Ah, the classic BLT. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwiched between slices of toasted bread – simple yet divine. But what goes well with BLTs to make your meal truly memorable? In this guide, we’ll explore the best sides, drinks, and desserts that pair perfectly with a BLT. Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch or a gourmet dinner, these pairings will elevate your BLT experience to the next level.
What Side Dishes Go Well with BLTs?
Why Pairing Matters
Choosing the right side dishes can make or break your BLT experience. The goal is to complement the crispy, salty bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomato without overpowering the sandwich.
Classic Side Dishes for BLTs
French Fries: Crispy and Delicious
French fries are a classic choice that never disappoints. Their crispy texture and salty flavor are the perfect complement to a BLT. Whether you prefer regular, sweet potato, or seasoned fries, they’re a surefire hit.
Coleslaw: Fresh and Tangy
Coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with a BLT. The creamy dressing and crisp vegetables provide a delightful contrast to the sandwich.
Unique Side Dishes for BLTs
Avocado Salad: Creamy and Nutritious
Avocado salad offers a creamy, nutritious side that enhances the flavors of a BLT. The smooth texture of avocado combined with fresh veggies and a light dressing is a match made in heaven.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Savory and Healthy
Roasted Brussels sprouts bring a savory, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the salty bacon in a BLT. They’re also a healthy option that adds a bit of green to your plate.
How to Make Classic French Fries
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into thin strips.
- Soak the strips in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the potatoes in batches until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels and season with salt.
- Serve hot with your BLT.
Table of Classic and Unique Side Dishes
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries | Crispy, salty | Adds crunch and complements bacon |
| Coleslaw | Fresh, tangy | Provides refreshing contrast |
| Avocado Salad | Creamy, nutritious | Enhances flavors with smooth texture |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Savory, slightly sweet | Adds healthy green element |
What Drinks Pair Well with BLTs?
Classic Drink Pairings
Iced Tea: Cool and Refreshing
Iced tea is a classic beverage that pairs wonderfully with a BLT. Its cool, refreshing taste balances the savory flavors of the sandwich. Add a slice of lemon for a zesty twist.
Lemonade: Sweet and Tart
Lemonade offers a sweet and tart flavor that complements the richness of a BLT. It’s a perfect choice for a sunny day and adds a burst of citrusy freshness to your meal.
Unique Drink Pairings
Craft Beer: Bold and Flavorful
Craft beer, with its bold and varied flavors, can elevate your BLT experience. Choose a light lager for a refreshing pairing or a hoppy IPA for a more intense flavor contrast.
Sparkling Water with Lime: Light and Bubbly
Sparkling water with a hint of lime is a light, bubbly option that cleanses the palate and enhances the flavors of a BLT. It’s also a great non-alcoholic choice.
How to Make Classic Iced Tea
Ingredients:
- 4 tea bags
- 8 cups water
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
- Lemon slices (optional)
Instructions:
- Boil 4 cups of water in a pot.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved.
- Add 4 cups of cold water.
- Refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice with lemon slices if desired.
Table of Classic and Unique Drink Pairings
| Drink | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Iced Tea | Cool, refreshing | Balances savory flavors |
| Lemonade | Sweet, tart | Adds citrusy freshness |
| Craft Beer | Bold, varied | Elevates flavors with intensity |
| Sparkling Water with Lime | Light, bubbly | Cleanses palate, enhances flavors |
What Desserts Go Well with BLTs?
Classic Desserts
Apple Pie: Sweet and Comforting
Apple pie is a classic dessert that pairs well with a BLT. The sweet, comforting flavors of the pie are a delightful contrast to the savory sandwich.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: Chewy and Indulgent
Chocolate chip cookies offer a chewy, indulgent treat that complements the simplicity of a BLT. They’re a perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.
Unique Desserts
Lemon Sorbet: Light and Refreshing
Lemon sorbet provides a light, refreshing dessert that pairs beautifully with a BLT. Its tangy, icy flavor cleanses the palate and adds a burst of citrus.
Caramel Flan: Creamy and Decadent
Caramel flan is a creamy, decadent dessert that offers a rich contrast to a BLT. The smooth, caramelized flavor is a luxurious way to finish your meal.
