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You can't really beat a BLT when it comes to sandwiches. It's got that crispy bacon, fresh tomato, crunchy lettuce, and just the right amount of mayo. But you know what's even better than a plain ol' BLT? All the amazing variations that take it from a simple sandwich idea to a dreamy dinner you'll want to eat all week long. And if you're looking for the best BLT recipes out there, well, friend, you've come to exactly the right place.
There's something in this list for everyone. Ree's fried green tomato version feels like a special treat you'd serve up at summer cookouts, and the leftover turkey BLT is about to make the day after Thanksgiving a thousand times more exciting. There are easy sliders for quick school lunches and bite-sized BLT appetizers that would charm the socks right off your guests. And if you think potato salad and pasta salad can't have a little BLT magic, just wait until you try these recipes.
Now, sure, a few of these recipes aren't technically BLTs, but don't hold that against them. They're still loaded with plenty of bacon, lettuce, or tomatoes, and with just a tiny tweak you'll go from a regular bacon recipe or classic tomato recipe to full BLT territory. Trust us, you’ll never look at a classic layered salad the same way again after you fill it with crispy bacon, tomatoes, and extra greens.
So grab some bacon, slice some tomatoes, and let's get cooking. Your new favorite sandwich might just be one of these BLT recipes!
1
Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese
Ryan Liebe
Imagine the classic BLT, but even happier because there's chicken and pimento cheese involved. Ree layers juicy chicken breasts with crispy bacon, bright tomatoes, lettuce, and then does something a little special by spreading on homemade pimento cheese. It's comfort food with enough charm to make dinner feel a little fancy.
Sliders just have a way of disappearing fast, and these mini BLTs are no exception. They’re the right size for when you want something easy to snack on without committing to a whole sandwich. Plus, Ree keeps it simple so the bacon, lettuce, and tomato can shine, because let’s face it, that trio is the real reason we're here.
You've done turkey sandwiches the day after Thanksgiving, but have you done this? Ree’s recipe takes your leftover turkey and upgrades it with crisp bacon, lettuce, and ripe tomatoes to create a BLT that's even better than the usual leftover routine. Maybe you’ll make extra turkey next year just for this.
These little bites aren’t exactly sandwiches, and that’s a good thing. They’re bite-sized, which makes them perfect for grazing at a party or eating straight off the plate in your kitchen when no one's looking. It’s bacon, lettuce, and tomato all stacked neatly on tiny toasts.
If you’ve never tried swapping your regular ripe tomatoes for fried green ones, here’s your sign to finally give it a go. Ree pairs crispy fried green tomatoes with smoky bacon and crunchy lettuce. It’s familiar, but with a little Southern twist that might just change how you BLT forever.
These turkey burgers could easily become your weeknight go-to because they manage to taste light yet satisfying. Bacon brings the burger just enough indulgence, lettuce adds crispness, and the tomatoes are fresh and juicy.
Maybe you don’t think baked potatoes scream BLT, but hear this one out. Ree piles bacon, lettuce, and tomato on fluffy baked potatoes, which turns them into a meal instead of a side. It’s cozy, hearty, and so delicious!
This pasta salad takes everything you love about BLTs and tosses it together with pasta. It’s got crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a dressing you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Perfect for barbecues or potlucks, but equally good right out of the fridge at midnight. (We won't tell!)
If you love avocados as much as bacon, this recipe is calling your name. Avocado halves become edible bowls, holding bacon, lettuce, and tomato inside, creating a creamy-crunchy combo you’ll wish you thought of first. Bonus points: it looks pretty without trying too hard.
This sandwich is Ree’s idea of a BLT gone wonderfully overboard. Piled high with extra bacon, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and plenty of mayo, it’s the kind of sandwich that needs two hands and maybe some napkins. Don’t plan on eating anything else after, because you won't have room.
True, this sandwich skips the bacon and lettuce, but there's something to be said about letting tomatoes take center stage. Thick slices of ripe tomato between bread smeared generously with mayo—it's summer simplicity at its finest. You could always add bacon and lettuce, but honestly, it doesn’t even need it.
Is potato salad a BLT? No. But Ree tosses in crispy bacon, which means you're already halfway there. Add a little tomato or crunchy lettuce if you're feeling creative, or just leave it as is. Either way, it's the kind of side you'll keep sneaking bites of straight from the fridge.
Take your classic BLT to the next level with these delicious grilled tomatoes. They somehow make summer tomatoes juicier, sweeter, and even more magical. Warning: Once you have a BLT this way, you may never go back.
This sandwich might start off as chicken, bacon, and hot honey—but toss on some lettuce and tomato, and suddenly you're in spicy-sweet BLT territory. Ree’s hot honey drizzle makes it memorable, and you might wonder why you haven't turned your regular BLTs into spicy versions sooner.
Here's another one that's technically a salad. But with crispy bacon in the layers, you’re already halfway there. Add fresh tomatoes or crunchy romaine, and suddenly it’s a layered BLT salad. It’s fresh, crunchy, and easy to adapt—perfect for a crowd or just dinner with the family.