BLT sandwiches are a timeless classic for quick and satisfying meals. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes nestled between toasted bread is undeniably delicious and a go-to for easy lunches or dinners. You’re not alone if you often find yourself wondering What To Serve With Blt sandwiches to turn them into a complete and more substantial meal. If you’re looking beyond just the sandwich itself and want to create a truly satisfying dining experience, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide is packed with creative and tasty side dish ideas that perfectly complement the iconic BLT. From light and refreshing salads to comforting soups and crowd-pleasing finger foods, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to elevate your BLT meal, ensuring it’s a hit every time. Let’s explore some fantastic pairings that will take your BLT from a simple sandwich to a memorable culinary experience.
Elevating Your BLT: Delicious Additions Inside the Sandwich
Before diving into side dishes, consider enhancing the BLT itself! While the classic trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is perfect in its simplicity, there are numerous ways to customize your sandwich and amplify its flavors. Experimenting with spreads and additional elements can transform your BLT into something even more extraordinary.
Flavorful Spreads to Boost Your BLT
Move beyond traditional mayonnaise and explore a world of flavorful spreads to add depth and excitement to your BLT. These options can replace mayo entirely or be used in conjunction with it for a richer taste profile:
- Santa Fe Ranch Dressing: Introduce a zesty, Southwestern flair with a creamy Santa Fe ranch. Its taco-inspired flavors and Greek yogurt base offer a tangy and lighter alternative to traditional mayonnaise.
- Mustard: For a classic tangy kick, mustard is an excellent choice. Its sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the bacon and complements the freshness of the tomato and lettuce.
- Guacamole: Add a creamy, healthy element with guacamole. This avocado-based spread introduces a smooth texture and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon and tomato.
- Creamy Sriracha Sauce: Spice things up with a touch of heat using sriracha mayo or a sriracha Greek yogurt sauce. Just a teaspoon of sriracha mixed with two tablespoons of mayo or Greek yogurt creates a delightful spicy mayo.
- Hummus: For a Mediterranean twist and added creaminess, consider hummus. Variations like dill pickle hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, or beet hummus can introduce unique and savory notes.
- Barbecue Sauce: If you enjoy BBQ flavors, a touch of barbecue sauce can transform your BLT. The smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce works surprisingly well with bacon, lettuce, and tomato, creating a BBQ burger-inspired sandwich.
- Greek Yogurt: Seeking a lighter yet creamy option? Greek yogurt provides a tangy and healthier alternative to mayonnaise, offering a refreshing touch to your BLT.
- Ranch Dressing: A classic American favorite, ranch dressing adds a tangy and herbaceous flavor that’s simply delicious on a BLT. It’s a quintessential pairing that enhances the overall taste.
- Pesto: Introduce a fresh, herbaceous note with pesto. The basil-forward flavor of pesto complements the juicy tomato and savory bacon, creating a vibrant combination.
- Chimichurri: For a zesty and herb-packed option, chimichurri sauce brings a bright, garlicky flavor reminiscent of garlic bread, adding a unique twist to your BLT.
Bowl of lemon guacamole with tortilla chips, a flavorful spread option for BLTs.
Additional Elements for an Enhanced BLT Experience
Beyond spreads, incorporating extra elements within your BLT can elevate its texture and flavor profile:
- Fresh Herbs: Elevate the freshness by adding chopped herbs like parsley, basil, chives, dill, or cilantro. These herbs introduce aromatic notes and brighten the overall taste.
- Cheese: Introduce cheesy goodness with options like cheddar, mozzarella, goat cheese, or cream cheese. Cheese adds richness and a different textural dimension to your BLT.
- Microgreens: Boost the nutritional value and add a delicate crunch with microgreens like alfalfa sprouts. They provide a subtle peppery flavor and visual appeal.
- Fried Egg: Turn your BLT into a heartier meal by adding a fried egg. The runny yolk adds richness and creates a delicious, satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
- Avocado: Similar to guacamole, sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to your BLT. It complements the other ingredients with its mild, buttery flavor.
- Chicken or Turkey: Transform your BLT into a “clubhouse” style sandwich by adding sliced chicken or turkey. This addition makes it more substantial and protein-rich, perfect for a filling lunch or dinner.
Hand holding a sourdough breakfast sandwich, showcasing the option of adding an egg to a BLT.
Delicious Finger Foods to Serve with BLTs
For a casual and fun meal, pair your BLTs with tasty finger foods. This makes for an easy, utensil-free dining experience, perfect for picnics or relaxed gatherings.
- Deviled Eggs: A protein-packed side that’s both classic and satisfying. Deviled eggs, especially an avocado version, offer a creamy and flavorful accompaniment. For a simpler option, hard-boiled eggs also work well.
- Onion Rings: A quintessential side dish, onion rings provide a satisfying crunch and savory flavor that complements the BLT. For a healthier twist, consider baked onion rings.
