Name: Ultimate BLT
Yield: 8 Servings
Ingredients: ¼ cup (packed) dark brown sugar (optional); 4 teaspoons chipotle chile powder (optional); 4 teaspoons smoked paprika (optional); 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided (optional); ¼ cup pure maple syrup (optional); 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (optional); ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 2 pounds thick-cut bacon; 2 heads of red romaine lettuce, separated into individual leaves; 4 large beefsteak tomatoes, sliced ¼-inch thick; 16 ½-inch slices white bread, toasted, such as pan de mie; Mayonnaise, Sriracha Mayonnaise, and/or Lemon-Herb Mayonnaise (for serving); Flaky sea salt, freshly ground pepper

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Christopher Testani

Two sweet-salty finishings let guests craft their own signature sandwiches, but if you’re a purist, leave them off and let the (excellent) bacon speak for itself.

Recipe notes