4 Levels of BLT: Amateur to Food Scientist | Epicurious

We challenged chefs of three different skill levels - amateur Desi, home cook Lorenzo, and professional chef Lish Steiling - to make us their best BLT sandwich. Once each level of chef had presented their creations, we asked expert food scientist Rose to explain the choices each made along the way. Which BLT are you giving TLC?
Director: Lisa Paradise
Director of Photography: Jeremy Harris
Editor: Micah Phillips
Guest: L1 - Desi Johnson; L2 - Lorenzo Beronilla; L3 - Lish Steiling
Director of Culinary Production: Kelly Jenke
Producer: Tyre Nobles
Culinary Producer: Jessica Do
Culinary Associate Producer: Katrina Zito
Line Producer: Jennifer McGinity
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Production Assistant: Amanda Broll ; Sahara Pagan
Culinary Assistant: Leslie Raney
Researcher: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell
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[@handsatlanta]

Lish: What do you want for lunch? Me: How about a BLT? Lish: Great idea. Come back Thursday

[@stephenm8725]

we shall BLT L8R

[@leftofpunk]

Yeah, there's no way that's how she makes her BLTs. She just chef'd it up for the video.

[@cindyansah3413]

​@@leftofpunkobviously that the point

[@death1406]

​@@leftofpunkWhen you think of wanting something, and do it the Lish way, you're basically just planning ahead till that day.-

[@HirathaYT]

@@leftofpunkWell, once you’ve got the bacon braised, and if you regularly bake your own bread anyway, most of it can probably just be hanging around in your fridge/freezer/pantry. It only takes that long the first time.

[@olddeon9863]

My boy Desi, holding it down for us basic chefs

[@ghostgamerzero1367]

Fr to me personally the third one looked eh also you know that bacon look raw it may not be but it look it

[@BiigDaddyDellta]

The basic one was the best. While fried green tomatoes is amazing on a blt the other two sandwiches were ridiculous.

[@xaphxiv]

Only one of them made a BLT...

[@Exera80]

A BLT is almost always best tghe basic way! I dont want to spend forever to make a BLT, I just want some decent bread, tomatoes, lettuce, mayo and a whole heap of bacon!

[@xiaoqiaopowergirl5445]

He need to be stepping out of comfort zone

[@B1lly_]

Desi's knack for air fryer is like Emily's thing for ketchup. 😂

[@hellenjane]

​@johnnydeppisarapistjohnnyd8962and why does that false accusation, including your username, has to do with an air fryer?

[@ZDtue]

Looks like Emily quite quickly stopped using ketchup, but the joke stuck to her. Got any links to videos where she actually uses that ketchup?

[@lorax2076]

​@@ZDtueThe first 4 levels video

[@karussoul]

And Stephen for cheesecake 😅

[@loraleilee2676]

@johnnydeppisarapistjohnnyd8962what does that have to do with an air fryer?

[@MGD313]

Can't wait for Lorenzo and Emily to have a cocktail together in the Level 2 Lounge.

[@Slytherin1]

They’re not TV characters.

[@PATangoS_]

Lorenzo's and Lish's look great, but when I want a BLT, I don't want to wait. Desi's version with some minor changes is my go to.

[@dandles2010]

I so agree.

[@ze_ep]

I love love love when the Level 1 chef knocks it out. You don't have to be a pro to rock a simple classic dish. Cacio pepe episode was the same.

[@staygeared]

I’m going with Desi’s any day of the week if these are my options

[@stanleypressley2197]

For me I would kick the mayo to the curb and add BBQ sauce and American cheese 🤤

[@damazsta]

And these changes are?

[@benreinoehl6770]

Desi might be the level one chef, but his sandwich is number one. Sometimes the marker of a great cook is to know the art of simplicity.

[@shaneslr9123]

The show would be boring if all three made the same thing tho

[@gggggggg204]

Someone never eat nothing a little fancy if call that sandwich as number one...

[@0428733]

He said it, it is B L T.

[@slodoco]

@@shaneslr9123 simple doesn't mean they all make the same thing...

[@shaneslr9123]

@@slodoco yes it does in this context

[@comartindale5726]

I love Lish's vibe, and like how she treated the tomatoes (they seem less slimy that way), but I really don't like tall sandwiches. The bacon looked phenomenal, but needed to be sliced way thinner.

[@terrivel11]

I actually like thicker, not super crispy slices for sandwiches.