How to Make Classic Apple Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled
- 1/2 cup shortening, chilled
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 6 cups sliced apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, butter, and shortening. Mix until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms.
- Roll out dough and place in a pie dish.
- In another bowl, mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour apple mixture into the crust and cover with a top crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Table of Classic and Unique Desserts
| Dessert | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Pie | Sweet, comforting | Contrasts savory flavors |
| Chocolate Chip Cookies | Chewy, indulgent | Ends meal on a sweet note |
| Lemon Sorbet | Light, refreshing | Cleanses palate, adds citrus burst |
| Caramel Flan | Creamy, decadent | Rich, luxurious finish |
What Breakfast Items Go Well with BLTs?
Classic Breakfast Pairings
Hash Browns: Crispy and Savory
Hash browns are a classic breakfast side that pairs wonderfully with a BLT. Their crispy texture and savory flavor complement the bacon and add a satisfying crunch.
Scrambled Eggs: Soft and Fluffy
Scrambled eggs offer a soft, fluffy side that goes well with a BLT. They’re a simple yet delicious addition to your breakfast plate.
Unique Breakfast Pairings
Avocado Toast: Creamy and Trendy
Avocado toast is a trendy, creamy side that pairs beautifully with a BLT. The smooth texture of avocado on crispy toast is a perfect match for the sandwich.
Yogurt Parfait: Light and Nutritious
A yogurt parfait with layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit provides a light, nutritious side that enhances the flavors of a BLT. It’s a refreshing start to your day.
How to Make Classic Hash Browns
Ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes, grated
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine grated potatoes, onion, egg, salt, pepper, and flour.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the skillet, flattening slightly.
- Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Table of Classic and Unique Breakfast Pairings
| Breakfast Item | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Hash Browns | Crispy, savory | Adds satisfying crunch |
| Scrambled Eggs | Soft, fluffy | Simple, delicious addition |
| Avocado Toast | Creamy, trendy | Perfect match for BLT |
| Yogurt Parfait | Light, nutritious | Refreshing start to your day |
What Sauces Go Well with BLTs?
Classic Sauces
Mayo: Creamy and Tangy
Mayo is a classic choice that adds a creamy, tangy flavor to a BLT. It enhances the sandwich without overpowering the other ingredients.
Mustard: Sharp and Zesty
Mustard offers a sharp, zesty flavor that pairs well with a BLT. It adds a bit of bite and complements the savory bacon.
Unique Sauces
Sriracha Mayo: Spicy and Creamy
Sriracha mayo provides a spicy, creamy kick that elevates the flavors of a BLT. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Pesto: Herbaceous and Nutty
Pesto adds an herbaceous, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with a BLT. The fresh basil and garlic provide a unique twist to the classic sandwich.
How to Make Classic Mayo
Ingredients:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk and mustard.
- Slowly add the oil, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add the lemon juice and salt, whisking until smooth.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Table of Classic and Unique Sauces
| Sauce | Flavor Profile | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo | Creamy, tangy | Enhances sandwich flavors |
| Mustard | Sharp, zesty | Adds bite and complements bacon |
| Sriracha Mayo | Spicy, creamy | Elevates flavors with a kick |
| Pesto | Herbaceous, nutty | Provides unique twist to BLT |
Conclusion
BLTs are a beloved classic, but pairing them with the right sides, drinks, and desserts can take your meal to the next level. From crispy French fries to creamy avocado salad, refreshing iced tea to bold craft beer, and sweet apple pie to light lemon sorbet, the possibilities are endless. By experimenting with different pairings, you can create a BLT experience that’s uniquely yours.
FAQs
What are the best sides for a BLT?
Classic choices like French fries and coleslaw, or unique options like avocado salad and roasted Brussels sprouts.
What drinks pair well with a BLT?
Iced tea, lemonade, craft beer, and sparkling water with lime are all great choices.
What desserts go well with a BLT?
Apple pie, chocolate chip cookies, lemon sorbet, and caramel flan are delicious options.
Can I serve a BLT for breakfast?
Yes, pair it with breakfast items like hash browns, scrambled eggs, avocado toast, or a yogurt parfait.
What sauces enhance a BLT?
Mayo, mustard, sriracha mayo, and pesto all add unique flavors to a BLT.