Hailee Catalano’s BLT Sandwich with Toum Garlic Spread takes the classic BLT to the next level with the addition of a rich, creamy homemade garlic spread called toum. This flavorful sandwich combines crispy bacon, fresh heirloom tomatoes, and cool iceberg lettuce, all nestled between slices of lightly toasted potato bread. The secret ingredient, the toum, is a creamy, garlicky spread made from garlic, lemon juice, and canola oil, giving the sandwich a unique kick. This BLT is perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, offering a delicious twist on the traditional favorite.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
What makes Hailee Catalano’s BLT Sandwich with Toum Garlic Spread so irresistible is the balance of flavors and textures. The crispy bacon adds savory crunch, while the heirloom tomatoes bring juiciness and a burst of sweetness. The toum garlic spread, with its creamy texture and bold garlic flavor, ties everything together and elevates the sandwich to something extraordinary. With fresh, quality ingredients like potato bread and crunchy lettuce, this BLT is anything but ordinary. Whether you’re a garlic lover or simply want to upgrade your go-to sandwich, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
What Is Hailee Catalano’s BLT Sandwich with Toum Garlic Spread?
Hailee Catalano’s BLT Sandwich with Toum Garlic Spread is a classic BLT with a twist. The sandwich features crispy bacon, fresh tomato slices, and lettuce, but the standout element is the homemade toum garlic spread. Toum is an emulsified garlic sauce made from garlic, lemon juice, salt, oil, and water, creating a creamy, flavorful spread that’s perfect for sandwiches. The sandwich is assembled on lightly toasted potato bread, offering the perfect base for the bold flavors.
Cooking Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon will give you a crispier, heartier texture that holds up better in a sandwich. Bake it in the oven for an evenly crispy result.
- Toast the bread lightly: Toast the potato bread just enough to get it golden and crispy but not too crunchy, so it still holds up to the filling.
- Make the toum ahead of time: The toum can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This allows the garlic flavors to develop and deepen.
- Use fresh heirloom tomatoes: Heirloom tomatoes are sweeter and more flavorful, adding an extra burst of freshness to the sandwich. However, you can use any ripe tomatoes available.
- Adjust garlic flavor: If you’re not a fan of strong garlic, reduce the amount of garlic in the toum and taste it as you go to find your perfect balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the toum without an immersion blender?
Yes, if you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender or food processor. Just make sure to stream in the oil slowly to achieve the right consistency. The key is to emulsify the mixture until it’s thick and creamy like mayonnaise.
Can I use a different bread for this sandwich?
While potato bread gives this sandwich a soft and slightly sweet base, you can substitute it with other types of bread such as sourdough, ciabatta, or whole-grain bread. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the filling.
How long can I store leftover toum?
Leftover toum can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to develop over time, and you can use it as a spread for other sandwiches, as a dip for veggies, or as a condiment for grilled meats.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this sandwich vegetarian by skipping the bacon and adding additional vegetables like roasted mushrooms or avocado. The toum spread will still add plenty of flavor.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
While the sandwich is best served fresh, you can prepare all the components in advance. Store the toasted bread, bacon, sliced veggies, and toum separately, and assemble the sandwich right before serving to maintain the freshness of the ingredients.
How to Store
If you have leftover sandwich ingredients, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The toum spread can be stored for up to 2 weeks. Bacon can be kept for up to 3 days, and fresh vegetables should be used within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
How to Freeze
Freezing the sandwich after it’s been assembled is not recommended, as the bread and vegetables may become soggy. However, you can freeze the bacon separately for up to 1 month. When ready to use, reheat it in the oven for crispy bacon that’s perfect for your sandwich.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
- 12 thick-cut peppered bacon slices (1½ lbs.)
- 8 potato bread slices
- 1 small head iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and cold
- 3 large multicolored heirloom tomatoes, sliced ½-inch thick
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 4 teaspoons coarsely chopped fresh dill
For the Toum Garlic Spread:
- ½ cup peeled garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1½ cups canola oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top.
- Bake the bacon: Arrange the bacon in an even layer on the wire rack. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Blend the garlic and lemon juice: In a quart-size container or high-sided bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Use an immersion blender to process until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Emulsify the oil: While the blender is running, slowly stream in ¾ cup of the canola oil, ensuring it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the ice-cold water and blend for an additional minute until fully incorporated.
- Finish the toum: Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup oil while the blender runs, until the toum is emulsified and thick, resembling mayonnaise. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Toast the bread: Toast the potato bread slices until lightly golden.
- Spread the toum: Spread 1½ tablespoons of toum on one side of each toasted bread slice.
- Layer the sandwich: On 4 slices of bread, top with 2 large lettuce leaves and 2 slices of tomato. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh pepper. Add 3 slices of bacon and 1 teaspoon of fresh dill on top.
- Complete the sandwich: Place the remaining bread slices on top, and serve immediately.
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