Best Appetizer BLT Salad on a Stick

Here’s my take on the classic BLT sandwich, turned into a fun appetizer that’s perfect for parties or casual get-togethers. These BLT salad skewers have all the components you love – crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes – but served in a way that makes everyone smile.

I started making these for my kids’ summer parties, and now they’ve become our go-to appetizer when friends come over. They’re so easy to grab and munch on, plus there’s something about food on a stick that just makes it taste better, don’t you think?

What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?

For a BLT-inspired dish like this, thick-cut bacon is definitely the way to go since it holds up better on skewers and provides a more substantial bite. Regular sliced bacon can work in a pinch, but it tends to crumble more easily and might not thread onto the toothpicks as well. Center cut bacon is a good choice since it’s more uniform in shape and has a nice meat-to-fat ratio. When shopping, look for bacon that has clear stripes of meat and fat – avoid pieces that are mostly fat, as they’ll shrink too much during cooking. If you can find it, applewood or hickory smoked bacon adds an extra layer of flavor that works really well in this recipe.

Options for Substitutions

This fun appetizer recipe is pretty adaptable! Here are some easy swaps you can try:

• Bacon: While regular bacon is classic, you can use turkey bacon for a lighter option. You could also try Canadian bacon, though it won’t have the same crispy texture.
• Bread: Any sandwich bread works here! Try sourdough, rye, or even gluten-free bread if needed. Just make sure to toast it well so it holds up on the skewer.
• Mayonnaise: Not a mayo fan? Greek yogurt makes a good substitute – just add a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the tanginess. You could also use mashed avocado for a different twist.
• Boston Bibb lettuce: Any tender lettuce works well – try butter lettuce, green leaf, or even baby romaine. Just avoid iceberg as it’s too crispy and might split when skewered.
• Small tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work great too. If using larger tomatoes, just cut them into bite-sized chunks.
• Toothpicks: You can use bamboo skewers cut in half, or longer skewers if you want to make bigger portions.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The success of your BLT skewers heavily depends on how you cook the bacon – floppy, undercooked bacon will make the skewers difficult to assemble and less enjoyable to eat, so make sure to cook it until it’s crispy but not burnt.

When it comes to the bread cubes, avoid cutting them too large or too small – aim for 1-inch squares that are toasted evenly on all sides to prevent them from becoming soggy when they meet the mayo.

The tomatoes can make or break this appetizer, so pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before assembly to prevent excess moisture from making the bread soggy, and if using cherry tomatoes instead of larger varieties, make sure they’re firm but not overripe.

For the best presentation and ease of eating, thread the ingredients onto the skewers in a way that allows guests to eat them in one or two bites, and serve them shortly after assembly to maintain the perfect texture of each component.

What to Serve With BLT Salad Skewers?

These fun BLT skewers are perfect for parties and picnics, and there are lots of tasty sides you can serve alongside them! Since these are basically deconstructed sandwiches on sticks, they pair really well with classic cookout sides like potato salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of crispy potato chips. For a lighter option, try serving them with a fresh corn salad or some pickled vegetables for a nice tangy contrast. If you’re hosting a party, these skewers work great as part of a bigger spread with other finger foods like deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, or fresh fruit kabobs.

Storage Instructions

Prep Ahead: You can cook the bacon and prepare the seasoned mayo up to 2 days in advance. Keep the bacon crisp by storing it in an airtight container with paper towels, and pop the mayo in a sealed container in the fridge. This makes assembly super quick when you’re ready to serve!

Keep Fresh: Once assembled, these BLT skewers are best enjoyed within 2-3 hours. If you need to make them a bit ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, but know that the bread might get a little soft. For the best texture and freshness, I recommend assembling them just before serving.

Transport: Taking these to a party? Arrange them in a single layer in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture from the tomatoes. They’ll travel well and stay fresh for your gathering!

Preparation Time	15-30 minutes
Cooking Time	20-25 minutes
Total Time	35-55 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1600-1800
• Protein: 60-70 g
• Fat: 120-130 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-160 g

Ingredients

For the mini sandwiches:

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon (approximately 10–12 slices)
• 8 to 9 slices sandwich bread, any style
• 6 to 8 small tomatoes, such as plum or campari
• 1 head boston bibb lettuce
• Sturdy toothpicks

For the herbed spread:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp dried dill
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

• 1 lb thick-cut bacon (approximately 10–12 slices)

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cut each slice of thick-cut bacon into pieces about 2 1/2 inches long – you will need around 32 pieces in total, allowing extras for any waste or snacking.

Arrange the bacon pieces in a single layer on a large baking sheet and bake for 20 to 22 minutes, watching closely toward the end.

The bacon should be cooked but still a little soft.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool and crisp up slightly.

Step 2: Prepare and Toast Bread Rounds

• 8 to 9 slices sandwich bread, any style

While the bacon cooks, cut 2-inch rounds from each slice of sandwich bread using a biscuit cutter or glass.

You’ll end up with about 30 to 32 bread rounds.

Place the rounds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven at 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are just crisp but still have a bit of give.

Remove from the oven and set aside.

The bread can toast in the oven at the same time as the bacon.

Step 3: Slice the Tomatoes

• 6 to 8 small tomatoes, such as plum or Campari

Slice the small tomatoes into rounds approximately 1/2 inch thick.

Lay them out on a paper towel to wick away excess moisture.

You will need about 30 to 32 slices in total.

Set them aside for assembly.

Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce Leaves

• 1 head Boston Bibb lettuce

Tear leaves from the Boston Bibb lettuce and break them into roughly 2-inch by 2-inch pieces.

You’ll need about 30 to 32 pieces.

Set aside until ready to assemble.

Step 5: Assemble the BLT Bites

• toasted bread rounds (from Step 2)
• sliced tomatoes (from Step 3)
• prepared lettuce pieces (from Step 4)
• cooked bacon (from Step 1)
• sturdy toothpicks

To assemble, spread about ½ teaspoon of your favorite mayonnaise on one side of a toasted bread round.

Skewer the round with the mayo-side up on a sturdy toothpick, then add one piece each of prepared lettuce (from Step 4), sliced tomato (from Step 3), and cooked bacon (from Step 1).

Place each assembled bite onto a serving platter.

Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients.

I like to make these just before serving, but you can make them up to 30 minutes ahead and refrigerate for convenience.