Alright, sandwich aficionados, prepare for a flavor upgrade! These Marinated Tomato BLATs are not your average sandwich. We’re talking juicy, marinated tomatoes that burst with flavor, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh lettuce, all nestled between slices of toasted sourdough. It’s a BLT with a gourmet twist, and trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Marinated Magic: The marinated tomatoes are the star! They soak up all that garlicky, balsamic goodness, making every bite a flavor explosion.
- Elevated Classic: We’re taking the classic BLT to new heights with marinated tomatoes and creamy avocado.
- Perfect for Summer: Fresh, vibrant, and utterly satisfying, these sandwiches are ideal for picnics, lunches, or a casual dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Homegrown Tomatoes (Sliced): Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential. Marinating them makes them even better!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For the marinade. Use a good quality oil for the best flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the marinade.
- Garlic (Minced): Because everything is better with garlic!
- Dried Italian Seasoning: For a touch of herbaceousness.
- Sliced Bacon: Crispy, salty, and utterly irresistible.
- Sourdough Bread: Toasted to perfection.
- Red or Green Leaf Lettuce: For a fresh, crisp bite.
- Avocado (Thinly Sliced): Creamy and rich, it adds a delightful texture.
- Mayonnaise: The classic sandwich spread.
Variations
Want to customize your BLAT? Here are some fun ideas:
- Cheese It Up: Add a slice of sharp cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
- Spice It Up: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mayonnaise.
- Herb Twist: Add fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of fresh oregano.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or turkey for a heartier sandwich.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Marinated Tomato BLATs
Step 1: Marinate the Tomatoes
Slice tomatoes and place in a 9×13 baking dish. Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Pour over tomatoes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, flipping occasionally.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast sourdough bread. Drizzle tomato marinade on bread (optional). Spread mayonnaise. Add lettuce, marinated tomatoes, bacon, and avocado. Top with remaining bread.
Step 4: Serve
Enjoy immediately!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Marinate Long Enough: The longer the tomatoes marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
- Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crispy.
- Toast the Bread: Toasting the bread adds a delightful crunch and prevents sogginess.
- When marinating the tomatoes, try to use a dish where they can lay in a single layer, this allows for the marinade to evenly coat them.
How to Serve
These BLATs are perfect for:
- Lunch: A satisfying and flavorful meal.
- Picnics: Easy to pack and enjoy outdoors.
- Casual Dinner: Pair with a side salad or chips.
- Brunch: A delightful addition to any brunch spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sandwiches in the fridge for up to 1 day. The bread may become slightly soggy, but the flavors will still be delicious. Store the marinated tomatoes separately for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the tomatoes and bread will change.
Reheating
Reheating is not recommended. These sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tomatoes?
Yes, but homegrown tomatoes are best! If using store-bought, choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes.
2. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Use your favorite bread, such as ciabatta, baguette, or whole wheat.
3. Can I make the marinated tomatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Marinated tomatoes can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
4. Can I add other toppings?
Of course! Feel free to add your favorite sandwich toppings, such as sprouts, cucumbers, or red onion.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Marinated Tomato BLATs that are sure to impress with their vibrant flavors and simple preparation. Go ahead, give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with this elevated classic!
Print
Marinated Tomato BLATs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course, Snacks
- Method: Stovetop, No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Marinated Tomato BLATs elevate the classic BLT with juicy, marinated tomatoes, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and a flavorful marinade. Perfect for a summer lunch or a casual dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 homegrown tomatoes, sliced
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- Red or green leaf lettuce, as many pieces as you’d like
- 1 avocado, thinly sliced, sprinkled with salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Marinate Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes and place them in a 9×13 baking dish. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and Italian seasoning until combined. Pour it over the tomatoes. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or even longer. Flip the tomato slices a few times while marinating.
- Cook Bacon: Cook the bacon in a skillet until it’s crispy and the fat is rendered.
- Assemble Sandwiches: To assemble the sandwiches, toast your sourdough bread. If you like, you can drizzle a bit of the tomato marinade on the bread. This makes for a messier but delicious sandwich. Spread one or both bread slices with mayonnaise. Add on your lettuce. Top with a few of the marinated tomato slices. Top with the bacon and avocado slices. Finish with the remaining sourdough and serve!
Notes
- Marinating the tomatoes for longer enhances their flavor.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a more substantial sandwich.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise.
- Using ripe, homegrown tomatoes makes a significant difference in flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 50g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 38
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
