Waffle BLT with Heirloom Tomatoes

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 25 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/4 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large heirloom tomatoes
• 8 butter lettuce leaves
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• as needed cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1Preheat a standard waffle maker to medium-high and lightly coat both plates with cooking spray so the batter releases cleanly.
2. 2In a large skillet over medium heat, arrange the bacon in a single layer and cook until the fat renders and the strips turn deep golden and crisp at the edges, flipping once, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
3. 3While the bacon cooks, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a mixing bowl until evenly combined.
4. 4In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and melted butter until smooth, then pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until a thick, pourable batter forms with no large dry pockets.
5. 5Ladle batter onto the hot waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until the waffle is deeply golden, crisp outside, and steam mostly stops escaping, typically 4 to 5 minutes. Repeat to make four waffles total, keeping finished ones warm on a rack.
6. 6Core and slice the heirloom tomatoes into thick rounds; season both sides lightly with black pepper so their juices stay bright.
7. 7Split each warm waffle horizontally with a serrated knife to create sandwich tops and bottoms, working gently so the grid pattern stays intact.
8. 8Spread mayonnaise on the cut sides of every waffle half, then layer butter lettuce, several tomato slices, crisp bacon, and torn basil leaves on the bottom halves.
9. 9Cap with the remaining waffle halves, press lightly so the layers nestle into the grid, and cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal.
10. 10Serve immediately while the waffle is still crisp and the tomatoes are juicy at room temperature for the best midday contrast.