BLTs Are Twice As Good When You Swap Bacon For This Grilled, Cheesy Topping

As the name suggests, a BLT sandwich is defined by three main components — crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe, red tomatoes. Change any one, and there goes your BLT. Only, that might not be such a bad thing when grilled halloumi cheese stands in for bacon. If you've ever wanted to flip the familiar BLT on its head, this halloumi change-up is arguably among the best ways to do it.

Umami-rich halloumi is a grill-friendly cheese with a distinct tang and saltiness. Once it meets heat, those flavor notes intensify, complemented by a smoky undertone. This savory richness is more than enough to make it a suitable bacon substitute, especially for a vegetarian version of your favorite BLT. Furthermore, due to its low acidity, halloumi doesn't really melt, maintaining a firm consistency. That means that after coming off the grill, it has a light, browned crisp around the edges that mimics the bacon's own, albeit with an entirely different chewy-soft (and sometimes squeaky) bite. Of course, that only makes the eating experience more interesting.

Assemble a grilled halloumi BLT no differently than the original version: Layer the halloumi, lettuce, and tomatoes between bread slices, perhaps with a slather of mayonnaise or your favorite sauce for extra flavor. Alternatively, you can also add the grilled cheese to complement the original ingredient trio. With both bacon and halloumi, your BLT will be twice as enticing.

Your grilled halloumi BLT sandwich gets better and better with the right toppings. For folks who want something fresh and light yet still flavorful, dress up the lettuce by tossing your favorite leafy greens with red onions and a vinaigrette. For even more flavor, add fresh herbs with a splash of olive oil and squeeze of lemon juice. Or perhaps give fried basil a try for a unique, anise-like fragrance that livens the entire dish. For a Southern spin, plus the promise of crunchy, thick bites and a savory warmth to match the grilled halloumi, fried green tomatoes are exactly what you need.

Another way to elevate this special BLT is with sauces and condiments. Mayonnaise is all well and good, but a sriracha aioli is how you give the sandwich a subtle heat to cut through the cheese's richness. Tomato sauce, or better yet, tomato jam, is the tomato swap that makes your BLT taste like $20 cafe sandwiches. Leaning over to the side of sweetness, honey or maple syrup — some of halloumi cheese's finest pairings — will do the trick. You can drizzle it over the sandwich at the end, or right onto the cheese slices (and bacon if you use it) as you're grilling or pan-searing them. And when you want something bright to contrast the sandwich's abundant flavor depth, just grab a jar of pesto and let the Italian condiment work its magic.