Ethan Brooks
When planning what to have with BLTs for dinner, it’s essential to complement the classic combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with sides that enhance the meal without overshadowing its simplicity. Consider pairing BLTs with a refreshing side like a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or opt for something heartier like roasted sweet potato wedges or garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, a bowl of chilled gazpacho or a simple avocado and cucumber salad can balance the richness of the bacon. Don’t forget the importance of texture and flavor contrast—crunchy potato chips, a warm bowl of creamy macaroni salad, or even a slice of buttery garlic bread can elevate the experience. Whether you’re aiming for a casual weeknight dinner or a more polished spread, the right sides can turn a humble BLT into a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
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What You'll Learn
- Side salads: fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing to complement the BLT
- Soup options: creamy tomato or chilled gazpacho as a starter or side for BLTs
- Potato dishes: crispy fries, mashed potatoes, or potato salad to pair with BLT sandwiches
- Vegetable sides: grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans for added nutrition
- Bread choices: garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a crusty baguette to serve alongside BLTs
Side salads: fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing to complement the BLT
A crisp side salad is the ideal counterpoint to the hearty richness of a BLT. While the sandwich delivers satisfying fat and salt through bacon and mayo, a salad of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides brightness, crunch, and acidity to balance the meal. This combination ensures no element overpowers, creating a harmonious dining experience.
To construct this salad, start with a base of mixed greens—think arugula for peppery notes, spinach for earthiness, or butter lettuce for sweetness. Layer in sliced cucumbers for refreshing crispness and halved cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced heirlooms for juicy bursts of flavor. The key is to keep ingredients simple yet vibrant, allowing each component to shine without competing with the BLT.
The dressing should be equally straightforward: whisk together 3 parts olive oil, 1 part red wine vinegar, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This light vinaigrette enhances the salad’s freshness without weighing it down. Avoid creamy dressings, which would clash with the BLT’s mayo-based profile. For added depth, sprinkle in chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives just before serving.
Portion-wise, aim for a 1:1 ratio of salad to sandwich volume. This ensures the salad complements rather than overshadows the BLT. Serve the salad chilled but not ice-cold, as extreme temperatures can dull flavors. Pairing this side with a BLT not only adds nutritional balance but also elevates the meal from casual to thoughtfully composed.
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Soup options: creamy tomato or chilled gazpacho as a starter or side for BLTs
A well-crafted soup can elevate a BLT from a simple sandwich to a satisfying meal. Two standout options, creamy tomato and chilled gazpacho, offer distinct experiences that complement the BLT's classic flavors. Creamy tomato soup, with its rich, velvety texture, provides a comforting contrast to the crisp bacon and fresh lettuce. Its tangy-sweet profile mirrors the acidity of the tomato in the BLT, creating a harmonious pairing. For a lighter, refreshing twist, chilled gazpacho steps in. This cold Spanish soup, made from blended tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, adds a vibrant, zesty counterpoint to the BLT's heartiness. Both soups serve as excellent starters or sides, depending on portion size and meal structure.
When preparing creamy tomato soup to accompany BLTs, aim for a balance of creaminess and acidity. Use a blend of ripe tomatoes, a touch of heavy cream, and a hint of sugar to offset the tomatoes' natural tartness. For added depth, roast the tomatoes beforehand to intensify their flavor. Serve the soup warm in small bowls as a starter, or in shot glasses as a side for a playful presentation. Pairing it with a BLT made on toasted sourdough enhances the textural interplay between the crunchy sandwich and smooth soup.
Chilled gazpacho, on the other hand, requires no cooking, making it an ideal choice for warm weather or busy evenings. Blend equal parts tomatoes, cucumbers, and red bell peppers with garlic, olive oil, and sherry vinegar for a traditional recipe. Chill the soup for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve it in chilled bowls as a refreshing starter or in small cups alongside the BLTs. For a modern twist, garnish with diced avocado or a drizzle of basil oil to tie in the sandwich's fresh elements.
