BLTs! The classic sandwich that many of us can’t get enough of.
With few ingredients, the BLT is an easy lunch or dinner staple and a favorite among food lovers everywhere.
But let’s be honest- after having it time and time again, it can start to get a bit boring.
Still craving your beloved sandwich but want something a bit more exciting?
We’ve got just what you need: twelve delicious side dishes guaranteed to enhance your next BLT experience.
Whether you’re looking for crunch, sweetness, or something savory- these recipes will give you new ideas on how to elevate this all-time classic meal.
So make sure your fridge is stocked with bacon because things are about to get tasty!
What to Serve with BLTs? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
1. Creamy Potato Salad
This dish is the perfect side for any summer meal.
The creamy potato salad is full of flavor and has a great texture.
I love to add in some chopped celery and green onions for extra flavor.
You could also add in some crumbled bacon or shredded cheese.
To elevate this dish, I like to serve it with grilled protein.
This could be anything from chicken to steak.
I think it pairs especially well with BBQ chicken or ribs.
If you’re serving it as a side dish at a potluck or picnic, it would be delicious with baked beans or coleslaw.
2. Simple Coleslaw
This dish is a classic for a reason – it’s delicious, easy to make, and versatile.
Whether you’re serving it as a side or topping for your BLT, this coleslaw is sure to please.
The key to a good coleslaw is the balance of taste and texture.
You want a creamy dressing that complements the crunch of the cabbage.
And, of course, it should be seasoned well.
Here are some tips for elevating your coleslaw game:
- Use a mix of green and red cabbage for a beautiful presentation.
- Add in some shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color.
- Use a Greek yogurt-based dressing for a healthier option.
- Season with dill, celery seed, and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
With so many ways to customize it, there’s no reason not to give this classic dish a try.
3. Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad
This Watermelon, Feta, and Mint Salad is the perfect summer dish.
The watermelon is refreshing and juicy, the feta is salty and creamy, and the mint adds a nice touch of sweetness.
This salad is best served cold, so make sure to refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.
The key to this dish is balance.
You want to make sure that all of the flavors are well-balanced so that none of them are overpowering.
The watermelon should be ripe but not too ripe, the feta should be crumbled but not too finely, and the mint should be chopped but not too finely.
To elevate this dish, you can add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can also top it with some grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
4. Corn On The Cob
There’s nothing quite like fresh corn on the cob in the summertime.
The sweet, juicy kernels are a delicious addition to any meal.
But why settle for plain old corn when there are so many ways to elevate this simple dish?
One way to add some flavor to your corn is to grill it.
This will give it a slightly smoky flavor that pairs well with most meats.
You can also add some butter and salt for a classic flavor combo.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping your grilled corn with some chili powder or cheese.
For a different take on corn on the cob, try roasting it in the oven.
This brings out the natural sweetness of the corn and makes the kernels nice and tender.
You can season your roasted corn however you like, but we recommend keeping it simple with just some salt, pepper, and butter.
5. Macaroni Salad
Macaroni salad is a picnic and potluck staple for a reason: it’s easy to make, it’s affordable, and it can be tailored to please just about anyone.
The dish is essentially elbow macaroni in a mayonnaise-based dressing, but the addition of chopped vegetables, herbs, and cheese can elevate the flavor and texture.
If you’re looking for a more flavorful macaroni salad, try adding in some diced onion, celery, or pickles.
For a bit of sweetness, add some raisins or chopped apples.
And for extra creaminess, mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream.
If you want to give the salad an extra zing, mix in a tablespoon or two of mustard.
As far as cheese goes, cheddar is always a good choice, but feel free to experiment with different types of cheese.
You could also add in some crumbled bacon or chopped ham for a little extra protein.
6. Baked Beans
Baked beans are a great side dish to serve with BLTs.
They are hearty and filling, and they have a great taste and texture.
There are a few tips that you can use to elevate this dish and make it even better.
First, try using different types of beans.
There are wide different varieties of beans out there, and each one has its own unique flavor.
Mixing different types of beans together will give your baked beans more depth of flavor.
Second, add some meat to your baked beans.
This will make them even more filling and satisfying.
Bacon, sausage, ground beef, or chopped-up ham all work well in baked beans.
Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before adding it to the beans.
Third, spice up your baked beans with some fresh herbs or spices.
A little bit of cumin or smoked paprika can go a long way in giving your baked beans more flavor.
Other great options include chopped onions, garlic, or chiles.
Fourth, try serving your baked beans with some cheese on top.
This will add another level of richness and creaminess to the dish.
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese as well.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings.
Baked beans are delicious on their own, but they can be even better when topped with things like sour cream, salsa, or avocado.
Get creative and see what you come up with.
7. Fruit Salad
Fruit salad is a dish that can be enjoyed any time of year, thanks to the variety of fruits that are available all year round.
