Elevate Your Lunch: The Ultimate California BLT Sandwich with Creamy Hummus Spread

This post is in partnership with Sabra.

For years, the mere mention of a BLT sandwich didn’t quite capture my culinary imagination. While many consider it a timeless classic, I confess it took me a while to truly appreciate its simple yet satisfying appeal. My husband, Connor, however, has always been a devout BLT enthusiast, often declaring it his all-time favorite. Over time, his deep infatuation with this iconic sandwich became contagious, and I eventually found myself drawn into its delicious orbit. But my journey to BLT appreciation wasn’t without its unique quirks.

Growing up, I was the odd one out: I didn’t like bacon. I can almost hear the collective gasp from readers now, and I understand the disbelief! Yet, it’s true. For some inexplicable reason, crispy strips of cured pork just didn’t appeal to me. Thankfully, tastes evolve, and somewhere along the way, I overcame this peculiar aversion. Now, I fully embrace bacon, but with one crucial condition: it must be *perfectly crispy*. Anything less simply won’t do.

The Evolution of a Classic: My Personal BLT Journey

While I embraced bacon, another traditional BLT staple continued to be a point of contention for me: mayonnaise. Despite its prevalence in countless sandwiches and salads, I’ve never been a fan of its texture or taste, except in very specific applications like egg salad or tuna sandwiches. Even then, I often prefer a homemade version. For the classic BLT, however, mayonnaise felt heavy and detracted from the fresh ingredients.

This led me to my first major BLT innovation: incorporating mashed or sliced avocado. This simple addition transforms a standard BLT into a “California BLT” or “BLAT” (Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, Tomato). Avocado provides that much-needed creaminess and richness without the divisive flavor of mayonnaise, making the sandwich infinitely more palatable and, in my humble opinion, superior. It’s a non-negotiable for me now; all BLT sandwiches, in my book, should inherently include avocado.

Why Hummus is the Ultimate BLT Upgrade and Mayonnaise Alternative

My quest for the perfect BLT didn’t stop with avocado. Recently, my wonderful partners at Sabra introduced their new line of wholesome, refrigerated hummus sandwich spreads, and I was immediately eager to try them out on my favorite sandwiches. I’ve always enjoyed spreading traditional hummus on bread and toast—who could forget that amazing spicy hummus avocado toast recipe?! The idea of a specialized hummus spread designed for sandwiches was instantly appealing.

These new Sabra spreads come in convenient, squeezable bottles, making them incredibly easy to use. They are available in a variety of delicious flavors, including Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper, Garlic Herb, and Honey Mustard. What makes them an exceptional alternative to mayonnaise, beyond their fantastic taste, is their nutritional profile. Sabra hummus spreads offer a healthy boost of protein and fiber, and impressively contain 75% *less* fat than traditional mayonnaise. This makes them not just a tasty swap, but a genuinely healthier choice for your favorite sandwiches.

As it turns out, hummus is far more than just a healthy alternative; it’s an *incredible* flavor enhancer for a BLT. For this California BLT, I chose the Sabra Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper Hummus Spread. Its subtle yet distinct fresh pepper notes beautifully complement the sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that elevate every bite. The creamy texture of the hummus also acts as a perfect binder, holding all the fresh ingredients together without overwhelming them.

Mastering the Ingredients: The Secret to an Exceptional BLT

A sandwich as seemingly simple as a BLT truly shines when its core ingredients are of the highest quality. With only a few components – bread, crispy bacon, avocado, lettuce, and tomato – each one plays a critical role in the overall experience. My top tip for elevating any BLT is to utilize peak-season produce, especially when it comes to tomatoes. A summer-ripe tomato, bursting with juicy flavor, makes an astronomical difference compared to its pale, flavorless winter counterpart. Seek out heirlooms or local farmers’ market tomatoes for the best results.

Beyond the tomato, fresh, crisp lettuce (like butterhead or romaine) adds a refreshing crunch, while perfectly ripe avocado contributes a creamy, healthy fat that balances the saltiness of the bacon. And of course, the bread matters. Choose a sturdy, thick-cut bread that can hold up to the fillings without getting soggy, and toast it to a golden perfection for an added textural layer.

Perfecting Your Bacon: The Oven Method

One of my all-time favorite kitchen hacks for achieving consistently crispy bacon with minimal mess is to bake it in the oven. If you’re not already doing this, prepare to have your bacon-cooking world changed! It’s incredibly straightforward and ensures each strip is perfectly rendered and crispy, without the constant splattering and flipping required on the stovetop.

How To Cook Bacon in the Oven:

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

Beyond the Basic BLT: Customization and Serving Suggestions

While the California BLT with hummus and avocado is a masterpiece in itself, there’s always room for personal touches and creative variations. Consider adding a fried egg for a breakfast-sandwich twist, a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for extra richness, or even some pickled onions for a tangy kick. Experiment with different types of greens beyond butterhead lettuce, such as peppery arugula or crunchy romaine, to vary the texture and flavor profile.

The versatility of Sabra’s hummus spreads also means they can elevate many other sandwich creations. Try the Garlic Herb spread on a turkey sandwich or the Honey Mustard on a chicken wrap. They’re not just for BLTs – they’re a fantastic way to add flavor, creaminess, and a healthy boost to virtually any sandwich or toast. This recipe is a perfect example of how small changes can lead to a significantly improved and more enjoyable meal.

Serve your California BLT alongside a fresh green salad, a bowl of homemade soup, or a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a complete and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal lunch for warm weather, a quick weeknight dinner, or a delightful option for a picnic. The fresh, vibrant flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that everyone can enjoy, even those who, like my younger self, needed a little convincing about the magic of bacon.

Ready to transform your BLT experience? Give this California BLT with hummus a try. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, carefully chosen and thoughtfully combined, can create something truly extraordinary. Enjoy the journey to your new favorite sandwich!

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.