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15 Best BLT Recipes That Put a Tasty Twist on the Classic Sandwich

We've got pasta salads, burger recipes, and even ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers!

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blt bites on a plate
Stacy K. Allen

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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

blt recipes
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.

Get Ree's Chicken BLT with Pimento Cheese recipe.

SHOP CAST IRON SKILLETS

2

BLT Sliders

blt slider burgers blt recipes
Ryan Dausch

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.

Get Ree's BLT Sliders recipe.

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3

Leftover Turkey BLT

pioneer woman's leftover turkey blt recipe
David Malosh

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.

Get Ree's Leftover Turkey BLT recipe.

4

BLT Bites

the pioneer woman's blt bites
Stacy K. Allen

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.

Get the BLT Bites recipe.

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5

Fried Green Tomato BLTs

fried green tomato blts
Ralph Smith

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.

Get Ree's Fried Green Tomato BLTs recipe.

SHOP SHEET PANS

6

BLT Turkey Burgers

best blt recipes
Antonis Achilleos

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.

Get Ree's BLT Turkey Burgers recipe.

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7

BLT Baked Potatoes

blt baked potatoes
RALPH SMITH

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!

Get Ree's BLT Baked Potatoes recipe.

8

BLT Pasta Salad

blt recipes
Will Dickey

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!)

Get the BLT Pasta Salad recipe.

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9

BLT Stuffed Avocados

blt stuffed avocados on the pioneer woman: food & friends. (recipe and post from joanne ozug of fifteen spatulas)
The Pioneer Woman/Joanne Ozug of Fifteen Spatulas

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.

Get the BLT Stuffed Avocados recipe.

10

Monster BLT

blt recipes
The Pioneer Woman

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.

Get Ree's Monster BLT recipe.

SHOP DINNER PLATES

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11

Tomato Sandwich

the pioneer woman's tomato sandwich recipe
Caitlin Bensel

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.

Get the Tomato Sandwich recipe.

12

Smashed Potato Salad

smashed potato salad
Stacy K. Allen

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.

Get Ree's Smashed Potato Salad recipe.

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13

Grilled Tomatoes

the pioneer woman's grilled tomatoes recipe
Stacy K. Allen

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.

Get Ree's Grilled Tomatoes recipe.

14

Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon

the pioneer woman grilled chicken sandwich with hot honey and bacon
David Malosh

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.

Get the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Hot Honey and Bacon recipe.

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15

Layered Salad

the pioneer woman's layered salad recipe
Ralph Smith

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.

Get Ree's Layered Salad recipe.

SHOP SALAD BOWLS

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