BLT Bar

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Don't worry guys - I'm about to hit you guys with the most epic Easter menu ever next week... but before we get there, can we just discuss this BLT Bar. It's everything you need in life and more.

BLT Bar from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)


 

You all know I love a bar. Doesn't matter what form it comes in - Bruschetta Bar for the spring/summer or Bruschetta Bar for the fall/winter, S'mores Bar, French Toast Bar, Smoked Salmon Bar, Poke Bowl Bar, or an Irish Nacho Bar... the list goes on and on and there's no end in sight. Recently I did a BLT bar with ALL THE BACON, various kinds of spreads, gorgeous heirloom tomatoes, farmers market lettuce, bacon jam, and any kind of bread you desire. It was picture perfect and everyone ate their faces off.

BLT Bar from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

And the best part is - EVERYTHING can be prepped ahead! So if you invite a few friends over, all you have to do it throw everything on a board or table and let people go to town. OR, better yet, assign all your friends a task so one person makes the basil vinaigrette, one brings the bread, you make the bacon, etc. You're welcome. Entertaining made easy - the only way I know how to do it!

BLT Bar from www.whatsgabycooking.com (@whatsgabycookin)

BLT Bar

Author: Gaby Dalkin
5 from 1 vote
Everything can be prepped ahead, which makes party day easy!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Lunch
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the BLT Bar

  • 3 kinds of various bacon cooked and crispy
  • 8-10 thinly sliced rounds of pancetta cooked and crispy
  • Heirloom lettuce
  • Heirloom tomatoes sliced
  • 1 recipe Bacon jam recipe below
  • 1 recipe Basil Vinaigrette recipe below
  • 1 recipe Balsamic Vinaigrette recipe below
  • cup of mayo mixed with 2 tablespoons siracha
  • cup of mayo mixed with 2 tablespoons chives
  • cup of mayo mixed with 2 tablespoons roasted garlic cloves
  • Sliced Focaccia Bread toasted
  • Sliced Ciabatta Bread toasted
  • Sliced Brioche Bread toasted

For the Balsamic vinaigrette

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic chopped
  • kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Basil vinaigrette

  • 1 shallot roughly chopped
  • 2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves stems removed (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the Bacon Jam

  • 1 ½ pounds sliced bacon cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 cups finely chopped shallots about 6-8 shallots
  • 4 small cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground mustard
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • cup sherry vinegar
  • cup packed light-brown sugar

Instructions
 

  • Arrange all the BLT ingredients on a large board or table and let people assemble their own sandwiches as needed.

For the Balsamic vinaigrette

  • Whisk the ingredients in a small bowl and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

For the Basil vinaigrette

  • Combine all the ingredients in a blender and mix for 90 seconds until smooth. Transfer to a bowl.

For the Bacon Jam

  • Cook all bacon off in a large skillet reserving 1 tablespoon fat in pan. Depending on the size of your pan, this might have to be done in batches.
  • Add shallots and garlic to pan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder and mustard and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Increase heat to high; add bourbon and maple syrup. Bring to a boil, scraping up browned bits. Add vinegar and brown sugar and return to a boil. Add reserved bacon; reduce heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces to a thick glaze, about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer mixture to a food processor and pulse until it has the consistency of a chunky jam. Refrigerate in an airtight container at least 1 hour and up to 4 weeks.

Notes

Nutrition depends on your personal sandwich selections.
Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @WhatsGabyCookin or tag #whatsgabycooking!

Photo by Matt Armendariz / Food Styling by Adam Pearson / Recipe from What’s Gaby Cooking

11 Comments

  1. I am so excited to do this BLT bar for a crowd of volunteers! Does anyone have suggestions on keeping the toasted breads from getting hard and crunchy when made ahead of time?

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