[@JackTse]

It’s all preference but this is the rare time I would go #1 over #3 … I do want to eat Lish’s dish over #1 if it was just assembled on a plate tho

[@danielriley7380]

Several hours just to cook the bacon? Fennel and onions? It’s called a BLT it needs 5 ingredients max.

[@siri7005]

@@danielriley7380 You must be new to the series. She didn't even grow her on tomatoes specifically for the episode, that's lazy tier level 3 around here 👀

[@danielriley7380]

@@siri7005 I’ve been watching for about two years. Frank would have selectively bred the tomatoes and Saul would have rowed down the West coast to pick lettuce that grew locally to where he grew up 😆.

[@venancioalvarezgarcia1798]

Lorenzo: I like the spiciness and pepperiness of arugula. Desi: It's a BLT!

[@xChuddy]

I would love to see episode of Level 2 chefs who started as level 1. Where they have recreate their first dish on Epicuious and then remake it as Level 2.

[@thiasings9263]

So just Emily hahha

[@loraleilee2676]

@@thiasings9263and lorenzo

[@Zachafinackus]

Lorenzo losing it over him 'baking' bread is hilarious

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

i'm over Lorenzo continually losing it over his own antics. It seems forced or unhinged at this point.

[@AeonJube]

Hilarious isn't the word I'd use, he comes across like he's drunk....

[@cameronsenna8979]

​@@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808 I would agree with unhinged, the way the maniacal laugh escapes him reminds of Joker 😬

[@FireFly081]

Not gonna lie, I'm with Desi. BLT doesn't need to be complex, and I don't plan a BLT a week in advance 😅

[@gatling0389]

Is there any point in the video if all three made simple recipe

[@LimySilver2]

Would happily eat all 3 of these sandwiches.

[@glenbe4026]

I disagree. For the first time, I actually think Lorenzo's is the worst. I just can't get past all that sugar.

[@nardinadeleon]

@@glenbe4026same. I usually like his dishes but this isn’t it

[@fodicky4]

Hey, I want a BLT: Desi: Gimme a minute Lorenzo: Watch an episode of your favourite show and it'll be ready Lish: Four score and seven years ago...

[@Matthew-cw3gn]

Desi knows what he's doing and keeps it quick and simple. Usually the Level 1 chefs are just incompetent.

[@dandles2010]

The first one looked the best. I would like to try the other two, but the heaps of avocado mayo was kind of a turn off and the bacon was too thick on the last one. But again, I would love to try all of them.

[@voltakackackack666]

The level 1 chef Desi is the only one who made an actual BLT, those other two sandwiches are probably awesome, but if I want to make a BLT I want it to be quick and simple.

[@bigdaddynasty69]

Exactly you don't need to overcomplicate a simple sandwich

[@Wyntah888]

Lorenzo is so cute and Desi is a friend we all have..Lish is extremely comfy in her knowledge of what she’s doing !! I loved this ❤

[@pipspeace8374]

Omg I just saw Lorenzo is playing a chef in the new Haunted Mansion movie!!! So happy for him!🤩

[@kittizlit]

Yes saw that on his IG. Wow a Disney movie! Can’t wait to see him in it!!

[@erinpriest9491]

i've seen him in corporate training videos too. its Wild! @@kittizlit

[@briw1948]

I'm sorry the haunted mansion what???

[@LisasLittleWorld]

@@briw1948don’t look it up… it’s creepy 🥲

[@Drachi_OwO]

I'm so surprised that lish is on here. She isn't on this channel that often but I always love her appearance. She's just so funny and creative :D

[@ShinjiSixteen]

What I love how about this series is the sheet passion and enthusiasm everyone has for what they're making. Doesn't matter how simple or fancy, basic or complex, everyone loves what they're making

[@fljotavik111]

Lish's BLT with just normal strip bacon would be out of this world.

[@knowwe]

100%!! The thickness ruined it for me, way too much pork!

[@slodoco]

That's true. Crispy bacon would lighten the sandwich up and make it more appetizing.

[@Singsonggirl]

Honestly, out of these I'd go with Desi's. It's a nice simple sandwich with aioli. Lish's must taste amazingly, that melty pork combined with fried tomatoes and spicy smokiness, deLish, but as others have pointed out, it's super impractical to eat. Lorenzo I think went overboard with the flavours a little, the arugula with this much basil alone is very powerful and I don't think it compliments neither the avocado mayo nor the candied bacon.

