Perfect Grilled BLT with Crispy Bacon and Toasted Bread

Introduction

Enjoy the ultimate BLT with crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and perfectly toasted bread, all prepared on the Arteflame Grill. This recipe highlights the art of grilling each element to perfection using the different heat zones of the Arteflame. Sear your bacon, toast your bread, and even grill your tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor, making this a standout BLT experience.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 4 slices of sourdough or your favorite bread
• 2 large, ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 4 leaves of romaine lettuce
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting bread)
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

Start by lighting your Arteflame grill. To get it ready, pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the grill. Stack your firewood over the napkins and light them up. In about 20 minutes, your grill will be ready to go with a perfect balance of high heat on the center grill grate and moderate heat on the outer flat top griddle.

2. Cook the Bacon to Perfection

Place the thick-cut bacon slices directly on the flat cooktop griddle, near the center for more heat. Let the bacon sizzle in its own fat for about 3-5 minutes per side until it’s perfectly crisp. Move the bacon toward the outer edge of the griddle if it’s cooking too fast. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels.

3. Grill the Tomatoes

Place the sliced tomatoes on the flat griddle, using a medium-heat zone near the outer edge to get a nice char without overcooking. Grill each side for 2-3 minutes until you see a slight caramelization, then remove from the grill and season with salt and pepper.

4. Toast the Bread

Melt a tablespoon of butter on the flat cooktop and place your bread slices on the griddle. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting. Grill each side for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Add more butter if needed to achieve that perfect crunch.

5. Assemble the BLT

Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise (optional) on one side of each toasted bread slice. Layer the grilled tomatoes, crispy bacon, and fresh romaine lettuce between two slices of bread. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately. The contrast between the crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and the crunch of perfectly toasted bread makes this BLT an unforgettable treat!

Tips for the Best BLT

• Bacon: Cook the bacon on the flat top griddle to control the crispness. If you like it extra crispy, leave it closer to the center where the heat is higher.
• Bread: Use sourdough or a hearty bread for the best texture. The butter on the griddle adds richness and a great crunch to the toast.
• Tomatoes: Grilling the tomatoes enhances their sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
• Lettuce: Use crisp romaine or butter lettuce for the best texture contrast.

Variations

1. Avocado BLT: Add grilled avocado slices for extra creaminess.
2. Spicy BLT: Spread some sriracha mayo on the bread for a kick of heat.
3. Cheddar BLT: Add a slice of sharp cheddar cheese and melt it on the bread while grilling.
4. Turkey BLT: Add thin slices of grilled turkey breast for a heartier sandwich.
5. Pesto BLT: Replace the mayo with a fresh basil pesto spread.

Best Pairings

• Grilled corn on the cob
• Crispy potato wedges
• Light side salad with vinaigrette
• Lemonade or iced tea

Conclusion

With this recipe, your BLT will never be the same again! The Arteflame grill takes this classic sandwich to a new level by enhancing each ingredient with smoky, grilled perfection.