Copycat Five Guys BLT Recipe

A towering homemade BLT loaded with crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes between perfectly toasted bread that captures the authentic Five Guys experience.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
2 sandwiches
An overhead shot of a perfectly assembled BLT sandwich on a checkered red and white paper wrapper, reminiscent of Five Guys' signature presentation. Soft natural light highlights the layers of crispy bacon glistening with a touch of fat, vibrant green lettuce providing textural contrast, and thick-cut tomato slices showing their juicy interior. The sandwich is cut diagonally, revealing the perfect stacking of ingredients between two pieces of golden-brown toasted bread with a subtle buttery sheen. Surrounding the sandwich are a few stray potato chips and a small paper cup of mayonnaise, completing the authentic fast-food experience with an elevated homemade touch.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">8 slices bacon (good quality, smoked)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 slices white bread (soft sandwich bread)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large ripe tomato, sliced into 6-8 thick rounds</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 large leaves iceberg lettuce, washed and dried</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">4 tablespoons mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">15g unsalted butter, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large skillet or frying pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Toaster</li></ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Start by cooking the bacon to perfect crispness. Place a large skillet over medium-low heat and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Cook slowly, turning occasionally with tongs, for about 8-10 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy but not burnt. Low and slow cooking allows the fat to render properly while achieving that signature crispness that makes a great BLT.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>While the bacon cooks, prepare your other ingredients. Slice the tomato into thick rounds (about 1 cm thick) and lightly season with salt and pepper. This step is crucial as it brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce leaves – dry lettuce is essential for preventing a soggy sandwich.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. The paper towels will absorb the extra fat while keeping the bacon crispy. Allow it to cool slightly while you prepare the bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Toast the bread slices until they're golden brown but still soft in the middle. For authentic Five Guys style, you want a light toast that provides structure without becoming too crunchy or hard. Once toasted, lightly butter one side of each slice while still warm, allowing the butter to melt into the bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>To assemble the sandwiches like they do at Five Guys, spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the non-buttered side of two bread slices. The mayo provides the signature tangy, creamy element that binds all the flavors together. Don't be shy with the mayo – it's a key component!</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Layer your ingredients in this order: place the seasoned tomato slices on the mayo-spread bread, slightly overlapping them. Next, add 4 slices of crispy bacon per sandwich, breaking them in half if needed to fit neatly. Top with iceberg lettuce leaves, folded or torn to fit the bread if necessary.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Finish by topping with the remaining bread slices, mayo-side down. Press gently to compact the sandwich slightly without crushing it. For the authentic Five Guys experience, cut each sandwich diagonally and wrap in foil or parchment paper for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.</li></ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 sandwich
🔥 Calories: 520 calories
🥑 Fat: 32 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 11 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 38 g
🍭 Sugar: 5 g
🍗 Protein: 20 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 65 mg
🧂 Sodium: 980 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

What's the secret to getting crispy bacon for the perfect BLT sandwich?

Cook bacon on medium-low heat rather than high heat - this allows fat to render properly without burning. For extra crispiness, start with a cold pan and turn the bacon frequently. Drain thoroughly on paper towels after cooking to remove excess grease while maintaining crispness.

Why does my BLT sandwich always turn out soggy?

Soggy BLTs typically result from wet ingredients. Always thoroughly dry lettuce after washing, lightly salt tomatoes and let them sit to draw out excess moisture, and ensure bread is properly toasted. Consider creating a "moisture barrier" by spreading mayo directly against the bread, not on wet ingredients.

Can I make a healthier version of this classic BLT sandwich?

Absolutely! Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives, opt for wholegrain bread for added fibre, choose a light mayonnaise or avocado as a creamy substitute, and add extra vegetables like cucumber or sprouts. These swaps maintain the satisfying taste profile while reducing calories and fat.

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