Italian BLT: 7 Amazing Secrets for an Unforgettable Italian BLT!

A culinary journey to Italy, right on your plate! Forget the classic BLT! This revisited sandwich, imbued with Italian sunshine and generosity, will transport you to a sunny trattoria. Mortadella, roasted tomatoes, provolone… Dolce vita with every bite! The Italian BLT is a magnificent culinary creation that perfectly marries American simplicity with the rich flavors of Italy. It’s a testament to the idea that a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly extraordinary.

The traditional American BLT is a staple for a reason: the salty crunch of bacon, the freshness of lettuce, and the juicy sweetness of tomatoes. But our journey to redefine this classic begins by swapping out these elements for their Italian counterparts. Bacon gives way to melting mortadella, its delicate, spiced flavor a perfect counterpoint to the other ingredients. Lettuce transforms into peppery arugula, adding a sharp, vibrant note that cuts through the richness. And roasted cherry tomatoes mingle with the intensity of roasted garlic, transforming their simple sweetness into something deep and complex. All of this rests on a perfectly toasted slice of Italian wood-fired bread, and is delicately drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. This Italian BLT is more than just a sandwich: it’s a refined culinary experience, a tribute to Italian simplicity and a celebration of Mediterranean flavors.

🥖 Essential Ingredients for the Italian BLT

To create your own delicious Italian BLT, you will need these key components (for 4 servings):

• 4 small grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• A handful of fresh basil leaves (about ¼ cup)
• 1 loaf of Italian wood-fired bread
• 8 slices of provolone cheese
• 8 slices of mortadella (read more about this amazing cold cut on Wikipedia)
• 1 bunch of arugula
• Extra virgin olive oil (for drizzling)
• Balsamic vinegar

The secret to making the Italian BLT truly shine lies in the quality of your ingredients. Sourcing a genuine wood-fired bread will give your sandwich an authentic rustic flavor and texture. The provolone cheese, with its slightly smoky and tangy notes, provides a fantastic base, melting beautifully into the other fillings. And using a high-quality mortadella, rich with pistachios or peppercorns, will elevate your sandwich from good to spectacular.

👩‍🍳 Easy 7-Step Preparation for the Italian BLT

1. Roast the tomatoes and garlic: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the tomatoes and garlic in a small baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are softened and the garlic is tender and caramelized. This step is crucial for developing the deep, sweet flavors of your Italian BLT.
2. Add the basil: After 40 minutes, add the fresh basil to the roasted tomatoes and garlic and roast for another 5 minutes. The basil will become slightly crisp and incredibly fragrant.
3. Toast the bread: While the tomatoes and garlic are roasting, toast your slices of Italian bread until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Prepare the roasted garlic: Once the roasted garlic cloves are cool enough to handle, peel them. Gently mash half of the cloves and spread this flavorful purée directly on the toasted bread slices. The aroma will be incredible.
5. Assemble the sandwich: Start with the provolone slices, followed by the mortadella, a generous layer of fresh arugula, the roasted basil leaves, and finally the delicious roasted tomatoes.
6. The finishing touch: Arrange the remaining roasted garlic cloves on top. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and a few drops of balsamic vinegar to balance the flavors.
7. Enjoy immediately: This Italian BLT is best enjoyed as soon as it’s prepared, while the bread is still warm and crispy.

🌟 7 Tips for an Exceptional Italian BLT

• Golden mortadella: For an even more intense flavor, sauté the mortadella slices for a few seconds in a pan. They will become slightly crispy and release a rich, caramelized aroma that will make your Italian BLT unforgettable.
• Extra Parmesan: Add some Parmesan shavings on top of the provolone for a more complex and salty flavor profile. The nutty taste of the Parmesan will complement the sweetness of the roasted vegetables.
• Elegant presentation: Serve the sandwich open-faced for a refined presentation, perfect for a brunch or lunch with friends. This allows the beautiful colors and textures of the ingredients to shine.
• Variety is key: Feel free to experiment with other Italian cheeses like smoked mozzarella (scamorza) or creamy burrata. The burrata, when torn and placed on top, will create a wonderfully creamy and luscious texture.
• Fragrant bread: For an even more pronounced garlic aroma, rub the toasted bread slices with a halved clove of raw garlic before spreading the roasted garlic purée.
• Smoked eggplant: A thin slice of grilled eggplant can be a fantastic addition, adding a smoky flavor and a nice textural contrast to your Italian BLT.
• Perfect pairing: Serve this delightful sandwich with a simple pesto and sun-dried tomato pasta salad for a complete and cohesive Italian meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Bologna.

✨ Why We Love It

The Italian BLT reimagines a classic sandwich with Italian flair. Easy to make yet elegant, it combines the simplicity of a casual meal with the sophisticated flavors of Italian cuisine. This sandwich isn’t just food; it’s a taste of the dolce vita that transports you to Italy with every bite.