Name: BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 8 slices thick-cut bacon (room temperature for even cooking); 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce (your favorite variety); 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (finely shredded for even melting); 4 slices fresh tomato (about 1 medium tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick); 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine, well-drained and patted dry); 2 tablespoons ranch dressing (room temperature for easy drizzling); 2 sandwich buns brioche or sandwich rolls (split and toasted, lightly buttered if desired)

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, smoky, and satisfyingly crunchy — this BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT is the kind of sandwich that checks every comfort-food box. Imagine thick-cut bacon brushed with sticky BBQ sauce, cool shredded lettuce, ripe juicy tomato, melty cheddar, and a hit of ranch all tucked into a toasted brioche bun. Fun fact: some of the best sandwiches were invented when someone combined leftovers and stubborn hunger — this one feels like a brilliant happy accident.

This recipe is special because it’s simple, quick, and sure to please picky eaters and sandwich lovers alike. It comes together in about 20 minutes and uses pantry-friendly ingredients, so weeknight dinners are instantly elevated. If you love twists on classic flavors, you might also enjoy my Bacon Cheddar Ranch Pinwheels for game-day fun — they share the same crowd-pleasing flavors but in bite-sized form: https://recipesfiber.com/bacon-cheddar-ranch-pinwheels/

Give this one a try tonight; it’s easy, fast, and downright comforting.

What is BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT?

What’s in a name? BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT sounds like a mashup of all the best sandwich ideas — bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch, and a swipe of BBQ for good measure. Who decided to add cheddar, too? Probably someone who didn’t want to share. Ever wonder how “BLT” became a kitchen hero? Add BBQ and ranch and you’ve upgraded it to party status.

Why the name? Maybe someone once said, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and then slathered bacon with BBQ sauce to test it. Playful and indulgent, this sandwich begs the question: to sauce or not to sauce? Answer: always sauce. Ready to give it a whirl? Put on your apron and dive in.

Why You’ll Love This

This BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT is irresistible for three big reasons:

Bold smoky-sweet flavor: The BBQ-brushed bacon adds an extra layer of sweetness and smoke that pairs brilliantly with the savory bacon and sharp cheddar. Each bite balances creamy ranch, juicy tomato, and crisp lettuce for a satisfying texture play.
Cost-effective and fast: Making this at home saves money compared to takeout sandwiches and takes about 20 minutes from start to finish. You control the quality of ingredients and portion sizes, and leftovers (if any) are easy to manage.
Crowd-pleasing toppings: With shredded cheddar, ranch dressing, and a touch of BBQ, this sandwich feels gourmet without complicated steps. It’s family-friendly and adaptable for picky eaters — swap the bun or use turkey bacon if needed.

If you like hearty, flavor-forward sandwiches, check out my Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for another great way to enjoy those familiar flavors: https://recipesfiber.com/chicken-bacon-ranch-casserole/

Now grab the ingredients and let’s build a spectacular BLT.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This sandwich is straightforward: crisp bacon brushed with BBQ sauce, toasted buns, fresh tomato and lettuce, shredded cheddar, and ranch to finish. Prep and cook time is short, textures are a dream (crispy bacon, soft bun, crunchy lettuce), and the standout element is the glossy BBQ-brushed bacon that ties everything together.

Preparation and cooking time: about 20 minutes total (6–8 minutes to start frying bacon, 1–2 minutes more after saucing, plus quick toasting and assembly).

Ingredients

8 slices thick-cut bacon — room temperature if possible for even cooking
2 tablespoons BBQ sauce — your favorite variety
2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese — finely shredded for even melting
4 slices fresh tomato — about 1 medium tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 cup shredded lettuce — iceberg or romaine, well-drained and patted dry
2 tablespoons ranch dressing — room temperature for easy drizzling
2 sandwich buns (brioche or sandwich rolls), split and toasted — lightly buttered if desired

Directions

Prepare everything before you start: shred the lettuce, slice the tomato, shred the cheddar, and place the buns ready to toast. Having ingredients prepped makes assembly quick.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Lay the 8 slices of thick-cut bacon in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook until the bacon is nearly crisp, about 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally so each slice cooks evenly.
While the bacon cooks, toast the buns: melt a little butter in a separate skillet over medium-low heat and place the split buns cut-side down until golden and slightly crisp, about 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
After the bacon reaches the nearly crisp stage, brush both sides of each slice lightly with 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes per side to set the sauce and finish crisping the bacon. The sauce will become glossy but not burned.
Transfer the BBQ-brushed bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain briefly. This keeps the buns from getting soggy.
Assemble the sandwiches: place the bottom bun on a plate. Spread or drizzle about 1 tablespoon ranch dressing over the bun. Layer on 4 slices of the BBQ bacon, then add 2 slices of tomato. Pile a generous handful (about 1/2 cup) of shredded lettuce on top.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese over the lettuce, then add another small drizzle of ranch dressing (about 1/2 tablespoon) to enhance creaminess. Top with the toasted bun and press gently to set.
Serve immediately while the bacon is warm and the bun is crisp. Cut in half if desired and enjoy.

BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT

What to Serve With

Crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pairing.
A simple coleslaw or cucumber salad to add brightness and crunch.
Pickles or pickled red onions for an acidic contrast to the smoky bacon.
A cold beer, iced tea, or lemonade to refresh the palate.
For a lighter meal, pair with a mixed greens salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture and mouthfeel. Thin bacon can crisp too fast and becomes brittle.
Don’t overbrush BBQ sauce; a light layer adds flavor without making the bacon soggy. Brush both sides quickly and finish in the pan.
Toast buns in butter for richness and a crisp exterior that stands up to saucy bacon.
Dry lettuce and tomato slices well to prevent soggy sandwiches — a paper towel makes a big difference.
Want melty cheddar? Place the shredded cheese on the hot bacon for a few seconds before adding lettuce, or briefly broil assembled halves for 30 seconds.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store assembled sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. For best texture, store components separately — bacon in the fridge 3–4 days, buns at room temperature up to 2 days.
Freezing: Cooked bacon can be frozen up to 2 months in a sealed bag; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing assembled sandwiches as lettuce and tomato don’t freeze well.
Reheating: Reheat bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore crispness, or use a 350°F oven for 5–8 minutes. Re-toast buns briefly in a skillet or toaster oven. Add fresh lettuce and tomato after reheating to keep them crisp.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes. Turkey bacon works fine if you prefer a leaner option. Cook according to package instructions and add BBQ sauce near the end to avoid burning the glaze.

Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
You can swap the bacon for a smoky tempeh bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative and use dairy-free cheddar and ranch to keep it vegetarian or vegan.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toast the buns well and spread a thin layer of butter or mayo on the cut sides to create a moisture barrier. Assemble just before serving.

Can I prepare components ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the bacon and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. Pre-shred lettuce and cheese, and slice tomatoes the day you plan to serve for best texture.

What other cheeses work well?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but pepper jack, smoked gouda, or provolone are excellent choices if you want different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

This BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT is a fast, flavorful upgrade to the classic sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or whenever you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Simple to make, big on taste, and adaptable to dietary preferences, it’s a must-try for bacon lovers. For another take on these delicious flavors, check out this recipe: BBQ Bacon Ranch BLT with Cheddar, Lettuce, and Tomato – My …

Give it a try, share with family or friends, and enjoy every smoky, creamy bite.