Let's be real: BLT sandwiches are pure joy on a plate (a classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich usually served on toasted bread with mayonnaise).
We remember those summer picnics where these classics were the star.
And what goes well with a BLT? We've thought long and hard about this, and the side options are endless-well, almost!
From crunchy chips to zesty salads, we've got some solid ideas.
Let's face it, every great sandwich deserves its sidekick. Ready to impress your friends at the next cookout or lunch with a crispy BLT and something special on the side?
Let's dive into the best side dishes that'll take your BLT to a new level!
Top 13 Side Dishes for BLT Sandwiches
Here are 13 fantastic side dishes that will make your BLT sandwich even better:
1 - Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are where it's at for side dishes. They have that perfect blend of sweetness and a slight crunch (their natural sugars caramelize when roasted).
These fries have a buttery, earthy flavor that goes well with salty bacon on a BLT.
We remember sharing crispy sweet potato fries, dipped in a tangy aioli, at summer cookouts. It was a side that stole the spotlight!
Compared to regular fries, these are healthier and come with a naturally sweet twist, and they pair well with sweet potato soup side ideas.
2 - Caprese Skewers
Caprese skewers are a must-try for anyone who loves fresh flavors. They combine juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil (Ocimum basilicum).
These bite-sized delights dance on your palate with sweetness and a herby kick. We remember savoring them at summer gatherings, watching them disappear faster than we could grab a second.
Perfect for parties, they add color and taste as caprese chicken side pairings.
We can't resist a sprinkle of balsamic glaze for that extra tang!
3 - Avocado Salad
Avocado salad is our creamy guilty pleasure. Its buttery texture complements crispy bacon perfectly (avocado, Persea americana).
We remember munching on a heaping bowl at BBQs, feeling like the culinary stars of the show.
We love it paired with crisp greens for crunch and with taco salad side suggestions.
It's a salad that's not just for rabbit food lovers; it's downright satisfying.
4 - Coleslaw with a Twist
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Coleslaw with a twist is not your average side. We love the crunch of cabbage mixed with a tangy dressing that's not overwhelmingly sweet (cabbage is Brassica oleracea).
Throw in some apples or spicy jalapeños for that pop. We remember inhaling this at cookouts, and it made us reconsider boring sides entirely.
The flavors work so well together. It's like a party on our plates.
Plus, it goes well with the salty goodness of a BLT.
5 - Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a sunny BBQ staple (sweet corn, Zea mays, domesticated in Mesoamerica). It brings that sweet and smoky flavor we crave.
The charred bits add a nice crunch, and who doesn't love butter dripping everywhere? We remember fighting for the last piece at family gatherings.
With a sprinkle of lime and chili, it becomes even more addictive and pairs well with Mexican street corn side ideas.
6 - Tomato Basil Soup
Tomato basil soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. It's rich and creamy, yet bright from the tomatoes and fresh basil (made with ripe tomatoes, Solanum lycopersicum, and basil, Ocimum basilicum).
We love dipping crispy grilled cheese into it, creating that perfect melty combo.
Nothing beats enjoying it on a chilly day, and it pairs nicely with tomato pie side ideas.
We remember those cozy nights, huddled under blankets, slurping this classic. It always hits the spot!
7 - Pickled Vegetables
Pickled veggies are a crunchy kick on any plate (typically preserved in vinegar and a salt brine). They add a tang that brightens up flavors, making them a solid side for our sandwiches.
We can't resist the crispy snap of pickled radishes or carrots. They remind us of family potlucks, where jars of bright pickles stole the show.
Their zesty notes go with the salty bacon of a BLT perfectly. Sweet, sour, and scrumptious-it's a flavor bomb that we love!
Nothing beats that moment of crunch. We often pile ours high on tacos or burgers, turning meals into fiesta feasts.
8 - Roasted Beet Salad
Roasted beet salad is bright and earthy (roasted beets, Beta vulgaris, offer caramelized sweetness). We love how the sweetness of roasted beets goes well with tangy goat cheese.
The crunch of fresh greens adds a great texture to the dish. Toss in some walnuts for an extra nutty bite.
We remember devouring this at potlucks-everyone went back for seconds. The colours on the plate really pop, making it super inviting.
The earthiness can surprise some, but we think it's pleasant. This salad shines as a perfect partner for a BLT.
9 - Parmesan Truffle Fries
Parmesan truffle fries are crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-decadent. The blend of nutty parmesan and earthy truffle oil brings out a luxurious flavor we can't resist (think Parmigiano-Reggiano and a drizzle of truffle oil).
We remember grabbing these at late-night food spots, devouring them with friends until we felt stuffed. The aroma alone is tempting, and the crunch is seriously satisfying.
10 - Watermelon Feta Salad
Watermelon feta salad is a refreshing twist that surprises us every time. The sweetness of juicy watermelon dances with salty feta, creating a flavor bomb (watermelon, Citrullus lanatus).
We remember munching on this at a summer BBQ, and everyone scarfed it down. The fresh mint adds a nice zing.
Every bite hits just right-sweet, salty, and refreshing. Tossed with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, it improves ordinary picnics into tasty experiences.
11 - Pesto Pasta Salad
Pesto pasta salad is a fun, bright dish that's hard to resist. Creamy pesto brings a rich, herby flavor, perfectly coating the pasta (traditional pesto is basil-based with pine nuts and Parmesan).
We remember tossing this together for summer picnics, and it vanished faster than we could serve it.
Add in cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, and you get a fantastic burst of freshness.
The contrasting textures work beautifully, making each bite a treat. This salad is like sunshine in a bowl-great for any meal or gathering!
12 - Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Garlic parmesan zucchini chips are absolutely munch-worthy. They're crispy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavor (zucchini is Cucurbita pepo).
We remember snagging these as a healthier alternative to regular chips at game nights. The garlic hits right with that salty parmesan punch, creating a snack we can't pass up.
These chips have a light crunch that perfectly contrasts with their creamy richness. They shine with dips like ranch or marinara, taking snack time to the next level!
13 - Spicy Mango Salsa
Spicy mango salsa is a bright burst of flavors. Sweet mango mingles with a spicy kick that truly wakes up our palate (mango, Mangifera indica, is native to South Asia).
We recall scooping it up with tortilla chips at backyard BBQs. The heat from jalapeños balances beautifully with the juicy sweetness.
This salsa is a refreshing side that brings life to any dish. We've even spooned it over grilled chicken for an unforgettable combo.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
