How to Make an Italian BLT

The Italian BLT

What is a BLT?

The classic BLT can be tracked all the way back to the early 20th century. Although its exact origins remain a mystery, its popularity in America bloomed after World War II due to the expansion of supermarkets which made ingredients easier to come by. It has since been a staple dish in America. If you’ve been living under a rock, I should mention that B.L.T. stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. The original recipe calls for those three ingredients stacked together between toasted bread. Mayoaise is the typical go-to dressing to tie it all together.

While I love a classic, it’s nice to try something new. Our resident chef, Tommy has come up with a new take on the recipe that is more than worth a try. Here at Wise Guys BBQ we like to reinvent traditional recipes and add an Italian twist. A lot of heart and soul went into this recipe and we have managed to create a true Italian BLT. According to Tommy, the inspiration behind this recipe can be linked back to his Sicilian grandparents. Growing up he would spend a lot of time in his grandfather’s garden, and two of the most abundant crops found in his garden were, beef stake tomatoes, and escarole. Naturally, this new recipe calls for both. You are not going to want to pass on this original Italian sandwich. Stay tuned as we take you step by step and show you how to make an Italian BLT.

More of a visual learner? Check out the video below and watch Tommy take you through the process himself.

The Ingredients 

Tommy swaps out the usual suspects for a more flavorful lineup: 

  • Italian Toast – A thick, rustic bread that brings a hearty crunch to every bite. 
  • Italian Smoked Tomatoes – Juicy beef steak tomatoes, seasoned and smoked to perfection. 
  • Beef Bacon – A rich, savory twist on the classic pork bacon. 
  • Escarole – A peppery, slightly bitter green that adds a little Italian edge. 
  • Mayonaise – Because even an Italian BLT needs that creamy finishing touch. 

Seasoning

  • Salt
  • Black Pepper
  • Italian Seasoning
  •  Garlic Powder
  • Fresh Basil

Step 1: Smoke the Tomatoes

Because we love barbecue here, we smoked our tomatoes in a smoker, but if you don’t know your way around a smoker, don’t worry! We’ve got a workaround for you. The smoked tomatoes are what really take this sandwich to the next level.

3. How to Make Italian Smoked Tomatoes on the grill 

The smoked tomatoes are what really take this sandwich to the next level. Here’s how Tommy does it: 

  1. Season fresh tomatoes with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh basil. 
  2. Smoke at 250°F for 1 ½ hours until they’re bursting with flavor and ready to take your sandwich to the next level. 

How to Make Italian Roasted Tomatoes in the Oven 

If smoking isn’t really your thing, we won’t judge you (too harshly) roasting your tomatoes is equally delicious. Here is how you do it:

  1. Slice the tomatoes to the thickness that you like best
  2. Place the slices on a cooking sheet
  3. Season fresh tomatoes with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and fresh basil. 
  4. Roast the tomatoes at 325°F for 1 ½ hours

Step 2: Prep the Bacon

Instead of typical pork bacon, Tommy decided to think outside the box and use beef bacon instead. Grab a pack of beef bacon and follow the preparation instructions on the package.

Beef Bacon

Where to Find Beef Bacon 

If you’ve never seen beef bacon at your local grocery store, you’re not alone. It can be harder to come by than pork bacon, but there are a few ways to get your hands on it:

  • Check your local supermarkets — a quick Google search can help you find one nearby. 
  • Online retailers like Amazon offer a variety of beef bacon brands that can be shipped directly to your door. 
  • The beef bacon featured in this recipe is from Arnold’s Smoked Beef Bacon — you can order it straight from their website. We’ll drop the link below. 
  • Click here for Arnold’s Premium Smoked Beef Bacon Plates 12oz – Arnold’s Meats

Assembly Instructions 

Now it’s time to build this beauty: 

  1. Spread mayo generously on each slice of toasted Italian bread. 
  2. Lay down fresh escarole for that crisp bite. 
  3. Add a few Italian smoked tomatoes — packed with smoky, herby goodness. 
  4. Pile on a hefty amount of beef bacon, placing each slice horizontally like Tommy does. 
  5. Top it off with the remaining toast, press it down, and enjoy.