BLT Bagel Sandwich with Pesto

This BLT Bagel Sandwich is layered with all the classic flavors but on a chewy, hearty bagel for a sandwich perfect for brunch or lunch. Customize with your favorite spreads like pesto for a fresh twist on the summer sandwich favorite.

This BLT bagel with pesto is the kind of sandwich that instantly feels like a café order worth recreating at home. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes get layered onto a toasted bagel, then finished with a creamy pesto spread that ties everything together. The pesto adds a herby, savory twist that takes the classic BLT somewhere a little more elevated without overcomplicating it.

It’s a quick breakfast or brunch option that feels thoughtful but comes together with minimal effort. The warm, toasted bagel holds all the layers while the bacon adds crunch and the pesto brings richness and depth. It’s simple, satisfying, and delivers that café-quality bite without ever leaving your kitchen.

If you like this sandwich, you’ll love my Chorizo Breakfast Sandwich and my Smoked Salmon Egg Sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you are making this for breakfast or lunch, this sandwich comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it great for busy days.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. This recipe works for really any meal you like.
• This bagel blt is so customizable. Add an egg, cheese, swap out a roll for a bagel, add cream cheese instead of pesto- just a few of the many many ways to customize this sandwich.

Ingredients

• Bagel: Bagels are a sturdier, chewier base that can handle bigger, more layered fillings without falling apart. That makes them perfect for sandwiches like these.
• Arugula: I like to use a more peppery green like arugula to compliment the bacon and tomato.
• Tomatoes: This sandwich is best with in-season summer tomatoes, but it is still delicious year-round.
• Bacon: Bacon and tomato really are the best combination and adding crispy bacon to this sandwich is really what makes it.
• Pesto: Pesto levels up a traditional BLT with the herby, garlicky flavor. It adds a little extra dimension and richness.

How to make a BLT Bagel Sandwich

1. If you are making your pesto from scratch blend pesto ingredients in a food processor and season to taste. You can also skip this step and use store bought pesto.

2. Add strips of bacon to a skillet and cook on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once bacon reaches your desired crispiness, transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

3. Toast bagel and add a layer of pesto to both sides.

4. Add slices of tomato and the strips of bacon.

5. Add a handful of arugula.

6. Close sandwich and enjoy!

7. You can also plus this sandwich up with avocado, cheese or adding a fried egg.

Expert Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon. For extra texture and flavor, I like to use thick cut bacon on hearty sandwiches like these.
• Toast your bagel. In order to prevent sogginess, toast your bagel well.
• Pat dry tomatoes. Once you slice your tomatoes, pat them dry before adding to the sandwich. This will also help to prevent sogginess.
• Make homemade pesto for an added flavor boost. I find that homemade pesto has more flavor and freshness than store bought. If you have fresh basil, I would suggest taking the extra step to make the pesto from scratch.

Variations

• Add cheese like cheddar or mozzarella: This can help add depth to the sandwich, and works great if you are also opting to add an egg to the sandwich as well.
• Add a fried egg: I like to fry an egg and turn this into a breakfast sandwich. You could even fry the egg right into the top of the bagel.
• Add avocado: Adding slices of avocado brings a creaminess and level of depth to the sandwich.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or veggie bacon. You could make this vegetarian, or if you prefer swap turkey bacon for pork.
• Try serving this on a seasoned bagel. Serving this on an asiago or everything bagel will add another layer of flavor to this sandwich.
• Add some heat: Make this bagel blt spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

What to Serve With BLT Bagel Sandwich

• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Wild Rice Salad with Kale
• Couscous Halloumi Salad

Storage

Storage:
For best results, store the components separately. Keep cooked bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, pesto in a sealed jar for about 5–7 days, and washed/dried arugula and sliced tomatoes separately. If the sandwich is already assembled, wrap it tightly and refrigerate, but it’s best eaten within 24 hours since the bagel can soften from the tomato and pesto.

Make Ahead:
You can cook the bacon and make (or prep) the pesto a few days in advance to save time. Slice tomatoes and wash arugula the day of for freshness. If you want to partially prep, toast the bagel and store it at room temp, then assemble right before serving so everything stays crisp and fresh.

Freezer Tips:
Fully assembled BLT bagels don’t freeze well because of the fresh veggies and pesto. However, you can freeze cooked bacon for up to 1 month—just reheat in a pan or oven until crisp. Bagels can also be sliced and frozen; toast straight from frozen when ready to use.

FAQs

Other Bagel Recipes

• Tinfish Chopped Bagel
• Hot honey Bacon and Egg Bagel
• Shaved Egg Smoked Salmon Bagel
• Smoked Salmon Cottage Cheese Bagel Dip