Heirloom BLT with Candied Bacon & Caramelized Onion Aioli

Serves 4

This isn’t your average sandwich. We’ve taken the humble BLT and leveled it up with thick-cut hickory-smoked bacon from Ossian Smoked Meats, heirloom tomatoes, and a caramelized onion aioli that brings just the right amount of sweetness and depth. It’s the kind of sandwich you’ll want to eat with both hands — and then go back for seconds.

Ingredients

• 12 slices Ossian hickory-smoked bacon
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 4–6 slices heirloom tomato (any variety), sliced about 1/4” thick
• Butter lettuce leaves
• 8 slices sourdough bread (or bread of choice), toasted

Instructions

1. Candy the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and place a wire rack on top if you have one. Lay the bacon slices flat in a single layer. Brush with maple syrup, then sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cracked pepper.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the bacon is crisp, glazed, and slightly caramelized. Let it cool on the rack to firm up — it will continue to crisp as it cools.

2. Quick Caramelized Onion Aioli

In a skillet over medium heat, add butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it begins to soften. Sprinkle in sugar, a pinch of salt, and the vinegar. Stir often, allowing the onions to become golden and jammy — about 8–10 minutes total. Let cool slightly.

In a small bowl, mix mayo, garlic powder, thyme, and the cooled onions to make your aioli. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

3. Assemble the Sandwich

Toast the sourdough until golden. Spread a generous layer of caramelized onion aioli on one or both sides of the bread. Layer with butter lettuce, heirloom tomato slices (a light sprinkle of salt here brings out their flavor), and 3 slices of candied bacon per sandwich. Top with the second slice of bread and press gently.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with kettle-cooked chips, grilled corn on the cob, or a tangy cucumber salad.
• Pair with sparkling lemonade, iced tea, or a crisp IPA.

Why Ossian Bacon?

Crafted with tradition and real hickory smoke, Ossian Smoked Meats’ bacon brings a bold, savory edge to this recipe. Thick-cut and slow-smoked, it crisps beautifully and holds up to sweet glaze and hearty sandwich stacks. This is bacon with real presence — and it makes all the difference.

Hungry yet? Pick up a pack of Ossian bacon and give this summer sandwich the upgrade it deserves.