Caesar BLT Sandwich
I’ve gilded the lily on a summer sandwich classic by infusing it with all the flavors of my favorite salad. Store bought Caesar dressing is used instead of mayonnaise and the outside of the bread gets a crispy parm crust for extra texture. In addition, I’ve added more of the lettuce—lightly dressed in Caesar—cause if you’re like me you can never get enough. These sandwiches are a celebration of summer—and the perfect opportunity to use those beautiful seasonal tomatoes.
Makes 2 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
1 large (or two medium) ripe but firm beefsteak or heirloom tomato
6 slices of thick cut bacon
8 to 10 romaine or butter lettuce leaves
⅓ cup caesar salad dressing (homemade or store-bought), divided
4 slices of thick-cut sandwich bread
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2-4 anchovies, drained (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
METHOD
Slice tomato crosswise into ½” slices. Lightly salt and pepper each tomato slice and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Add romaine leaves to a bowl and toss with about 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing until lightly coated.
Spread one side of each of the bread slices with butter, then sprinkle half the parmesan atop and press to adhere to the butter. In a pan over medium heat, add bread, parmesan side down, and lightly toast the slices of bread until parmesan is crispy and golden, about 1½ minutes, flip and toast the plain side for about 1 minute.
Remove toast from pan and working quickly, spread the remaining Caesar dressing on the plain side of each bread slice (the crispy parmesan layer is the outside of the bread).
On two of the slices, layer the cooked bacon slices, tomato slices, and dressed romaine lettuce leaves and anchovies (if using). Sprinkle generously with remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Place the remaining slices of bread on top of each sandwich, crispy parm side up. Press to close, then slice sandwiches in half diagonally and serve immediately.
Note: Store-bought Caesar dressings range in flavor and intensity quite widely, so feel free to stir in a tablespoon of mayo you’re using to spread on the bread.