The choice between creamy tomato and chilled gazpacho ultimately depends on the desired mood of the meal. Creamy tomato soup leans into comfort and nostalgia, making it perfect for cozy dinners or cooler evenings. Chilled gazpacho, with its bright, clean flavors, suits lighter, more casual meals or outdoor gatherings. Both soups, however, share the ability to enhance the BLT experience by adding depth and variety to the plate.
To maximize the pairing, consider portion control and timing. If serving the soup as a starter, keep the BLTs simple—focus on high-quality bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. If the soup is a side, opt for smaller sandwich portions to avoid overwhelming the palate. Regardless of the choice, both creamy tomato and chilled gazpacho transform the BLT into a more polished, memorable meal.
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Potato dishes: crispy fries, mashed potatoes, or potato salad to pair with BLT sandwiches
Potatoes, in their myriad forms, are the quintessential sidekick to the BLT sandwich, offering a starchy canvas that complements the crisp bacon, juicy tomato, and cool lettuce. Each preparation—crispy fries, creamy mashed potatoes, or tangy potato salad—brings a distinct texture and flavor profile to the table, elevating the meal in unique ways. The choice hinges on the desired contrast or harmony with the sandwich, whether you’re craving a crunchy bite, a smooth comfort, or a refreshing twist.
Crispy fries are the crowd-pleaser, their golden exterior and fluffy interior providing a satisfying crunch that mirrors the BLT’s bacon. To achieve the perfect fry, cut russet potatoes into uniform ¼-inch strips, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, and double-fry at 325°F followed by 375°F for maximum crispness. Season with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of garlic powder while hot, and serve alongside the sandwich for a classic, finger-friendly pairing. For a healthier twist, bake them with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika.
Mashed potatoes offer a comforting, velvety contrast to the BLT’s crisp components. Use Yukon Gold potatoes for their natural creaminess, boiling them until fork-tender before mashing with butter, warm milk, and a pinch of nutmeg for depth. For a lighter version, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt and fold in chopped chives for freshness. This creamy side acts as a soothing counterpoint to the sandwich’s sharper flavors, making it ideal for a cozy dinner.
Potato salad, with its bright, vinegary dressing, cuts through the richness of the BLT, offering a refreshing balance. Boil waxy potatoes like Red Bliss until just tender, then toss with a dressing of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sugar. Add diced celery, red onion, and dill pickles for crunch and tang. For a lighter option, swap mayo for a blend of olive oil and lemon juice, and incorporate fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon. This side is particularly suited for warmer evenings when a heavier starch might feel too indulgent.
In choosing among these potato dishes, consider the meal’s overall tone: crispy fries for a casual, hearty bite; mashed potatoes for a comforting, indulgent experience; or potato salad for a bright, refreshing complement. Each option not only pairs well with the BLT but also enhances its flavors, ensuring a satisfying dinner that feels both complete and thoughtfully composed.
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Vegetable sides: grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed green beans for added nutrition
Grilled asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, and sautéed green beans are not just sides—they’re nutritional powerhouses that elevate a BLT from a casual sandwich to a balanced meal. Each vegetable brings its own set of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, ensuring your dinner is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Asparagus, for instance, is rich in folate and vitamin K, while Brussels sprouts pack a punch with vitamin C and fiber. Green beans contribute vitamin A and iron, making any of these options a smart choice for added health benefits.
To prepare grilled asparagus, trim the woody ends and toss the spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, turning once, until tender with char marks. This method enhances their natural sweetness and pairs well with the smoky bacon in a BLT. For roasted Brussels sprouts, halve them, drizzle with olive oil, and season with garlic powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until crispy on the outside and tender inside. The caramelized flavor complements the sandwich’s richness without overpowering it.
Sautéed green beans offer a lighter, quicker option. Trim the ends and cook them in a skillet with butter, minced garlic, and a splash of lemon juice for 8–10 minutes until crisp-tender. This method retains their vibrant color and adds a refreshing contrast to the BLT’s hearty components. For families, consider involving kids in the prep—washing green beans or seasoning asparagus can make them more likely to try these veggies.