[@andrewtessman9921]

Lish's passion and love for cooking never ceases to amaze me and remains unmatched in my eyes.

[@david5544g]

I've worked in fine dining for decades... One thing I've learned is the more chefs put their spin on a classic, the more they usually F it up... Desi made by far the best.. Lightly toasted white bread, bacon, ripe tomato, iceberg lettuce and lots of mayo, end of story... When you're dealing with a classic food, the saying "Keep It Simple Stupid" usually works best... There's a reason why it's a classic.

[@DameGrowling]

I understand that the expert needs to amp up the original recipe, but what she made was not a BLT at all. Adding flavours that have nothing to do with a BLT. Amateur chef did the best. Middle guy did alright but it was almost impossible to listen to him given how much he was playing up to the camera.

[@brandondye6444]

The sandwich List made looks like diarrhea waiting to happen.

[@spideyman6116]

Yeah, you don’t need to complicate something so simple quality over quantity desi BLT, very simple and classic 👍😎

[@KevinHowardMusic]

The last sandwich is ruined by the thickness. Looks great, but I’m not dislocating my jaw for a sandwich.

[@sunfire5790]

🤣🤣🤣 it’s like tall burgers

[@nunyabidnesss]

Desi wins this one. The BLT is a perfect sandwich, it doesn't need dressing up

[@gcfournier3386]

Desi: "You can't even taste the veggies" 😂

[@samsmith9315]

Lish was so preoccupied with whether or not she could she didn't stop to think if she should.

[@doughnutfingers]

Really sad that Frank wasn't in this one. Not that the level 3 chef was bad: but I know Frank would have given us an absolute masterclass on the BLT.

[@LyonTheGreat]

Frank would've raised, slaughtered, butchered, and cured his own pork.

[@juan68954]

Give me an episode with Frank and Saul in an episode together

[@kamilawojcik6133]

@@juan68954 omg I'd hit the like before hitting the play button 🤣these are my two favs!

[@Poetryspell]

My exact thought

[@steveaustin4013]

No the level 3 chef was bad

[@graceb5127]

Omg the avocado on Lorenzo’s…YUM😍

[@bvoyelr]

Milk powder is literal magic on homemade bread. It's the difference between a stretchy, tough crumb and a soft, pillowy one. I always knew milk had that effect, but I hate keeping milk around because I only use like 1 cup every few weeks, so I end up throwing it away. Milk powder keeps just fine and does basically the same thing, though.

[@KepNaki]

Level 1: The best way is the easiest way. Definitely great for people who aren't confident in their skills, or just want something quick. Level 2: for when you wanna add a touch more flair. It shows you're learning, and aren't afraid to try things. Level 3: if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing. A reminder that food will always be a labor of love, and how far you can go to show that love.

[@DjBuRnOuTx]

My boy Desi is the real one here, I mean Lorenzo has a special place in my heart but Lish is like way too much for my taste, it's not even "gourmet" it's just the KFC version of a BLT.

[@bmac8]

I'm sure Epicurious knows by now, but Desi is carrying the show.

[@edwind_]

2:41 SHE JUST ACTUALLY SAID: "I AM READY FOR MY PORK FACIAL." XD

[@derrik5329]

While lish's sandwich looks amazing I associate BLT with a picnic and Lorenzo's looks more refreshing on a hot day if that makes sense.

[@CuberBeats]

I'm happy that Lorenzo's back in the channel. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this is Lish's debut in the 4 Levels series, and boy am I all for it.

[@Gusto990]

Lish rly said “sautéd tomatoes will be… interesting… on a BLT” as she deep fries a tomato

[@rubydearest]

Level 1 chef is a vibe 💪

[@mastersplinter5966]

Eating BLT's, chillin', playing GTA

[@Jcorrgymnast10]

This is the first time that Level 1 is truly the best one.

[@jadedillard2352]

Love Desi, funny and relatable! 👏🏾👏🏾

[@FroggyNight]

ROSE! Why do I feel like we’ve been short on Rose this year?

[@KingKeseGaming]

I need a Desi and Emily collab video. I don’t care if it’s just a bowl of cereal. I need it.

[@EricNalbone]

Air fried ketchup sounds terrible.

[@kittizlit]

Someone went to a pre-screening of The Haunted Mansion & saw Lorenzo playing the Hibachi chef. I checked out his imdb and it's definitely him!

