BLTs, short for bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches, are a classic and delicious sandwich pairing. However, the right side dishes can take this simple meal to the next level. When planning sides for BLTs, you’ll want options that complement the flavors and textures already present in the sandwich. Here are some excellent side dish ideas to serve alongside bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiches.
Bread and Crackers
Since BLTs are typically served on bread, having some extra bread on hand just makes sense. Bread and cracker pairings allow you to soak up any drips from the juicy tomatoes or savor the last bits of bacon crumbles. Some top options include:
- Sourdough bread slices
- Baguette slices
- Buttery crackers
- Pita chips
- Garlic toast
The crunch of crackers or toast adds a nice textural contrast to the soft sandwich bread. You really can’t go wrong by keeping it simple with just extra bread products alongside your BLTs.
Crunchy Vegetable Sides
For those looking for something a bit more fresh and vibrant, crunchy vegetable sides are a smart choice with BLTs. Options like these add color and freshness:
- Cucumber slices
- Carrot sticks
- Radish slices
- Broccoli florets
- Celery sticks
- Bell pepper strips
Crunchy fresh veggies paired with creamy dip give your mouth a nice change of texture from the soft sandwich with each bite. Plus, they add nutrients and color to balance out an otherwise heavy bacon-focused meal.
Potato Dishes
Potatoes make for a supremely satisfying side with BLTs by rounding out the meal. Here are some hot and cold potato options to consider:
- French fries
- Tater tots
- Hash browns
- Potato salad
- Roasted potato wedges
The starchiness of potatoes fills you up while providing a neutral base that lets the flavor of the BLT shine. French fries are a top choice for their crunchy, salty, and greasy contrast to the sandwich.
Pasta Salads
Chilled pasta salads have a fresh, summery vibe that pairs beautifully with a BLT. Some easy pasta salad ideas include:
- Rotini with pesto
- Fusilli with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil
- Farfalle with grilled vegetables
- Orzo with feta, olives, and lemon
- Bowtie with broccoli and cheddar
The pasta absorbs the dressing and gives you the perfect bite to go with your sandwich. Make it ahead of time so it’s chilled and ready when you are.
Coleslaws and Cabbage Salads
Since lettuce is already part of a BLT, having some extra crunchy cabbage on the side just makes sense. Try out these cabbage salads and coleslaws:
- Classic creamy coleslaw
- Tangy vinegar-based coleslaw
- Thinly shredded napa cabbage salad
- Red cabbage slaw with apple
- Broccoli slaw mix
The crisp texture and acidic bite balances beautifully with the richer bacon and tomato flavors in a BLT. The vegetables also help cut through the sandwich’s heaviness.
Fruit Salads
Fresh fruit is a bright, sweet side that complements BLTs for a well-rounded meal. Try out these fruit salad ideas:
- Watermelon slices
- Grapes
- Berries
- Melon salad
- Waldorf chicken salad
- Citrus segments
Juicy fruits like melon, grapes, and citrus have high water content to quench your thirst after the salty bacon. Berries and apples offer a sweeter fruit profile to balance the tomato’s acidity.
Soups
A bowl of soup checks all the boxes as an excellent accompaniment to a BLT sandwich. Consider these soup side options:
- Tomato soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Vegetable soup
- Chili
- Gazpacho
The warm broth provides comforting contrast to the chilled sandwich components. Tomato-based soups mirror the flavors already within a BLT. Or opt for a cream-based soup for an indulgent pairing.
Conclusion
When looking for sides to serve alongside crunchy, salty, rich BLT sandwiches, try to include options that complement or contrast with those flavors and textures. Simple breads, crackers, and potato dishes make excellent fillers. For something more fresh and colorful, crunchy vegetable salads, coleslaws, pasta salads, or fruit salads are smart choices. And soup never fails as a comforting accompaniment. With so many tasty options, there’s no reason to enjoy your BLTs solo again!