The BPO sandwich, also known as the Bacon Peanut Butter & Onion sandwich, is a vintage recipe that offers a delightful twist on the classic BLT. This recipe was widely published in July 1974, making waves across the nation as an innovative take on sandwich-making. While the combination of bacon, peanut butter, and onions might seem unconventional, the savory and sweet flavors blend beautifully, creating a unique sandwich that’s worth revisiting today.
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Bacon Peanut Butter & Onion
A Snapshot of 1974: Sandwich Innovation and Cultural Context
The 1970s were a time of culinary exploration, with home cooks and professional chefs alike pushing the boundaries of traditional recipes. The BPO sandwich emerged during this era of experimentation, offering a new take on the beloved BLT. August is National Sandwich Month, which likely contributed to the timing of this recipe’s release. The BPO was introduced as a fresh, flavorful alternative to the classic sandwich, reflecting the decade’s penchant for bold flavor combinations and creative use of everyday ingredients.
The 1970s also marked a period of convenience foods and quick meals, as more households were dual-income and needed fast yet satisfying recipes. This sandwich fits perfectly into that category—easy to prepare, using ingredients that were staples in most kitchens, yet offering a taste experience that was anything but ordinary.
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Timeline: The Evolution of the BPO Sandwich
- 1950s-1960s: The BLT sandwich (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato) becomes a classic American lunch favorite, enjoyed in diners and homes across the country.
- 1974: The BPO sandwich is introduced in July, appearing in newspapers nationwide. This variant swaps out lettuce for peanut butter and onions, offering a new taste experience.
- 1980s-1990s: As health trends rise, variations of classic sandwiches like the BPO evolve, with options for lighter, more health-conscious ingredients.
- Present Day: The BPO remains a nostalgic recipe, celebrated for its bold flavors and retro appeal.
Recipe Discussion: The Ingredients and Their Roles
The BPO sandwich stands out due to its unique combination of ingredients:
- Bacon: The star of the sandwich, bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of peanut butter.
- Peanut Butter: Using crunchy peanut butter adds texture and a sweet, nutty flavor that balances the saltiness of the bacon.
- Onion: Slices of onion introduce a sharp, slightly spicy contrast that cuts through the richness of the bacon and peanut butter, adding complexity to each bite.
- Bread: Your choice of bread can influence the sandwich’s overall flavor and texture. A hearty white or wheat bread works well, especially when grilled to a golden crisp in bacon drippings.
- Tomato (Optional): Though not part of the original BPO, adding a slice of tomato introduces a fresh, juicy element that can enhance the sandwich’s balance.
The method of grilling the sandwich in reserved bacon drippings not only crisps the bread to perfection but also infuses the entire sandwich with a deep, savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Preparation Tips for the Perfect BPO Sandwich
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for a bread that can hold up to grilling and won’t become too soggy from the peanut butter and bacon drippings. A thick-sliced white or whole wheat bread works best.
- Control the Heat: When grilling the sandwich, keep the heat at medium. This allows the bread to crisp up without burning and ensures the peanut butter melts slightly, creating a cohesive, flavorful bite.
- Customize the Fillings: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a slice of tomato for an extra layer of flavor. Alternatively, experiment with different types of onions—such as sweet Vidalia or red onion—for a unique taste.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
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- Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for grilling this sandwich, as it provides even heat distribution and helps achieve a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Bread Knife: A good bread knife is essential for slicing your sandwich evenly without squashing the bread, especially if you’re using a hearty loaf.
- Bacon Press: A bacon press helps ensure your bacon cooks evenly and stays flat, which is perfect for stacking in sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions for a BPO Sandwich
- With a Side of Potato Chips: Serve your BPO sandwich with a side of classic potato chips for a satisfying crunch that complements the sandwich’s soft interior.
- Accompanied by a Dill Pickle: A dill pickle adds a tangy, refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich, making it a perfect side.
- Paired with a Cold Beverage: Enjoy your sandwich with a cold soda or iced tea to wash down the rich, savory flavors and cleanse the palate.
A Nostalgic Sandwich with a Bold Flavor
The BPO sandwich is a testament to the culinary creativity of the 1970s, combining flavors and textures in a way that continues to intrigue and delight. Whether you’re revisiting this recipe for a taste of nostalgia or trying it for the first time, the BPO is sure to leave an impression. Its combination of bacon, peanut butter, and onions might seem unconventional, but that’s exactly what makes this sandwich a standout. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself adding it to your regular sandwich rotation.
We THINK Vintage Recipe Box 40 came to us from Iowa (we were not tracking the information when we first started collecting the vintage recipe boxes) and that the original owner had multiple boxes.
This vintage recipe box was produced by Ohio Art. At this time we do not know when the recipe box was sold.
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box. This recipe for Bacon Peanut Butter, and Tomato Sandwich was with. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Box 40 recipes and to learn more about the history of the recipes and the recipe box.
Bacon Peanut Butter and Onion Sandwich Recipe
Bacon Peanut Butter and Onion Sandwich
August is sandwich month, a good time to introduce this tempting bacon treat that promises to rival the popular "BLT."
Simply panfry three strips of bacon for each sandwich. Spread two slices of bread with 1 tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter. Place bacon and slices of onion between the peanut-buttered sides of the bread slices.
Grill in a small amount of the bacon drippings in the frying pan in which bacon was cooked. This unique taste trip is delicious.
Ingredients
- 3 strips of bacon per sandwich
- 2 slices of bread (your choice)
- 1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter (per sandwich)
- Onion slices (to taste)
- Tomato slices (optional)
- Bacon drippings (for grilling)
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Pan-fry 3 strips of bacon in a skillet until crispy.
- Drain the Bacon: Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel to drain. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Spread Peanut Butter: Spread 1 tablespoon of crunchy peanut butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the cooked bacon strips on top of the peanut butter on one slice of bread.
- Add Onion and Tomato: Add onion slices on top of the bacon. If desired, add tomato slices as well.
- Top the Sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, peanut butter side down.
- Heat the Skillet: Reheat the bacon drippings in the skillet over medium heat.
- Grill the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the skillet, slice it in half if desired, and serve warm.