BLT Variations: BBQ Sauce or Mayo?

Looking to add a twist to your classic BLT? You might be tempted to mix barbecue sauce with mayonnaise, but should you? Let's explore the options and decide if it's worth giving it a try!

Experimenting with BLT Flavors

Adding barbecue sauce along with mayonnaise to your BLT can bring a unique and delicious twist to this classic sandwich. The sweetness and smokiness of the barbecue sauce complement the savory flavors of the bacon and the freshness of the lettuce and tomato. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, combining these two ingredients can be a delightful way to enhance your BLT. However, be mindful of the amounts you use, as too much sauce might overpower the classic flavor. A small taste first can help you decide if you like the combination.

My Personal Culinary Preferences

While experimenting with flavors is fun, there are some exceptions I've made in my culinary preferences. Take, for example, the addition of pineapple to pizza. I say, 'do it!' Similarly, adding a slice of cheese to a fish fillet sounds delicious and is perfectly fine. However, there is one thing I will not tolerate: ketchup on a hot dog. Dousing my fries with ketchup is acceptable, but anything else... not a chance!

Even within these exceptions, there are some choice items. For instance, the Hot Mess brat from Das Brat Wagen is a unique creation that combines a ketchup-based curry sauce, cream cheese, grilled onions, and pepperoncinis. Despite first hesitation, it quickly became a regular order for me. I still add two kinds of mustard and jalape?os to it. The combination is simply irresistible!

Expert Opinion: Should You Use BBQ Sauce?

From an expert viewpoint, adding barbecue sauce to a BLT might not be the best choice. One of the key attributes of a BLT is the taste of the ingredients, and adding barbecue sauce could smother the wonderful flavors by overpowering them. While it can add an interesting twist, it might not enhance the classic flavor of the sandwich. It's essential to consider how much sauce you add to avoid overwhelming the other ingredients.

Alternative BLT Variations

Instead of mixing barbecue sauce with mayonnaise, consider these alternative BLT variations:

Traditional BLT with a Drizzle: Toast the bread, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, add lettuce, bacon, and a drizzle of barbecue sauce, followed by tomato slices, a pinch of salt, and finish with another slice of toast. BLT with Creamy Coleslaw: Use whole wheat bread, add peanut butter, a teaspoon of Sambal Oelek, and sliced bacon. Top it off with crispy coleslaw, a sprinkle of toasted sweetened coconut, and another slice of toast. Then, dip it in egg wash and grill it for a crunchy, satisfying treat.

Whether you're a fan of classic flavors or seeking bold, adventurous tastes, the options for customizing your BLT are endless. Experiment with different toppings and sauces to find what suits your palate the best.