Heirloom Tomato BLT with Candied Bacon and Herb Mayo

Bursting with vibrant flavors and seasonal freshness, this Heirloom Tomato Summer BLT takes the classic sandwich to the next level. Sweet, candied bacon pairs perfectly with juicy heirloom tomatoes and a creamy herb-infused mayo, all nestled between toasted bread for the ultimate summer bite. It’s a simple yet indulgent way to celebrate the best of the season.

Why This is Delish

This isn’t your average BLT. Candied bacon brings a sweet, caramelized depth that takes the whole sandwich to another level, and the herb mayo — blended with fresh tarragon, basil, mint, dill, chives, and a hit of lemon — is so fresh and vibrant it practically tastes like summer. Layer all of that on top of juicy, olive oil-kissed heirloom tomatoes and butter lettuce on toasted brioche, and you’ve got a sandwich that’s equal parts elevated and effortless.

How to Make the Heirloom Tomato BLT with Candied Bacon

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then lay the bacon strips in a single layer. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the top and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bacon is crispy and caramelized. Remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate — it will crisp up even more as it cools.

While the bacon bakes, make your herb mayo. In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, fresh tarragon, basil, mint, parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and vibrant green. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Slice the heirloom tomatoes and season generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Toast your brioche slices until golden. Spread a generous layer of herb mayo on each slice, then layer with butter lettuce, candied bacon, and those gorgeous seasoned tomatoes. Top with another slice of bread and serve immediately.

Variations That Spice the Heirloom Tomato BLT Up

• Swap the brioche for sourdough or a thick-cut white bread for a more classic BLT feel.
• Add sliced avocado for a creamy, rich layer between the bacon and tomatoes.
• Use turkey bacon if you want a lighter version

Substitutions For Your Dietary Needs

• Use vegan mayo and skip the bacon (or use a plant-based alternative) to make this vegetarian or vegan.
• Swap brioche for a gluten-free bread to make this gluten-free.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, a good store-bought basil or herb pesto stirred into mayo works in a pinch.

Recipe Hacks & Tips

• Let the candied bacon cool fully before assembling — it crisps up as it rests and won’t steam your bread
• Don’t skip seasoning the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper — it makes a huge difference
• The herb mayo can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge
• Toast your brioche right before assembling so it stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy

Serve These Delicious Dishes

• Summer Peach Panzanella with Fresh Herbs
• Heirloom Tomato and Ricotta Galette
• Fresh Summer Orzo Salad with Feta and Garlic Scape Dressing

How to Store Leftovers

The components of this BLT are best stored separately. Keep the herb mayo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftover candied bacon in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days — reheat in the oven or air fryer to re-crisp. Assembled sandwiches don’t store well, so build them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Common Questions

Heirloom Tomato BLT with Candied Bacon and Herb Mayo

This Heirloom Tomato BLT with Candied Bacon and Herb Mayo takes the classic sandwich to the next level with sweet caramelized bacon, fresh herb mayo, and juicy summer tomatoes on toasted brioche. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Yields: 3 people

Ingredients

For the Bacon

• 1 Package Bacon
• 2 Tablespoons Brown Sugar

For the Herb Mayo

• ½ Cup Mayo
• 1 Handful Fresh Tarragon
• 1 Handful Fresh Basil
• 1 Handful Fresh Mint
• 1 Handful Fresh Parsley
• 1 Handful Fresh Dill
• 1 Handful Fresh Chives
• ½ Lemon juiced and zested
• 1 Cloves Garlic
• Salt & Pepper

Assembly

• 2 Heirloom Tomatoes
• Salt & Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Butter Lettuce
• 6 Pieces Brioche Bread toasted

Instructions

Prepare the Bacon

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
• Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the baking sheet.
• Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the bacon.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and caramelized.
• Remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate.

Make the Herb Mayo

• In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, tarragon, basil, mint, parsley, dill, chives, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Blend until smooth and well combined.
• Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble the BLT

• Slice the heirloom tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Toast the brioche bread slices.
• Spread a generous layer of herb mayo on each slice of toasted bread.
• Layer butter lettuce, candied bacon, and seasoned heirloom tomatoes on the bread.
• Top with another slice of bread.
• Serve immediately.