The Ultimate California BLT Sandwich with Hummus: A Healthier, Flavorful Twist

This post is in partnership with Sabra.

For years, I resisted joining the widespread enthusiasm for the classic BLT sandwich. It might sound unusual, given its legendary status, but bacon wasn’t always my favorite. Growing up, I was “that kid” who wasn’t thrilled by the crispy strips that many adored. I know, a collective gasp likely just echoed! However, tastes evolve, and somewhere along the culinary journey, I wholeheartedly embraced bacon – but with a strict condition: it must be *exceptionally* crispy. This evolution in my palate eventually led me to understand the profound appeal of the BLT, especially after my partner, Connor, whose devotion to a perfectly constructed BLT is legendary, inadvertently passed on his infatuation to me.

The BLT, a timeless American classic, stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. Its simplicity is its genius, relying on the quality of a few core ingredients to create a symphony of textures and flavors. When done right, with perfectly toasted bread, crisp lettuce, juicy ripe tomatoes, and that irresistible, shatteringly crisp bacon, it’s nothing short of culinary perfection. However, like many beloved dishes, there’s always room for personal touches and healthy upgrades, especially when it comes to traditional condiments.

The Mayonnaise Conundrum: Seeking a Healthier BLT Spread

While my appreciation for bacon grew, one traditional BLT component has always remained a challenge for me: mayonnaise. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate its role in specific dishes like a creamy egg salad or a classic tuna sandwich, and I’m even a fan of homemade mayonnaise on occasion. But when it comes to slathering it on a sandwich as a primary spread, it’s just not for me. This aversion led me on a quest for alternatives that could provide the same desired creaminess and richness without the mayo.

For many years, my go-to substitute was mashed avocado. The rich, velvety texture and subtly nutty flavor of avocado perfectly complement the salty bacon, fresh lettuce, and sweet tomato. In fact, adding avocado transforms a standard BLT into a “BLAT” – Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato – or more specifically, a “California BLT.” It’s a widely accepted and highly celebrated variation, and frankly, I believe all BLT sandwiches should include avocado. It’s a fact that once you try it, there’s no going back.

However, the culinary world is vast, and innovation never ceases. My friends at Sabra recently introduced a fantastic new line of wholesome, refrigerated hummus sandwich spreads, and I was instantly intrigued. I’ve always been a fan of spreading traditional hummus on bread and toast – who can forget that viral spicy hummus avocado toast trend?! The idea of a specially formulated hummus spread designed for sandwiches sounded like a game-changer.

Introducing Hummus as the Ultimate BLT Mayonnaise Alternative

These innovative Sabra spreads come in convenient, easy-to-use squeezable bottles, making application a breeze. They’re available in a variety of delicious flavors, including Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, Garlic Herb, and Honey Mustard, offering diverse options to elevate any sandwich. But beyond the convenience and flavor, these hummus spreads present a genuinely wonderful alternative to mayonnaise, especially for those seeking a healthier option. They are packed with healthy protein and fiber, and remarkably, contain 75% *less* fat than traditional mayonnaise. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy their favorite sandwiches with a nutritious twist.

My experiment quickly confirmed that hummus is an *incredible* addition to a traditional BLT, particularly the California BLT with its creamy avocado. For this recipe, I opted for the Sabra Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper hummus spread. Its subtle yet distinct fresh pepper flavor proved to be a magnificent pairing with the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe tomatoes, enhancing the overall profile of the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients. The smooth texture of the hummus adds a delightful moisture and a pleasant earthiness that mayonnaise simply cannot replicate, creating a BLT experience that is both familiar and excitingly new.

Crafting the Perfect California BLT: Key Tips for Success

A truly exceptional BLT, especially a California BLT, hinges on the quality of its components. With only a handful of ingredients – bread, crispy bacon, luscious avocado, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomato – each one must shine. Elevating a good BLT to a great one is all about thoughtful selection and preparation.

Selecting the Best Ingredients:

• Summer Ripe Tomatoes: This is arguably the most crucial ingredient. A BLT is a celebration of the tomato. Opt for heirloom tomatoes, beefsteaks, or any variety that is deeply red, heavy for its size, and bursting with fragrant, sweet, and slightly acidic flavor. Out-of-season, pale tomatoes simply won’t do this sandwich justice.
• Crispy Bacon: As I mentioned, crispy is key. Not chewy, not limp, but perfectly rendered and brittle enough to snap. The method of cooking plays a huge role here.
• Quality Bread: Don’t underestimate the foundation of your sandwich. Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread – sourdough, whole wheat, or a good quality white bread all work wonderfully. Toast it to a golden-brown perfection, ensuring it’s firm enough to hold up to the fillings without becoming too crunchy or scratching the roof of your mouth.
• Fresh Lettuce: While any crisp lettuce works, butterhead lettuce (like Boston or Bibb) offers a tender crunch and mild flavor that is ideal for a BLT. Avoid anything too bitter or tough.
• Ripe Avocado: For the “California” in California BLT, a perfectly ripe avocado is essential. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Slice it thinly or mash it for an even spread of creamy goodness.

The Secret to Perfect Crispy Bacon: Baking in the Oven

If you’re still frying bacon on the stovetop, it’s time to convert! Baking bacon in the oven is a revelation. It not only saves on cleanup (no greasy splatters!) but also ensures that every single strip cooks evenly and crisps up incredibly consistently. This method guarantees perfectly rendered fat and uniform crispness across all slices, which is paramount for an exceptional BLT.

How To Cook Bacon in the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with an oven rack positioned in the center. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil – this is your secret weapon for easy cleanup! Lay the bacon strips flat on the foil in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon and your desired level of crispness. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the bacon slices to ensure even crisping on both sides. Once golden brown and perfectly crispy, transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease and cool slightly before assembling your sandwich.

Why This Hummus BLT Stands Out

This California BLT with hummus is more than just a sandwich; it’s a testament to how simple tweaks can elevate a classic. By replacing mayonnaise with a flavorful Sabra hummus spread, we not only introduce a healthier element with added protein and fiber but also a unique depth of flavor that is both unexpected and incredibly satisfying. The Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper variety, in particular, adds a vibrant peppery kick that enhances the fresh, juicy tomatoes beautifully.

The combination of perfectly crisp, oven-baked bacon, the creamy richness of avocado, the vibrant freshness of lettuce and summer tomatoes, all brought together by the smooth, savory hummus, creates a sandwich that hits all the right notes. It’s crunchy, creamy, fresh, and deeply flavorful – a perfect blend of textures and tastes that make it an ideal meal for lunch or a light dinner. It’s also incredibly versatile; you can experiment with other Sabra hummus flavors, like Garlic Herb for a more pungent note or Honey Mustard for a touch of sweet tang.

Embrace the season’s bounty by using the freshest, ripest tomatoes you can find. Don’t skimp on quality; when a dish has so few ingredients, each one truly matters. And remember, the secret to a truly great BLT lies in that irresistibly crispy bacon, which the oven-baking method guarantees every time. This California BLT with hummus is not just a sandwich; it’s a vibrant, wholesome, and utterly delicious experience that will redefine your appreciation for this iconic meal.

This recipe post is in partnership with Sabra. I am a proud member of the Sabra Tastemaker program! Thank you for supporting brands that I love and that inspire healthier, more flavorful eating.