Open-Wide "BPT" Sandwiches

SERVES: 6

COOK TIME: 20 Min

Here's a sandwich that's famous in Iowa and all over the Midwest. It's a breaded pork loin sandwich, that's known to many as the "BPT Sandwich." What makes this sandwich really stand out from the rest is how the breaded pork hangs off the edges of the bun, making for a really big and hearty sandwich. Since you'll have to open real wide to eat these, we've named ours "Open-Wide 'BPT' Sandwiches."

What You'll Need

2 pounds center-cut boneless pork loin, cut into 6 equal pieces
2 cups buttermilk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 sleeves saltine crackers, crushed (about 80)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/3 cup peanut oil
6 soft hamburger buns, split
1 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
2 tomatoes, sliced
12 dill pickle slices
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

What to Do

Slice each pork piece horizontally almost in half, stopping 1 inch from other side. Open like a book. Place pork between 2 sheets of wax paper and pound to 1/4-inch thickness.
In a shallow dish, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and garlic powder. In another shallow dish, combine flour, salt, and black pepper; mix well. In a third shallow dish, place cracker crumbs and cayenne pepper; mix well. Dip pork in buttermilk mixture, shaking off excess. Dredge pork in flour mixture, then dip again in buttermilk mixture. Place in cracker mixture, coating evenly on both sides.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until hot. Fry pork in batches 3 to 4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Place on paper towel-lined platter.
Place pork on buns and top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onion.

Notes

Don't forget to add your favorite condiments like mayo, mustard, or ketchup.

Although the "BPT" in this recipe stands for "Breaded Pork Tenderloin" most people actually use pork loin, rather than pork tenderloin to make this sandwich (like we did!). The pork loin is "tenderized" when it's pounded. If you prefer, you can use pork tenderloin.

This recipe comes from The Ultimate Recipes Across America Cookbook. Click here for more information or to find out where you can order your own copies!

The nutrition provided for this recipe is an estimate. The ingredients used for breading were measured both at the beginning and at the end of the breading process. Nutrition was calculated based on the amount of ingredients actually used and excludes any waste. Individual results may vary.

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 6

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 988
Calories from Fat 389
Total Fat 43g 66 %
Saturated Fat 12g 60 %
Trans Fat 0.4g 0 %
Protein 46g 93 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 154mg 51 %
Sodium 1,722mg 72 %
Total Carbohydrates 100g 33 %
Dietary Fiber 3.8g 15 %
Sugars 10g 0 %

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Cowboy Chef Jeff

Aug 07, 2020

Shouldn't it be "PLT" sandwich, for pork, lettuce, and tomato since there is no bacon. BPT? What's the B in a BPT? And where's the L for the letrtuce?

Test Kitchen Team

Aug 10, 2020

Hello! "BPT" stands for Breaded Pork Tenderloin. This is a sandwich that is widely popular in the Midwest, especially in Indiana where it first appeared. :)

Cowboy Chef Jeff

Aug 11, 2020

Oh, I had no idea. Thanks for the explanation. )