Now, we’ve all had our fair share of bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches over the years, haven’t we? That comforting trio—crispy bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes—layered between slices of toasted bread, usually with a smear of mayo to tie it all together. It’s a classic for a reason. But every so often, a little twist on tradition is just what’s needed to breathe new life into an old favourite. And that’s exactly what the BLT Upgrade is all about. It’s still the sandwich you know and love, only now it’s dressed to impress, stacked high with extras and brimming with bold, satisfying flavour.
When I first made this sandwich, it was for my youngest who came in from football practice, starving like a bear just out of hibernation. A regular sandwich simply wouldn’t do. So I looked at my old faithful BLT and thought, “Right, let’s make this into a proper meal.” And that’s when the idea of the BLT Upgrade was born.
At a BLT Upgrade heart, this dish is all about layers. It’s like building a tower of comfort, each bite offering something different and delicious. From the very bottom, it starts with a slice of bread—sturdy and toasted just right, golden and with a hint of crunch. On that, you spread a generous amount of spiced mayo, the kind that’s got a cheeky kick to it—just enough to tingle the taste buds. Then comes a handful of crisp lettuce, not just for texture, but for freshness. It gives the whole thing a lovely crunch and a pop of green.
Now, here’s where things get exciting: a beautifully pan-fried chicken breast. It’s tender, juicy, and seasoned to perfection. It brings a sense of substance to the sandwich, like it’s saying, “You’re not just snacking—you’re feasting.” This isn’t your dainty tea-time sarnie; this is a sit-down, take-a-minute-and-enjoy kind of meal.
Then we add another slice of bread, and once again we slather on that spiced mayo. Because why not? It’s all about balance—spice with creaminess, warmth with coolness. This middle layer gets another touch of lettuce, then the bacon comes in, crispy and smoky and everything you want it to be. The tomatoes follow, sweet and juicy, nestled in there like little gems. And just when you think that’s enough, we crown it all with a fried egg—sunny side up, yolk just on the edge of runny, ready to ooze and mingle with every other layer. Now you see why it’s called a BLT Upgrade!
The final piece of bread goes on top like the lid to a treasure chest. And that’s exactly what this is: a treasure trove of flavour, texture and comfort. A BLT Upgrade is the kind of sandwich that demands two hands and a hearty appetite. A proper meal between bread slices.
What I love most about the BLT Upgrade is how it takes a familiar dish and makes it feel new again. It’s perfect for those days when you want something comforting, but also something a little extra. It’s ideal for a lazy Sunday lunch, a special breakfast-for-dinner treat, or a weekend meal with the family gathered round the table, napkins tucked into collars and chatter bubbling in the air.
You can serve it with a side of chunky chips, or maybe just a few pickles if you’re trying to be good. A cold glass of lemonade or a nice pot of tea wouldn’t go amiss either. And yes, it might be a little messy—especially when that egg yolk starts to run—but that’s all part of the fun, isn’t it?
At the end of the day, food like this isn’t just about feeding your belly. It’s about joy. It’s about taking something you know and giving it a fresh twist, a bit of flair, a lot of love. So next time you think “just a BLT,” think again. Give it the BLT upgrade. You won’t be disappointed.
BLT Upgrade
Ingredients
- 6 slices white bread thick or wholemeal toasted
- 2 medium chicken breasts flattened slightly for even cooking
- salt to season
- pepper to season
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying chicken
- 4 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp chilli powder or hot sauce (to mix into mayo)
- 4 rashers smoked back bacon
- 2 large eggs free range
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 2 large tomatoes thickly sliced
- butter or oil for frying eggs
Instructions
- Make the spicy mayo by mixing the mayonnaise with chilli powder or hot sauce. Set aside.4 tbsp mayonnaise, ½ tsp chilli powder
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a pan and cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for about 5–6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and rest.2 medium chicken breasts, salt, pepper, ½ tsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp olive oil
- In the same pan, fry the bacon until crispy. Set aside on kitchen paper.4 rashers smoked back bacon
- In a small non-stick pan, heat a little butter or oil over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and cook until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 3–4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.2 large eggs, butter
- Toast the bread slices and spread spicy mayo on the bottom and middle slices.6 slices white bread
Assemble the first layer:
- Place a slice of bread on the plate.
- Add spicy mayo, a lettuce leaf, and a chicken breast.4 large lettuce leaves
- Top with the second slice of bread (mayo side up).
Build the second layer:
- Add a lettuce leaf, 2 slices of bacon, tomato slices, and a freshly fried egg (sunny-side up).2 large tomatoes
- Finish with the third slice of bread.
- Secure with a skewer or cut in half carefully with a sharp knife.
- Repeat for the second sandwich.
19 comments
Had this yesturday and it was simply perfect
It’s not dainty, but it’s delicious.
This is my new favourite sandwich.
Messy, yes—but absolutely worth it!
Great balance of ingredients, and I love the use of spiced mayo instead of plain.
Stacked high, packed with flavour, and that fried egg on top just seals the deal. The kids demolished theirs before I finished mine
Made this for my partner’s birthday breakfast and he called it ‘the best sandwich of his life.’
Every bite is layered with flavour and satisfaction. The fried egg dripping down the sides? Perfection
This is what I call a proper sandwich.
I swapped out the chicken and bacon for grilled halloumi and veggie bacon—still amazing
I cut each one into quarters and served them as hearty tea-time treats for the grandkids. They were all smiles.
The spicy mayo lifts it just enough without overpowering.
Lovely mix of textures—crispy bacon, tender chicken, runny egg, and crunchy lettuce.
Honestly, I was sceptical at first about the triple bread, but the layers work beautifully together.
The egg and spiced mayo really tied it all together.
It’s a sandwich that eats like a full meal
The classic BLT has always been a favourite, but adding chicken and egg gives it a real gourmet twist.
It was fun building all the layers like a tower. Mine toppled a bit but tasted incredible!
Made this for myself and my flatmate after a night out. Took some effort, but wow—completely hit the spot.