Comparing the three, grilled asparagus is ideal for a summery vibe, roasted Brussels sprouts add depth for cooler seasons, and sautéed green beans work year-round for their simplicity. Each side takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and nutrition, ensuring your BLT dinner is anything but ordinary. Pairing these vegetables with a BLT not only boosts the meal’s nutritional profile but also creates a visually appealing plate that feels restaurant-worthy.
Incorporating these sides into your BLT dinner is a practical way to meet daily vegetable intake recommendations. Adults should aim for 2–3 cups of vegetables per day, and a generous serving of any of these options gets you closer to that goal. By choosing grilled, roasted, or sautéed methods over boiling, you retain more nutrients and enhance flavor, making it easier to enjoy these veggies regularly. Whether you’re cooking for one or a family, these sides are versatile, quick, and undeniably good for you.
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Bread choices: garlic bread, dinner rolls, or a crusty baguette to serve alongside BLTs
Choosing the right bread to accompany your BLTs can elevate the meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Garlic bread, dinner rolls, and a crusty baguette each bring distinct textures and flavors to the table, but their suitability depends on the dining experience you aim to create. Garlic bread, with its buttery, aromatic profile, adds a bold layer of flavor that complements the simplicity of a BLT. However, its richness may overshadow the freshness of the lettuce and tomato if not balanced carefully. Dinner rolls, on the other hand, offer a soft, neutral base that lets the BLT’s ingredients shine, making them ideal for a family-friendly meal where subtlety is key. A crusty baguette, with its chewy exterior and airy interior, provides a satisfying contrast to the crisp bacon and juicy tomatoes, making it a top choice for those seeking a textural adventure.
When serving garlic bread alongside BLTs, consider the intensity of the garlic flavor. A light brushing of garlic-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of garlic powder can enhance the bread without overpowering the sandwich. For a crowd-pleasing option, slice the garlic bread into thinner pieces to allow diners to control their portion. Pairing garlic bread with BLTs works best when the sandwich itself is minimally dressed—think a light spread of mayo and a single layer of bacon. This combination is perfect for a casual dinner where comfort and indulgence are the goals.
Dinner rolls are the unsung heroes of BLT accompaniments, especially for younger diners or those who prefer a simpler palate. Their small size makes them easy to handle, and their soft texture ensures they don’t compete with the sandwich’s crunch. To add a touch of sophistication, lightly toast the rolls or brush them with melted butter before serving. Dinner rolls are also versatile enough to be used for mini BLT sliders, a fun twist that turns dinner into an interactive experience. This option is particularly practical for busy weeknights when time and ease are priorities.
A crusty baguette is the go-to choice for those who crave a hearty, artisanal touch. Its sturdy structure holds up well to the moisture of the tomatoes and lettuce, preventing sogginess. Slice the baguette into thick pieces to create open-faced BLT crostini, or serve it whole for diners to tear and share. The baguette’s rustic charm pairs beautifully with a side of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping, adding a Mediterranean flair to the meal. This option is ideal for a leisurely dinner where the focus is on savoring each bite.
Ultimately, the bread you choose should align with the tone of your meal and the preferences of your guests. Garlic bread brings warmth and boldness, dinner rolls offer simplicity and convenience, and a crusty baguette adds sophistication and texture. Each option enhances the BLT experience in its own way, proving that even the most straightforward sandwich can be transformed by the right accompaniment. Experiment with these choices to discover which one best suits your dinner table.
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Frequently asked questions
Classic sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad pair well with BLTs. You can also try roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a simple cup of tomato soup.
Yes, you can add ingredients like avocado, fried eggs, or sliced turkey to make BLTs heartier. Serving them on thicker bread or adding a side of quinoa or rice can also make the meal more substantial.
Iced tea, lemonade, or a cold beer are refreshing choices. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of citrus or a classic glass of milk.
Light desserts like fresh fruit, a scoop of sorbet, or a simple chocolate chip cookie work well. Avoid heavy desserts, as BLTs are already rich and savory.
