California BLT
on Jul 08, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
It’s the sandwich that never lets you down. Salty bacon, juicy tomatoes, buttery avocado, and crunchy lettuce — all nestled between perfectly toasted bread with a swipe of lemon tarragon mayo. If you’ve got 15 minutes and a few simple ingredients, you have the makings of the best California BLT ever.
There is a reason the BLT is a classic. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and it’s bursting with flavor. When you give it a little California sunshine tweak in the form of creamy avocado and some optional sprouts? That’s when things get next-level delicious. This California BLT recipe keeps the soul of the original but adds a buttery, bright twist with ripe avocado — and maybe a swipe of lemony aioli if you’re feeling it.
In food speak, California-style usually means there’s an avocado in the mix — and for good reason. Here, it mellows the salty, crispy bacon, complements the tomatoes, and gives this sandwich luscious creaminess without much effort. You can also add sprouts or sliced cucumber.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
What's In This Post?
Tips for the Best BLT with Avocado
- Pick firm but ripe avocados. You want slices, not guacamole.
- Season as you go. A little salt on both the tomato and the avocado gives this sandwich full flavor.
- Use good bread. Sourdough, a firm country white, or whole grain bread holds up best.
- Try this aioli. Just mix mayo, lemon juice, and a pinch of super-finely minced or grated garlic. Instant upgrade.
California BLT Variations
- Swap in mayo mixed with a bit of pesto mayo or chipotle mayo for a flavor boost.
- Top with a fried egg for a California BLT breakfast sandwich.
What to Know About Making a Perfect California BLT
You can prep the bacon and slice the veggies but don’t assemble until ready to eat. The bread will get soggy, and the avocado can brown.
Thick-cut bacon cooked in the oven for 400 F for 15-20 minutes gets perfectly crispy without splatter.
Toast the bread, pat the tomatoes dry, and layer the lettuce directly on the bread as a moisture barrier.
What to Serve With a California BLT
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
California BLT (with Avocado!)
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick cut bacon (halved crosswise)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced tarragon
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 8 slices good bread (country white, sourdough, multigrain; your choice)
- ½ teaspoon finely minced garlic
- 1 medium tomato (sliced)
- 1 avocado (peeled, pit removed, and sliced)
- 4 slices romaine heart lettuce (sliced crosswise)
- ⅓ cup sprouts (such as broccoli sprouts)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F, and place a wire cooling rack on a rimmed baking sheet.
- Lay the bacon on the wire rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the bacon is crisp (it will crisp up a bit more as it cools, so take it out when it still has some pliability). Alternatively, you can cook the bacon in a skillet.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tarragon, lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of the mayonnaise mixture on one side of each of the slices of bread. (you should use less than half the mayo mixture). Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place as many of the bread slices in the skillet as will fit, mayo side down. Allow to cook until very lightly brown, about 2 minutes, then remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining slices. Set aside.
- Stir the minced garlic into the rest of the mayo mixture. Divide the remaining mayo mixture over the bread slices on the untoasted side. Layer the tomato, avocado, 2 romaine lettuce halves, bacon, and a generous pinch of sprouts on top of the bread. Top with the remaining slices of bread, toasted side up. Cut in half, and serve.
Did you eat the bacon before it made it to the sandwich ? Just kidding but you will probably get asked where to put the bacon.
uh, yeah, that would be helpful! added, thanks! (and yes, I do need to make extra bacon because if my boys — including the dog — smell bacon cooking there’s no way I’ll ever get to make these sandwiches).