. The creamy avocado and earthy mushrooms bring a new level of depth, making each bite more exciting than the last. It’s a sandwich that’s sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen too.

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Happy sandwich making! 🥪✨