The taste and texture of fruit salad are light and refreshing, making it the perfect side dish for a summer BBQ or picnic.
There are a few tips on elevating your fruit salad from good to great.
First, be sure to use a variety of different fruits in your salad.
This will give it more visual appeal and make it more interesting to eat.
Second, add a bit of sweetness to the salad with a drizzle of honey or agave nectar.
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Third, include a touch of acidity by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
This will brighten up the flavors of the fruit and make the salad more enjoyable to eat.
8. Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is a classic dish that is loved by many.
The taste is savory and earthy, with a hint of acidity from the dressing.
The texture is crunchy from the lettuce and croutons and creamy from the dressing.
There are several ways to elevate this dish.
One way is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Another way is to add in additional toppings, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, bacon, avocado, or Parmesan cheese.
Finally, you can make your own Caesar dressing at home using a recipe or by modifying a store-bought dressing to your liking.
With a few simple tweaks, you can take this classic dish from good to great.
So next time you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your main course, consider making a Caesar salad.
9. Potato Chips
Potato chips are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with just about any meal.
They are crispy and salty, making them the perfect snack food.
But did you know that there are ways to elevate this dish and make it even more enjoyable?
One way to do this is by adding different toppings to your potato chips.
Try melted cheese, bacon bits, or even sour cream and chives.
You can also experiment with different flavors of chips, such as barbecue or salt and vinegar.
Another way to enjoy potato chips is by dipping them in sauces or dips.
Try pairing them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or even chocolate sauce.
The possibilities are endless.
So next time you’re looking for a side dish to accompany your meal, don’t forget about the humble potato chip.
With a little creativity, it can be transformed into a delicious and satisfying snack.
10. French Fries
French fries are a classic side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of different main dishes.
They are usually fried in oil and then seasoned with salt, but there are many different ways to prepare them.
French fries can be either thick or thin, and they can be made from a variety of different potatoes.
The taste and texture of french fries are what make them so popular.
They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
The combination of these two textures is what makes them so addictive.
French fries can be enjoyed plain, or they can be dipped in ketchup, barbecue sauce, or any other type of sauce.
There are many tips on how to elevate this dish.
One way is to add herbs and spices to the fryer before frying the potatoes.
This will give them an extra flavor boost.
Another way is to top them with shredded cheese, bacon bits, or even grilled onions and peppers.
11. Onion Rings
Onion rings are a classic side dish that can be served with just about anything.
They are usually made by coating sliced onions in batter or breadcrumbs and then frying them.
Onion rings can be either crunchy or soft, depending on how they are cooked.
If you want to elevate your onion rings, try adding some different spices to the batter.
This will give them an extra kick of flavor.
You could also try dipping them in a sauce or dressing after they are cooked.
This will help to keep them moist and add another layer of flavor.
When cooking onion rings, it is important to make sure that they are not overcooked.
This will cause them to become tough and rubbery.
If you are using a deep fryer, cook them for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown.
If you are pan-frying them, cook them for 2-3 minutes per side.
12. Soft Pretzels
What’s not to love about soft pretzels? They’re chewy, salty, and perfect for snacking.
But did you know that there are ways to make them even better? Here are some tips on how to elevate your soft pretzel game.
First, let’s talk about taste.
If you want your pretzels to have a more intense flavor, try adding some herbs or spices to the dough.
Rosemary, garlic, and onion powder are all great options.
You can also brush the pretzels with butter or olive oil before baking to give them a richer flavor.
The texture is another important factor when it comes to soft pretzels.
If you want yours to be extra chewy, try boiling them for a longer time before baking.
This will help to activate the gluten in the flour and make the pretzels more elastic.
You can also add some malt syrup to the water, which will give the pretzels a nice golden color and a slightly sweet flavor.
Finally, don’t forget about the presentation.
Soft pretzels are traditionally served with mustard or cheese sauce, but there are endless possibilities when it comes to topping them.
Get creative and experiment with different dipping sauces or toppings.
Sweet toppings like chocolate or caramel sauce are delicious in contrast to the savory pretzel flavor.
Or try something unexpected like guacamole or salsa.
Conclusion
I have provided a list of 12 different side dishes that would go great with BLTs.
I have also included the taste and texture of each dish so that you can find the perfect side for your sandwich.
I hope this post has been helpful and that you find the perfect side dish for your next BLT.
What to Serve with BLTs? 12 Must-try Side Dishes
Ingredients
- 1. Creamy Potato Salad
- 2. Simple Coleslaw
- 3. Watermelon Feta, and Mint Salad
- 4. Corn On The Cob
- 5. Macaroni Salad
- 6. Baked Beans
- 7. Fruit Salad
- 8. Caesar Salad
- 9. Potato Chips
- 10. French Fries
- 11. Onion Rings
- 12. Soft Pretzels
Instructions
- Select your favorite sides from the list above.
- Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
- If you’re short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Serve and enjoy!
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!