[@Gikendasso]

I love Lish and the food she makes but I ain't waiting 2 days for a BLT. You crazy! lol

[@Drnaynay]

My thoughts exactly! She's very watchable, but it's supposed to be a pretty simple sandwich! Nobody waits two days for a sandwich

[@conqeeftador5559]

Her shi looked terrible

[@Jelpie]

That first sandwich 😮 I might make one myself now

[@Love2Banime]

"I do not measure." Perfect. That's how i cook.

[@SpektakOne]

“Sounds like Lorenzo’s trying to make bacon for Halloween.” 😂 never change, Desi.

[@hayleyandpaws]

I literally made a “boujee” BLT last night. Now I’m feeling like I should have done more…

[@HirathaYT]

What went into yours? :)

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

my boujee BLT has seasoned mayo 😭

[@r0secm]

I love this series!! Would love to see a key lime pie video 😍

[@Marie-hm1om]

Yes!

[@rickcasedrinksbud]

Chef Lish really went all out! Lorenzo and Desi are always so wholesome 🫶🏽

[@phillm156]

Lorenzo’s arugula with the avocado is the healthiest and a great combo. Emily’s is a once a year gourmet treat. Desi’s is an everyday go to lunch.

[@sesto194]

Coating bacon with sugar is healthy?

[@phillm156]

@@sesto194It’s all relative here. The arugula and avocado is.

[@maramara-ow9zf]

side eye-ing a sauteed tomato when u deep fried a breaded one is crazy

[@slodoco]

She was just saying it would be interesting. I mean, he only very lightly sauteed it to be fair.

[@ars_moriendi]

I respect and appreciate Desi's "Who has time for that?" energy because I love cooking and getting schmancy but sometimes...who has time for that?

[@bigdaddynasty69]

Lish's sandwich looks like she smoked way to much weed , Desi is just keeping it simple and that's what you need sometimes

[@roboticm0use521]

Her one is so complicated lmao but I’ll eat it it looks awesome sauce

[@h.Freeman]

Im voting for one and two. The third one doesn't seem like it would satisfy my blt craving. The last one one is a braised pork belly and fried green tomato sandwich

[@joserivera7659]

My idea of a fancy blt it adding avocado. BLT's are the epitome of KISS. Ive never craved a blt and thought of a level 2 OR 3.

[@aeiouxs]

How did the smallest person make the biggest sandwich and the biggest person make the smallest? 🤣think I'm most keen on Lorenzo's!

[@itsgoingtobeok-justbreathe4808]

Lorenzo's looked the tastiest. I couldn't get past how Lish place the bacon--too thick and on it's side. That was the least appealing out of all of them for me

[@TheSkandranon]

I don't like using iceberg because it has almost no nutritional value at all. But most other leafy greens don't have that satisfying crunch to it. So i like to use cabbage for my sandwiches

[@The_White]

You could always mix iceberg with a different leafy green. Iceberg for the crunch, the rest for nutrition

[@aduraedosa]

gem lettuce or romaine

[@AReardon14]

I really appreciate being able to read this whole video with the captions at 0:00

[@BMarie774]

The best BLT has thin sliced fresh tomatoes, crisp, crunchy lettuce, and crispy yet chewy bacon cooked to perfection all on a sour dough bread with mayo with a tiny bit of salt and pepper added.

[@jackjack6199]

Chef Lish reminds me of Kate McKinnon's portrayal as Ellen DeGeneres on SNL idk why. Unique choice to use a fried green tomato 👍.

[@thepearlswirl]

I wish these videos were daily or weekly so bad😭 I love them!

[@j.j.s.7083]

Desi's reaction to them frying their tomatos: "They shouldn't be doing that.

[@imawakemymindisalive13]

he’s so real for that

[@m00sewhisperer]

I just love Lish. Everything she makes is art. And it's usually things I normally don't like, but she make's it all look so incredibly delicious.

[@brandondye6444]

The sandwich List made looks like diarrhea waiting to happen.

[@k.vansickle2310]

I always LOL when Lorenzo laughs. I couldn't do a better Krusty laugh if I tried...

[@JessicaHodges23]

I'm starting to see that Level3 means you're waiting 24+ hours for your food.

[@TheSjssmith]

Lorenzo has found the inflection point in the effort and flavor graph. Level 2 is where its at.

[@lastilkey7]

Our family loves watching Desi! He cooks the way we do!!

