The Tomato Swap That Makes BLTs Taste Like $20 Cafe Sandwiches

A well-made BLT is a thing of beauty. With crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and a juicy tomato, this sandwich requires little to deliver texture and taste. Yet when peak season passes, and fresh tomatoes are tough to come by in stores, there's another ingredient that can pull its weight and elevate your BLT. Tomato jam can bring equally satisfying flavors to your meal, plus additional notes of ginger or red pepper flakes. 

Unlike a watery winter tomato, tomato jam keeps the sandwich from turning soggy while still delivering a bright, fruity hit that complements smoky bacon and balances the stack. If you want to double down on the classic, add tomato jam alongside fresh tomato slices. Spreading tomato jam onto a slice of toasted bread is the kind of condiment that can bring just enough moisture to the sandwich and help keep ingredients in place. Though it is a small addition, this is the kind of culinary touch that separates a mediocre meal from a lunch you'd shell out $20 for at a cafe. 

You can make your own tomato jam by simmering tomatoes with honey, chili flakes, sliced onion, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. When made and stored in your fridge, your jammy creation can keep for two weeks. The recipe can be customized to your liking. Swap the honey for dark brown sugar or add Worcestershire sauce for depth of flavor.

Once you have the tomato jam in your kitchen, the options are endless when it comes to BLTs. Use peppery arugula on your sandwich instead of lettuce or double down with a spiced bacon jam. Chili crisp can add a touch of spicy heat to your sandwich, and, of course, you can always experiment with the bread you use to build your sandwich. To give your local cafe some competition, toast sourdough or a brioche to offer a sturdy base for your creation. Though the adjustments are small, the payoff is noticeable after taking the first bite. You may even find yourself sneaking tomato jam into other recipes, like adding it to a plate of morning eggs or tucking it into a peanut butter sandwich.