The Ideal Ingredients for a Bacon Sandwich

Introduction to Bacon Sandwiches

When it comes to the ideal ingredients for a bacon sandwich, opinions can vary widely, much like the difference between enjoying a classic BLT and a variation like a BL-Cheese. In this article, we will explore the key components of a true bacon sandwich, providing a clear distinction between what makes a proper bacon sandwich and the variations that might alter its essence.

The Essence of a Proper Bacon Sandwich

A proper bacon sandwich, often referred to as a bacon butty in British English, should have only four primary ingredients:
- Bread of your choice, never toasted
- Butter
- Back bacon, lightly fried or grilled
- Sauce of your choice, preferably Worcester sauce

It’s crucial to note that a bacon sandwich should contain no other ingredients. Adding items like lettuce, tomatoes, or mayonnaise transforms it into a different sandwich, such as a bacon XYZ sandwich, and not a proper bacon sandwich.

Variations and Preferences

While traditionalists will stick to a plain bacon sandwich, others have their own preferred additions. For instance, my husband envisions his BLT with bread, and avoids both mustard and mayonnaise. However, he has a flexible approach and finds it acceptable when these additions are included in a restaurant setting.

Favorite Bacon Sandwich Recipes

Moving on to personal favorites, I will outline my ideal bacon sandwich and compare it to my husband's preferred variation:

Classic BLT

For me, a bacon sandwich is a simple yet delicious meal. I prefer it with crispy bacon, ideally 5 or 6 slices, a few leaves of green lettuce or romaine, and plenty of tomato. If I have to, I will use two or three smaller slices of tomato to ensure full coverage. This is a classic BLT that I enjoy without any additional ingredients.

BL-Cheese

My husband, however, has a variant that he calls a BL-Cheese. This variation includes the same bacon and lettuce, but in place of tomato, he prefers a good thick slice of Swiss or pepper Jack cheese. His frequent requests at a local restaurant influenced them to add the BL-Cheese to their menu and garnered attention from other diners.

Choosing High-Quality Ingredients

To create a truly delicious bacon sandwich, it is essential to select good quality ingredients. Here are some points to consider:

Bacon: Opt for outdoor-reared bacon with the rind removed, using a smoking and dry-curing method with no added water. Middle back bacon, still containing the loin portion, is preferred over American streaky bacon or Canadian bacon, which is more akin to gammon steaks. Bread: For best results, use fresh white bread with butter or, even better, dripping. A bread roll or bap is also suitable. Sauce: HP Sauce is a must-have for a classic British bacon butty.

Detailed Recipe

To make a high-quality bacon sandwich, follow these steps:

Select your bread of choice and spread it with butter or dripping. Fry or grill the bacon lightly until it is crisp but not overly cooked. The bacon should be bite-sized and slightly soft to the touch. Place the bacon between two slices of bread, ensuring the bacon layer is thick and crispy. No point in using just one or two sad rashers of bacon. Serve immediately, allowing the entire sandwich to take center stage.

Remember, a bacon sandwich is all about simplicity and letting the high-quality ingredients shine through in their entirety. Enjoy your beautifully crafted bacon butty!