THE SS B.L.T.

The SS B.L.T. image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Time 45m

Yield 12 finger sandwiches

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 slices maple bacon
8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
3 tablespoons capers in brine, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons minced fresh chives
2 tablespoons honey mustard
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 slices pumpernickel swirl bread
12 ounces sliced smoked salmon
1 small red onion, sliced very thinly
1 to 2 small Roma tomatoes, very thinly sliced into rounds
Baby arugula, for topping

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Evenly space the bacon on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack and bake until crispy, 15 to 18 minutes. Drain the bacon on paper towels, reserving the bacon fat from the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Once cooled, finely mince the bacon.
For the caper spread: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, capers, chives and honey mustard, and season with salt and pepper. With a rubber spatula, mix all the ingredients until combined. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
For the sandwich build: Cut the crusts from the bread. Brush slices on one side with the reserved bacon fat and transfer to the oven to warm through, about 5 minutes. Smear the fat side of four slices with some caper spread. Layer with 1 1/2 ounces of smoked salmon, some red onion, tomato, minced bacon and arugula. Top with another slice of bread and cut each sandwich into thirds, to make finger sandwiches.