- French Fries or Potato Wedges: Crispy and seasoned fries or potato wedges are a classic and beloved side for sandwiches. Baked fries offer a healthier alternative while still delivering that satisfying crunch.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to create sweet potato fries. Their slightly sweet flavor and vibrant color add a unique touch to your BLT meal.
- Baked Sweet Plantains: A unique and delightful alternative to fries, baked sweet plantains offer a crispy exterior and creamy interior with a perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
- Fresh Vegetables (Crudités): For a healthy and refreshing side, serve your BLT with sliced carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, or any other favorite raw vegetables. Include hummus or another dip for added flavor and enjoyment.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Golden brown, gooey mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleasing option. Baked mozzarella sticks offer a healthier homemade alternative that’s still incredibly delicious.
- Beet Chips: Crispy and vibrant beet chips made in an air fryer are a unique and healthy side. Their earthy sweetness and satisfying crunch make them a great pairing for BLTs.
- Garlic Kale Chips: For a nutritious and flavorful green side, garlic kale chips are an excellent choice. They are a healthy and delicious way to incorporate greens into your meal.
- Pickles: Simple yet flavorful, pickles offer a tangy and crunchy contrast to the richness of the BLT. They are a low-effort side that adds a burst of flavor.
Hand holding a crispy beet chip, a unique finger food side for BLTs.
Soups That Pair Perfectly with BLTs
The combination of soup and a sandwich is a comforting and classic meal pairing. Try serving your BLT with one of these delicious soup options for a warm and satisfying lunch or dinner.
- Tomato Soup: A timeless pairing, tomato soup is often considered a sandwich’s best friend. Its acidity and sweetness cut through the richness of the bacon and complement the tomato in the BLT.
- Potato Soup: Creamy and comforting, potato soup makes for a hearty and filling side to a BLT. Its mild flavor and smooth texture create a balanced meal.
- Mushroom Soup: Earthy and savory mushroom soup offers a delightful contrast to the fresh flavors of a BLT. Its umami-richness adds depth and complexity to the meal.
Spoon scooping tomato soup from a bowl, a classic soup pairing for BLTs.
Refreshing Salads to Serve Alongside BLTs
Pairing a BLT with a salad creates a balanced and satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and nutritious. These salads offer a variety of textures and flavors that complement the BLT beautifully.
- Caesar Salad: A versatile salad that pairs well with almost anything, Caesar salad is especially delicious with a BLT. Its creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese create a delightful contrast to the sandwich.
- Spinach Salad: A vibrant green salad with balsamic vinegar poppyseed dressing, spinach salad offers a refreshing and slightly sweet side. Berries and roasted nuts add texture and flavor complexity.
- Caprese Salad: Simple and fresh, Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the flavors of a BLT perfectly. Its light and bright flavors enhance the overall meal.
- Pasta Salad: For a heartier salad option, pasta salad, such as a chicken bacon ranch pasta salad, provides a satisfying and flavorful side that pairs well with a BLT, creating a more substantial meal.
- Potato Salad: Similar to pasta salad, potato salad is a filling and classic side for sandwiches. Greek yogurt potato salad offers a healthier twist with added protein and tang.
- Santa Fe Salad: A flavorful and robust salad, Santa Fe salad is an excellent choice to serve with a BLT. Its Southwestern flavors and hearty ingredients create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
- Coleslaw: Whether you prefer classic coleslaw, chimichurri slaw, or lemon tahini slaw, coleslaw provides a crunchy and tangy side that complements the richness of the BLT.
- Baked Beans: Packed with protein and fiber, tender baked beans are a hearty and flavorful side. Their slightly sweet and smoky flavor profile makes them a comforting and satisfying pairing with a BLT.
Baked beans in a serving dish with a wooden spoon, a hearty salad-like side for BLTs.
Sweet Endings: Dessert Options to Follow Your BLT
If you’re looking to round out your BLT meal with a sweet treat, these dessert options offer delightful ways to end your meal on a sweet note.
- Fresh Fruit: Keep it simple and healthy with sliced apples, blueberries, grapes, or any other favorite fresh fruits. Serve with vanilla bean hummus for a delicious and slightly indulgent dip.
- Apple Nachos: A fun and healthy dessert, apple nachos feature thinly sliced apples topped with nut butter, granola, and seeds for a satisfying and nutritious treat.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing and light option, fruit salad provides a mix of seasonal fruits for a healthy and naturally sweet dessert.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: A timeless and universally loved dessert, chocolate chip cookies are always a welcome treat. Their classic flavor and comforting sweetness make them a perfect ending to any meal, including a BLT.
Hand holding a chocolate chip cookie with a bite taken out, a classic dessert to follow a BLT meal.
With this wide array of side dish options, you’re now well-equipped to create the perfect accompaniment for your BLT sandwiches. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and fresh, hearty and comforting, or sweet and satisfying, there’s a side dish here to elevate your BLT meal and make it a truly enjoyable culinary experience. Enjoy!
