This Avocado BLT features a little secret: alongside the classic crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes and fresh lettuce is a creamy avocado aioli that lifts the sandwich to the next level.

With summer winding down, I’m savoring the last of the season’s juicy tomatoes. A BLT is an obvious choice, but an Avocado BLT—with both sliced avocado and a garlicky avocado aioli—adds creaminess and brightness that transform a familiar sandwich into something special.
To make the aioli, blend a ripe avocado with garlic, lemon zest and juice, a touch of mustard, salt, and olive oil until the mixture becomes silky and spreadable, similar to mayonnaise. Use that aioli generously on toasted bread, then layer crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, thick tomato slices and a few slices of avocado. Top with the second slice of toast and enjoy a sandwich that’s salty, juicy, and luxuriously creamy.
Ingredients that Matter
Quality and freshness matter most in a sandwich with just a few ingredients. Use the best you can find for each component. You’ll need:

- Avocado Aioli – Homemade is best. The aioli replaces mayonnaise and gives the sandwich a bright, garlicky avocado flavor. Store-bought avocado spreads are an option if you prefer.
- Tomatoes – Use the freshest, juiciest tomatoes you can find; they’re central to a great BLT.
- Bacon – Thick-cut bacon crisps nicely and adds chew and texture. Avoid heavily sweetened varieties that can unbalance the sandwich.
- Lettuce – Mild lettuces like green leaf, red leaf or bibb work well. For more peppery flavor, use arugula.
- Bread – Any sandwich bread you like. Traditional white sandwich bread toasted lightly is classic, but sourdough or bakery-style loaves are excellent, too.
- Avocado – Slicing additional avocado for the sandwich enhances the creamy texture and avocado flavor.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
Building this sandwich is quick. Start by making the avocado aioli, then cook the bacon and assemble.

Avocado Aioli: In a mason jar or blender, combine one ripe avocado, a garlic clove, Dijon mustard, lemon zest and juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, then slowly stream in olive oil while blending until the mixture is light and fluffy. Taste and adjust salt and lemon as needed. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days.

Bacon: Cook bacon until crispy either in a skillet over medium heat (about 8 minutes) or on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven (about 20 minutes). Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Assembly: Toast your bread. Spread a generous layer of avocado aioli on each slice, then top one slice with lettuce, bacon, thick tomato slices and avocado. Close with the second slice of toast and secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat for the second sandwich.

Serve immediately while the toast is warm and the bacon is crisp.
Make-ahead tip: Prepare components in advance—store the aioli in the fridge, wash and dry lettuce (cover with a damp paper towel) and cook bacon ahead and reheat or serve chilled. Toast the bread just before assembling for the best texture.
Substitutions
This sandwich adapts easily to dietary needs:
- Gluten-free – Use gluten-free bread and confirm your bacon is gluten-free.
- Vegan/Vegetarian – Swap bacon for plant-based alternatives or roasted, seasoned mushrooms. Use vegan sandwich bread. The avocado aioli is naturally vegan.
- Dairy-free – Most sandwich breads are dairy-free; choose one labeled dairy-free to be sure.

Variations
Small changes can elevate or adapt this sandwich:
- Lettuce – Try arugula, baby kale, or shredded cabbage for extra bite.
- Roasted vegetables – Add roasted zucchini, peppers or onions for a heartier sandwich.
- Kid-friendly – Replace the aioli with plain mayonnaise if children prefer a simpler flavor.
Equipment
An immersion blender, food processor, or high-speed blender works well for the aioli. A skillet or sheet pan will cook bacon to crispy perfection.
Storage
The assembled sandwich is best eaten immediately. Components keep well: the aioli in an airtight container for up to four days (if it separates, add a splash of cold water and re-blend), washed lettuce wrapped with a damp paper towel, and cooked bacon refrigerated for up to four days.

FAQ
The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado pair wonderfully with salty bacon, juicy tomatoes and crunchy lettuce. It’s a natural and delicious addition.
Spread aioli or mayonnaise on the bottom slice of toast, layer lettuce first to protect the bread from sogginess, then bacon and finally tomato on top.
Sides
Great sides for this sandwich include a simple green salad, roasted carrots, mac and cheese, or roasted bok choy—choose something fresh or lightly roasted to balance the sandwich.
Dinner Ideas
If you’re planning a full meal, consider roasted chicken leg quarters, braised beef sliders with citrus slaw, a citrus-soy braised chuck roast, or a bright cherry tomato spaghetti sauce.
Recipe
Avocado BLT
Description
This Avocado BLT features crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a spread of garlicky avocado aioli for extra creaminess and flavor.
Ingredients
Avocado Aioli
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2–3 Tbsp lemon juice, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp table salt, plus more to taste
- 6 Tbsp olive oil
BLT
- 4 slices bacon
- 6 Tbsp avocado aioli
- 4 slices sandwich bread, toasted
- 1 cup loosely packed lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into ½-inch slices
- 1 medium avocado, sliced ½-inch thick
Instructions
Avocado Aioli
- Combine avocado, garlic, mustard, lemon zest and juice, and salt in a jar or blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until the aioli is light and fluffy. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
BLT
- Cook bacon until crispy in a skillet over medium heat (about 8 minutes) or on a sheet pan in a 375°F oven (about 20 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Spread aioli on toast. Top with lettuce, bacon, tomato slices and avocado. Close with second slice of toast, secure with a toothpick if needed, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use your favorite sandwich bread: white, wheat, oat or sourdough all work well.
- Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
- For a more assertive green, substitute arugula or baby kale for the lettuce.
- Most components can be prepared up to four days ahead; toast the bread just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 min.
- Cook Time: 10 min.
- Total Time: 20 min.
- Yield: 2 sandwiches.
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Sauté / Oven
- Cuisine: American