The Bacon Lettuce and Tomato sandwich is a symbol of summer for me. Growing up, when the lettuce was ready in the garden and the tomatoes perfectly ripened this sandwich was on the menu. It is quick and easy with both protein and vegetables, not to mention some fat to help you absorb the veggie vitamins. I will admit that often my sandwiches were bacon and cheese as a kid, but fortunately I now appreciate the fresh vegetables so I’ve graduated to full BLT status.
Last week I was looking through one of my cookbooks and found a recipe for a BLT pizza. I thought it was a great idea for spicing up the traditional and decided to give it an even greater twist with a little chipotle mayo.
I bought the bacon from St. Asaph Farm not too far from the town we live in. I’m really excited to be finding so many natural farms around central Kentucky that implement the practices of Joel Salatin and Polyface Farm. In addition, I enjoyed talking with the owner, Rachel. She has lived abroad in the Dominican Republic and her husband in India and then they moved to India together after they were married. I’m always amazed at the international experiences I encounter here at home.
The bacon is jowl bacon from pastured pork and has a delicious flavor. It cooked up nicely. I like mine crispy and my husband likes his chewy so I usually cook a few slices of bacon longer than the others.
The lettuce came from my Dad’s garden which we got when we were visiting over Mother’s day weekend. The tomato, from a hydroponic grower at the farmer’s market.
I made this Focaccia recipe from Tyler Florence, split it into four loaves and sprinkled on some shredded parmesan before baking. I used the chipotle salsa from the Shrimp Taco Dorado I posted recently. It is really just a chipotle mayo. To make it, combine some mayonnaise, one to two chipotle peppers in adobe (based on how spicy you want it) and a squeeze of lime juice and blend it up.
Summertime BLT Pizza with Spicy Chipotle Mayo
Adapted from Weight Watchers Dining for Two
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 individual rounds of baked focaccia or your favorite pizza crust
8 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped1 large tomato, chopped
4 cups lettuce, chopped
½ cup chipotle mayo (more or less to taste)*
½ cup chipotle mayo (more or less to taste)*
Prep
In a large bowl, combine the bacon, tomato and lettuce. Pour over the mayo and toss to coat all the ingredients. Divide into four servings and place on top of each pizza. Cut into slices with a knife and serve.
*See explanation in text above the recipe.
I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for the BLT pizza at California Pizza Kitchen. But with the homemade dough and the chipotle mayo…this is way better.
This looks so fresh and delicious! I love everything about it, especially your use of focaccia and the spicy chipotle mayo – an international twist to all those great local ingredients!
This looks like a fabulous pizza! I love crispy bits of bacon my pizza. I’m impressed that you are reaching out to local farmers. It takes a lot of time to research and go out of your way to visit, but so worth it.
Your pizza looks delicious. Like Joanne I <3 the California BLT pizza at CPK–the one with avocado. I made it at home once and it was so good. I am loving the spicy mayo in this one–yum!
BLTs were huge when I was growing up! My mom also ate tomato and onion sandwiches. This looks so good and it photographed great! It would make nice little appetizers too. 😀
As a kid I used to eat BLM (bacon, lettuce & mayo) because I didn’t like the tomato, I can’t believe now what I was missing!
Joanne – I only get to go there when we travel, but I do like their pizza. I didn’t know they had a BLT. I’ll have to look for it next time.
TN – Love mixing it all up! 🙂
FLB – I really like meeting the local farmers. You can get to so many great places here within an hours drive.
Deb – Mmmm…avocado. That would be a nice addition.
Andrea – Great idea! You could make mini pizzas even smaller than what I have here.
kat – I know! Even as an adult tomatoes were still growing on me, but these that I got at the farmer’s market last week were incredible. I’m officially a tomato fan.
Mmm Mmm Mmm that sounds so good! I got some bacon from Stillman Farm out here in MA – all heritage bred animals – and it was SO fantastic tasting. Nothing like supermarket bacon. Heck yeah! Love it!
I love that it looks like a big salad on top of a pizza! My kind of meal for sure (minus the bacon ;)). Very cool that you found some local meats! I just bought grass fed beef for Josh and cannot wait to cook with it (making meatballs on Monday). Have a good weekend Lori 🙂 Hows the puppers? Tell her Frank says whats up
BLT totally reminds me of summer!What a great twist!
Have a lovely weekend Lori!
I love the idea of BLT pizza and it sounds so good with the spicy chipotle mayo!
This brings the traditional BLT to a whole new level. Awesome.
This looks delicious! I will have to try it soon.This has just been added to my “to do” list. love the chipotle mayo.
Yummm… love pizza!
This pizza just sounds perfect and refreshing with all sorts of tangy goodness. The perfect mid day meal for me.
Can you believe that I never had BLT pizza? Have to try it soon, it sure sounds and looks to yummie, specially with the spicy mayo 🙂
Every year when I was younger my parents flew me to my grandparents place in Florida…it was a huge deal because I got to fly alone and when I got there I had my grandparents all to my self, unlike at Christmas time when there were other grandchildren that needed attention as well.
We always went tomato picking and then grandma would make BLT’s. One summer she got hooked on this turkey bacon thing, but thank goodness that passed! The tomatoes made the BLT and even today they do remind me of hot summers in Florida.
Think its really great that you are meeting the local farmers and that they are practicing good stewardship!
focaccia is the best! looks so good
Michelle – I agree. The flavor can’t be described until you taste it and then you know the difference.
Erica – She’s doing great. I am loving the Frank pics lately.
Emily – Thanks! You too!
5 Star and Velva – Thanks! I enjoyed the twist and plan to use this mayo often. Great spicy flavor.
Erica and Selba – Thanks!
Oyster Culture – Yes, it’s a great lunch-on-the-patio meal! 🙂
Juliana – Oh you definitely have to try one.
gastro – What great memories! The turkey bacon has come and gone in our family too. Isn’t that stuff just awful!
whataboutsummer – Thanks!