Juicy tomato, crispy lettuce, smoky bacon, and a garlicky mayo spread.

What more could you ask for from a sandwich?

A well-made Southern BLT is an instrument of grace.

Four slices of bacon cooking until crispy in a black cast iron skillet.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

Use tongs or a fork to flip the slices occasionally to encourage even browning.

Place the cooked bacon on a paper towellined plated to drain and cool while you mix the mayo.

PRO TIP:If you’re a mayo lover, you might want to double this recipe.

A small white bowl of mayonnaise, garlic, and pepper being stirred with a small spoon.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

This lettuce will serve as a moisture barrier, so it’s important to add it first.

Once the lettuce is in place, add the tomato slices.

Step 5: FinallyAdd the Bacon

Oh yeahit’s bacon time!

Spreading garlicky mayonnaise over a perfectly toasted slice of bread.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

This will guarantee that every single bite of your BLT has plenty of bacon goodness.

PRO TIP:Crumble the bacon, and sprinkle it over the tomatoes.

It’s not as pretty, but it’s pretty darn delicious!

Placing green, leafy lettuce on a piece of toasted bread spread with mayonnaise.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

Using a serrated knife, gently cut the sandwich using a sawing motion.

Whether you cut it into 2 rectangles, 4 squares, or two triangles is totally up to you.

If you aren’t able to grow your own (here’s how!)

Slices of crispy bacon placed on top of tomatoes.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

hit up your local farmers' market or farm stand.

If you’re looking for a little more flavor, try some peppery arugula instead.

No matter which bread you choose, we recommend toasting it to yield a sturdy BLT.

All of the ingredients needed to make a BLT: crispy bacon, leafy green lettuce, ripe tomatoes, toasted bread, and a garlicky mayonnaise sauce.

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

Add it to the bottom piece of bread to minimize slipping.

Pimiento Cheese, c’mon

This Southern spread improves everything it touches.

While there are plenty of delicious store-bought brands out there, this easypimiento cheeserecipe is one of our favorites.

southern blt stacked on top of each other

Credit: Monica Farber/Southern Living

Talk about a flavor explosion!

You won’t regret it.

Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels, and drain.

Stir together mayonnaise, grated garlic to taste, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl.

Spread evenly on bread slices.

Top 1 slice of bread with lettuce leaf, breaking to fit if necessary, and tomato slices.

Sprinkle tomatoes with salt and pepper.

Top with bacon and remaining bread slice.

Slice sandwich in half before serving.