If you’re anything like us, you love a good BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato, all sandwiched between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. It’s a tasty mix that’s both easy and satisfying. But sometimes, you need a little extra to make the meal complete. Whether serving your BLT for lunch, dinner, or a casual gathering, the right side dish can elevate the experience and make your meal more exciting.
This article will walk you through 15 tasty and creative side dishes that perfectly complement your classic BLT. From crispy fries and creamy coleslaw to fresh salads and grilled veggies, we have options for every taste and occasion. Plus, we’ll share a few tips on customizing these sides, whether you’re making a traditional BLT, a turkey BLT sandwich, or even an avocado BLT sandwich. Want to elevate your BLT to new heights? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
15 Delicious Side Dishes That Pair Perfectly with BLT Sandwiches
1. Crispy French Fries: A Timeless Pairing
There’s no better side to go with your BLT than crispy, golden French fries. The crunchiness of the fries balances out the soft, savory elements of the sandwich. Whether you prefer classic thick-cut fries or shoestring fries, this timeless pairing will never disappoint.
Tip: For an extra touch, try sprinkling some parmesan cheese or your favorite seasoning on top before serving.
2. Sweet Potato Fries: A Healthier Twist
If you’re looking for something a bit more nutritious, sweet potato fries are the perfect option. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the salty bacon in the BLT. Plus, they offer a healthier alternative to regular fries, making them a great option for those looking to eat a little cleaner without sacrificing flavor.
Tip: Serve them with a dipping sauce like spicy aioli or honey mustard for an added burst of flavor.
3. Coleslaw: Creamy and Crunchy
A creamy, tangy coleslaw is the perfect complement to the crunchy, salty bacon in your BLT. The crunch of the cabbage and the smooth, rich dressing cut through the richness of the bacon and make each bite even more satisfying.
Tip: Try adding apple slices or raisins for a slightly sweet twist that balances the tangy dressing.
4. Pickles: A Zesty Bite
Pickles are a must-have for anyone who loves a tangy, crunchy contrast to their BLT. Whether you prefer the sharp flavor of dill pickles or the sweetness of bread-and-butter pickles, they add an extra layer of flavor that perfectly complements the savory bacon.
Tip: If you’re looking for something a bit different, try a pickle salad with dill, onions, and a little mustard.
5. Potato Chips: Simple and Satisfying
Sometimes, you just need a no-fuss side. Potato chips are the perfect side for your BLT, offering a crunchy, salty texture that complements the sandwich. You can go with classic salted chips, or for an extra crunch, try kettle chips.
Tip: Pair them with a dip like a ranch, French onion, or guacamole for an extra kick.
6. Avocado Slices: Creamy and Fresh
Adding a few slices of creamy avocado to your BLT sandwich is a no-brainer, but why not serve some on the side as well? The rich, buttery texture of avocado complements the crispiness of the bacon and adds a fresh twist.
Tip: A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of salt on the avocado slices makes them even more refreshing.
7. Tomato Salad: Keep It Fresh
Tomatoes are already a key component of a BLT, but serving a fresh tomato salad on the side can elevate your meal even more. Combine juicy, ripe tomatoes with basil, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing side that ties in with the sandwich’s fresh ingredients.
Tip: Add mozzarella or feta for extra creaminess that complements the sandwich.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet and Savory
Corn on the cob, whether grilled or boiled, brings a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors of your BLT. The smoky flavor of grilled corn especially makes it a delightful side dish.
Tip: Brush with garlic butter or sprinkle with chili powder and cotija cheese for a flavorful twist.
9. Fruit Salad: Light and Refreshing
If you’re looking for something lighter and more refreshing to balance the richness of the bacon, a fresh fruit salad is a great choice. Opt for a mix of seasonal fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory sandwich.
Tip: Add a bit of mint to your fruit salad for an extra pop of freshness.
10. Macaroni Salad: Creamy Comfort
Macaroni salad is a classic comfort food side that pairs wonderfully with BLTs. Its creamy texture and tangy dressing provide a nice contrast to the crispness of the sandwich.
Tip: Add some chopped celery, pickles, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and flavor.
11. Grilled Veggies: Light and Flavorful
Grilled vegetables, like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus, offer a flavorful and healthy side that complements the BLT’s crunchiness. The smoky flavor of the grilled veggies enhances the overall taste of the meal.
Tip: Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of sea salt for a delicious finishing touch.
12. Garlic Bread: Buttery Goodness
If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, garlic bread is always a great choice. Its buttery, garlicky goodness enhances the flavors of the BLT while adding extra crunch.
Tip: Serve with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to take it over the top.
13. Roasted Potatoes: Hearty and Filling
For a more substantial side, roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. Seasoned with herbs and olive oil, they provide a flavorful, crispy contrast to the sandwich’s crunch.
Tip: Use rosemary, thyme, or garlic for aromatic, savory flavor.
14. Cucumber Salad: Crisp and Cool
Cucumber salad offers a cool and refreshing contrast to the rich bacon in your BLT. With a light vinegar dressing and a sprinkle of dill, it’s a perfect side that balances out the sandwich’s richness.
Tip: Add thinly sliced red onions or cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor.
15. Onion Rings: Crispy and Flavorful
For something extra crunchy, onion rings are a perfect side to serve with your BLT. The crispy batter and sweet, juicy onions provide a satisfying bite that pairs perfectly with the salty bacon in the sandwich.
Tip: Serve hot and fresh with a side of ranch or BBQ sauce for dipping.
FAQs or Common Concerns
1. Can I serve a salad with my BLT? Absolutely! A light, refreshing salad complements the richness of the BLT perfectly. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a more elaborate tomato and mozzarella salad.
2. Are there vegetarian side dishes that go well with BLTs? Yes! Many of the sides mentioned, like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and tomato salads, are vegetarian-friendly and pair wonderfully with a BLT. If you’re making a vegetarian BLT (with tempeh or avocado), these sides are even better!
3. Can I get creative with side dishes, or should I stick to traditional options? While traditional sides like fries and chips are always great, don’t be afraid to get creative. Try something new like roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, or a fresh fruit salad to add variety to your meal.
4. Can I serve soup with a BLT? Yes! A light soup, such as tomato basil or vegetable soup, is a great choice. On a chilly day, a warm bowl of soup paired with a BLT makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Conclusion
BLT sandwiches are a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that pairs well with a variety of delicious side dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something crispy like French fries or potato chips, something fresh like a tomato salad or cucumber salad, or something comforting like macaroni salad or garlic bread, there’s no shortage of tasty sides to complement your BLT.
Next time you’re whipping up a BLT, try one (or more!) of these side dishes and let us know which one is your favorite. Don’t forget to share your own favorite BLT sides in the comments below. Happy eating!