Imagine a dish that combines the classic flavors of a beloved BLT sandwich with the fresh, crisp texture of a salad - and you've got the Hearty BLT Bread Salad! This mouthwatering recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a satisfying meal that's both comforting and exciting, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Bread
- Bacon
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Mayonnaise
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: bread, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Ensure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking process.
- Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. While the pan heats, prepare the bacon.
- Place the bacon strips in the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- While the bacon is cooking, wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, wash the tomatoes. If using larger tomatoes, chop them into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry tomatoes, simply halve them. Add the tomatoes to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into small pieces and add it to the bowl with the lettuce and tomatoes.
- Now, prepare the bread. Cut it into cubes or tear it into chunks. You can use any type of bread you prefer, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole grain.
- In the same skillet used for the bacon, add the bread cubes and toast them over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden and crispy.
- Once the bread is toasted, remove it from the skillet and add it to the mixing bowl with the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Mix well to create a creamy dressing.
- Drizzle the mayonnaise dressing over the salad mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve the Hearty BLT Bread Salad immediately, garnishing with extra bacon or a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
Tips
- Bread Selection Matters: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up to the dressing and toasting. Day-old bread works perfectly and reduces food waste!
- Bacon Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, use a cast-iron skillet and cook slowly. Pat the bacon dry before crumbling to ensure maximum crunchiness.
- Tomato Tips: Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. If possible, choose heirloom varieties for an extra burst of taste.
- Dressing Hack: For a flavor twist, add a splash of lemon juice or a touch of Dijon mustard to the mayonnaise dressing.
- Make It Your Own: Feel free to customize! Add some fresh herbs like basil or chives, or throw in some crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately after mixing to keep the bread crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Ahead: You can toast the bread and cook the bacon in advance, making this a quick and easy meal to assemble when you're short on time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 238kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 20mg
