Oh man, do I have a story for you about BLT skewers! Last summer, I was scrambling to put together a last-minute appetizer for a backyard barbecue when I remembered how much everyone loves a classic BLT. But who wants to deal with messy sandwiches when you’re mingling? That’s when it hit me why not turn those flavors into bite-sized skewers? Let me tell you, they were gone in minutes.
The crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh romaine lettuce threaded onto little sticks? Absolute genius. And the best part? You can whip them up in 20 minutes flat. Whether it’s a party, potluck, or just a lazy snack craving, these BLT skewers are the perfect mix of nostalgia and no-fuss fun. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These BLT Skewers
Seriously, what’s not to love? These little skewers pack a punch:
- Lightning-fast prep: 20 minutes start to finish—perfect for when guests show up unannounced (we’ve all been there!)
- Crowd magnet: I’ve never brought these to a party without someone asking for the recipe
- Totally tweakable: Swap in avocado, swap out mayo—make ’em your own
- Low-carb win: All the BLT goodness without the bread coma
See? Told you you’d love ’em.
Love BLT flavors in every bite? These BLT kabobs are the perfect party appetizer with the same irresistible combo of bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Ingredients for BLT Skewers
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – and I mean exactly what you need for skewer perfection. I’ve made these enough times to know where shortcuts work (and where they absolutely don’t). Here’s your grocery list:
The Main Players
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon – none of that flimsy stuff! Cook until crispy (I like mine just shy of burnt), then cut into 1-inch pieces that’ll stay put on the skewers
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – go for the plumpest ones you can find; their juice bursts beautifully against the salty bacon
- 1 head romaine lettuce – tear the leaves into pieces slightly bigger than the tomatoes so they don’t disappear
The Dressing That Makes It Sing
- 1/2 cup real mayonnaise – don’t even think about light mayo here, folks. The fat’s what makes it creamy
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice – bottled won’t give you that bright tang
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – trust me, granulated garlic sticks better than fresh
- Pinch of salt and pepper – taste as you go; bacon’s already salty!
Grab 12 small wooden skewers too – the 4-inch ones are perfect for two-bite appetizers. Pro tip: soak them in water for 10 minutes first so they don’t burn if you’re assembling ahead!
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BLT Skewers Packed with Irresistible Bacon Bliss
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 12 skewers
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
BLT Skewers are a fun and easy appetizer that brings the classic BLT sandwich to a bite-sized format. Perfect for parties or quick snacks.
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 head romaine lettuce, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small wooden skewers
Instructions
- Cook bacon until crispy, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Thread a piece of lettuce, a tomato, and a bacon piece onto each skewer.
- Arrange skewers on a serving platter and drizzle with the dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
How to Make BLT Skewers
Alright, let’s get stacking! I’ve made these enough times to know the little tricks that take them from good to “oh my gosh, what’s in these?” level. Follow these steps and you’ll be the skewer hero at your next gathering.
Assembling the Skewers
First things first – cook that bacon right. Lay out 6 slices of thick-cut bacon on a cold skillet (this helps render the fat evenly). Cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until crispy, flipping occasionally. Drain on paper towels – and here’s my secret – pat them dry before cutting into 1-inch pieces. Soggy bacon makes sad skewers!
Now the fun part: threading. Always start with a piece of romaine at the base – it acts like an anchor. Then add a tomato (give it a gentle squeeze to check for freshness), followed by bacon. Repeat once more if your skewers have room, but don’t overload them – three components max keeps them elegant and easy to eat.
Making the Dressing
While the bacon cools, whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, add 1/2 cup mayo (full-fat only – this isn’t the time for dieting). Here’s where most people go wrong: add the lemon juice slowly, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. I like to drizzle it in with one hand while whisking with the other – it should emulsify into a smooth, pale sauce.
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tasting as you go. Remember, bacon’s salty, so go light at first. The dressing should be tangy enough to cut through the richness but not so acidic it makes you pucker.
Finally, arrange your skewers on a platter and drizzle that glorious dressing over the top. Or serve it on the side for DIY dipping – either way, prepare for compliments!
Tips for Perfect BLT Skewers
These little tricks make all the difference:
- Bacon matters: Thick-cut holds its crunch better than regular bacon – I’m partial to applewood-smoked for extra flavor
- Chill out: Pop assembled skewers in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving – the cold makes the flavors pop
- Dress smart: Add dressing last-minute to keep lettuce crisp (nobody likes soggy greens!)
- Tomato test: Pick tomatoes that are firm but give slightly – overripe ones turn into a juicy mess
Follow these, and you’ll be the BLT skewer master!
BLT Skewers Variations
Want to mix it up? Try turkey bacon for a lighter bite, add creamy avocado cubes between layers, or swap the dressing for spicy sriracha aioli. The beauty? You really can’t go wrong—just keep that salty-crunchy balance!
Serving and Storing BLT Skewers
These skewers shine brightest when served fresh—that crisp lettuce and warm bacon combo? Heaven! If you must prep ahead, keep undressed skewers in the fridge (covered with a damp paper towel) for up to 2 hours. Always add dressing right before serving—nobody likes a soggy BLT moment. Leftovers? Honestly, there won’t be any!
BLT Skewers Nutrition
Let’s talk numbers for a hot second – but don’t worry, I won’t bore you with a spreadsheet! Each skewer comes in around 120 calories, with 10g of fat (hey, that’s the good stuff from the bacon and mayo) and a solid 4g of protein to keep you satisfied. Now, here’s my nutritionist disclaimer – these values can dance around a bit depending on your bacon brand (I always say splurge on the good thick-cut stuff!) and how generous you are with that creamy dressing. The romaine and tomatoes bring some sneaky-good vitamins too – so really, these skewers are practically health food. Okay, maybe not quite, but they’re definitely a smarter pick than most party snacks!
Get more bacon-packed appetizers and fun breakfast twists by following us on Pinterest.
Common Questions About BLT Skewers
Alright, let’s tackle those burning BLT skewer questions I get asked every time I serve these little beauties. Trust me, I’ve made every mistake so you don’t have to!
Can I make BLT skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Here’s my party-saving trick: assemble the skewers up to 2 hours before your event, but leave off the dressing. Just layer the bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce on the sticks, then pop them in the fridge covered with a barely-damp paper towel (keeps the lettuce crisp). When guests arrive, drizzle that creamy dressing over top – boom, instant fresh!
What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
I get it – not everyone’s a mayo fan. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt works wonders (use full-fat for creaminess). Or go wild with avocado cream – blend half an avocado with lemon juice until smooth. My cousin swears by sour cream with a dash of hot sauce! Just remember: whatever you use, balance the tang with that garlic powder like we talked about earlier.
What type of bacon is best for BLT skewers?
Listen closely, because this makes ALL the difference: thick-cut bacon is non-negotiable in my book. The thin stuff turns floppy and sad on skewers. I’m obsessed with applewood-smoked for its rich flavor, but hickory-smoked works great too. Pro tip: look for bacon labeled “dry-cured” – it shrinks less when cooking, giving you those perfect, sturdy 1-inch pieces that stay put on the skewers.
There you have it – your BLT skewer questions, answered from my many (many) kitchen experiments. Now go forth and skewer with confidence!