[@uzumakit5872]

Hey can I have a BLT.. Sure.. Come back tomorrow at the same time

[@prateekkarn9277]

Day after tomorrow*

[@Ohmyshejuicy]

Desi is a boss in the kitchen he knows what he’s doing lol! 💪🏾

[@_Toxicity]

Welcome back Desi!

[@jovsdimacali6193]

BLT - Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato Lorenzo's BLT - Bacon, LEAVES, Tomato

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Lorenzo's is the best, but I'm more likely to use Desi's recipe myself. Lish added too much bacon.

[@tardis24K]

Lvl 1 shows that simplicity always hit the mark 👌

[@saninbg2676]

The only real BLT is the Level 1 one

[@FantomMind]

For the first time, I prefer level 2. It's just the slabs of bacon, they're too thick. If I were to make a BLT, I'd make Kenji Lopez-Alt's instead.

[@SpektakOne]

6:15 Lorenzo dances with the devil in the pale moonlight. 🃏

[@theresiakath]

evil sound AHAHHAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHAAHHA

[@MichaelBristow137]

Now I want a BLT.... LoL

[@Oda_Samurai]

Lorenzo and Rose in the same video, instant like The only way I could give a like faster is with Emily, Lorenzo, Frank and Rose, I'd create a second account just to like twice

[@Oda_Samurai]

Gotta say after watching tho, Desi and Lish also took the trophy

[@defaultuser1447]

As Emily and Lorenzo are both Level 2 now, this won't happen.

[@michelleivoryy]

Homeboy Lorenzo is definitely stoned😂😂😂 I love his energy!

[@NP-uu6sq]

Thank you for the gift that is chef Lish!!! 🎉

[@chasereed433]

Desi and lish are so cool, wanna see more of them on this channel

[@VanisherXP]

Rose "And no, there's never too much crispy fried bacon". My arteries: "Please... have mercy."

[@JackTse]

I think the spirit of a BLT is lacking in Lish’s attempt … but I understand the producers asking her to go over the top. So I’m just going to give up and say Lish could make a killer BLT with the proper spirit if she was under normal circumstances

[@sincerelydevanie]

I love the simplicity of Desi sandwich. Lorenzo never disappoints. However, I would have to rank it level 3,2 and then 1. Because I am a true foodie. Presentation matters ⭐️ visually level 3 made me the hungriest 😂

[@L33TNINJ4Grrl]

I want Desi's. The others aren't BLTs, no disrespect though. I'd totally fry a green tomato and chipotle candie some bacon and pop that on there, but I would just call it a regular sammie

[@taniaarroyo6986]

Love watching Lorenzo! He's so passionate.

[@cocomelon3431]

i thought of this a few days ago...its crazy it happened 😅 , i was wondering how they'd make something simple and change it

[@jokernw]

the objective of the video is to show different techniques. in the end this video proved sophistication doesn't always mean better. Lish and Lorenzo made these BLT for the sake of the video but on a normal sunday afternoon they would make Desi BLT

[@hbkryme]

Looks so awesome! Can't wait to see Chef Lorenzo in Disney's THE HAUNTED MANSION!!! 👨‍🍳🔪

[@JohnHausser]

Simplicity and authenticity are the fondamental 🔑 when you make a BLT sandwich

[@unn4medfeel1ng]

Facts. Deep-fried tomatoes are nice but i'm not spending two days on a sandwich.

[@me-zb7qm]

The flavors on Chef Lish's sandwich gotta be out of this world. I don't care if the bacon is too thick, it looks amazing

[@erikkusiak]

Desi and Lorenzo nailed a Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato sandwich. Lish made a pork belly sandwich and the fried green tomato was too much. Might as well have been a pork chop sandwich with lettuce (Gem is best, great choice) and chutney. No one used Duke's, so this needs to be a rematch!

[@kittizlit]

Lorenzo’s versions are always the best! Candied bacon & avocado mayo - can’t wait to try it!

[@MichaelBristow137]

All three of these look delicious, but if I'm wanting a BLT, level one is what I want. I'd love to eat the others, but it doesn't bring back memories of BLT...

[@shaunessymckay3021]

I love Lish. I think she's my new favourite professional chef

[@avalonjameson3882]

Desi for the win. It's not that deep. It's a BLT. Please don't make it inaccessible.

[@ryncalasagsag4909]

Oh the joy of a 4level content. I miss this haha