Chopped BLT Recipe

Irresistible Chopped BLT Recipe: Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite

My weekend lunch game changed forever when I discovered this incredible chopped BLT that combines classic flavors in a surprisingly fresh way.

Crisp bacon bits dance with ripe tomatoes across a bed of mixed greens.

Crunchy croutons add delightful texture to every forkful.

Smart cooks know this isn’t just another sandwich-inspired salad.

Chopping ingredients creates a perfect bite with maximum flavor potential.

Layers of seasoned ingredients promise a delicious meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll want to make this recipe on repeat for quick, satisfying meals that impress.

Why Chopped BLTs Make Every Bite Count

  • Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or speedy lunch preparations that require minimal cooking skills.
  • Swap ingredients like using turkey bacon, adding avocado, or trying different mayo varieties to match personal taste preferences.
  • Classic BLT flavors transformed into a chopped sandwich style that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime simple and delicious.
  • Requires only one skillet, takes less than 20 minutes total, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen cleanup.

What Goes into a Great Chopped BLT

Main Protein:
  • Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that provides the main flavor and crunch to the sandwich. Best when thick-cut and preferably from smoky varieties.
Fresh Produce:
  • Lettuce, Tomatoes: Crisp and juicy vegetables that add freshness and balance to the rich bacon. Romaine or iceberg lettuce works well, and ripe tomatoes enhance the overall flavor.
Binding and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy sauce that helps bind the ingredients and adds richness. Choose full-fat mayo for best taste and texture.
  • Sub Rolls: Soft bread that serves as the base for the sandwich. Preferably fresh and slightly crusty when toasted.

Assembling Chopped BLTs Like a Pro

Step 1: Sizzle Crispy Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium flame and lay bacon strips flat. Cook until edges turn deep golden and bacon becomes deliciously crisp. Transfer strips onto paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop bacon into small bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients:
  • Bacon strips

Step 2: Prepare Fresh Veggie Blend

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine:
  • Crumbled bacon pieces
  • Chopped lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Creamy mayonnaise

Gently fold ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with mayo.

Step 3: Transform Rolls into Golden Delights

Place sub rolls into a skillet or under broiler. Toast until edges become crunchy and surface turns warm golden brown.

Step 4: Create Tasty Sandwich Magic

Scoop generous portions of bacon-veggie mixture onto each toasted roll. Press filling gently to secure ingredients. Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

Tips for Balanced Flavor in Every Bite

  • Bacon Crispiness Check: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to ensure even, crispy texture without burning, which prevents bitter taste and preserves perfect crunch.
  • Mayo Mixing Technique: Fold mayo gently into the chopped ingredients to avoid crushing delicate tomatoes and maintain fresh vegetable integrity for balanced flavor.
  • Bread Toasting Pro Tip: Toast rolls just before serving to keep exterior crispy and interior soft, preventing sogginess and preserving ideal sandwich texture.
  • Ingredient Temperature Balance: Use room temperature tomatoes and crisp, cool lettuce to enhance overall flavor and create pleasant temperature contrast with warm bacon and toasted bread.
  • Freshness Maximization: Prepare ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to prevent bread from getting soggy and maintain peak flavor and texture.

How to Keep Your Chopped BLT Fresh

  • Store leftover chopped BLT in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the bacon and vegetables crisp by separating wet ingredients from rolls.
  • Warm bacon pieces briefly in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
  • When ready to eat, toast fresh rolls and quickly rebuild sandwiches with chilled filling for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and crunch. Fresh ingredients maintain their quality when stored properly and reassembled just before serving.

Best Sides for a Chopped BLT Bowl

  • Light, cold pilsner beer cuts through the bacon's richness and complements the creamy mayo perfectly.
  • Pickle spears or tangy coleslaw add bright acidity that balances the sandwich's savory depth and provides textural contrast.
  • Homemade ranch or herb-infused aioli enhances the BLT's flavor profile, adding an extra layer of creamy excitement to each bite.
  • Cucumber salad with fresh dill offers a cool, light accompaniment that won't compete with the sandwich's bold flavors.

Fun Twists on a Classic BLT Format

  • Vegetarian Bacon Swap: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon strips for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains smoky flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps instead of traditional sub rolls to accommodate wheat-sensitive diners.
  • Low-Carb Version: Swap bread rolls with large romaine lettuce leaves, creating a carb-conscious BLT that's light and refreshing.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha mayo to bring extra heat and zesty excitement to the classic sandwich.

Chopped BLT FAQs for Fans of the Classic

  • Why use mayo in the BLT mix?

Mayo helps bind the ingredients together and adds a creamy, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chopped bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes.

  • Can I use different types of bacon?

Yes, you can use various bacon styles like thick-cut, applewood-smoked, or pepper bacon to create different flavor profiles for your chopped BLT.

  • What bread works best for this recipe?

Sub rolls or soft sandwich rolls are ideal, but you can also use toasted sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche for a different texture and taste.

  • How do I keep the bacon crispy?

Cook the bacon until it’s completely crisp, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, and chop it into small pieces just before mixing with other ingredients to maintain its crunchiness.

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Chopped BLT Recipe

Chopped BLT Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chopped BLT salad brings classic sandwich flavors into a refreshing bowl of crisp greens and zesty dressing. Bacon crumbles, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce create a delightful mix that satisfies sandwich cravings in a lighter, more versatile way.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bacon

Vegetables:

  • 1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 small tomatoes (or 1 large), diced

Bread and Condiments:

  • 4 sub rolls or sandwich buns, split and toasted
  • 24 tablespoons (3060 milliliters) mayonnaise (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Render the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until achieving a perfect crisp texture, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease and cool completely.
  2. Finely chop the cooled bacon into delicate fragments while preparing a preparation surface with fresh, crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes.
  3. Dice the lettuce and tomatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensuring consistent texture throughout the sandwich filling.
  4. Incorporate the chopped bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a mixing vessel, gently folding in creamy mayonnaise to create a harmonious blend.
  5. Carefully split the sub rolls and place them cut-side down in a heated skillet or under a broiler, toasting until they develop a golden, slightly crunchy exterior.
  6. Generously pile the bacon, lettuce, and tomato mixture onto the warm, toasted rolls, allowing the ingredients to nestle perfectly within the bread’s embrace.
  7. Serve the sandwiches immediately to preserve the optimal temperature and textural contrast between the crisp bacon, fresh vegetables, and warm toasted bread.

Notes

  • Customize bacon crispness by adjusting cooking time, ensuring it reaches your preferred texture without burning.
  • Use thick-cut bacon for more substantial pieces and enhanced flavor profile in the chopped mixture.
  • Select ripe, firm tomatoes to prevent excess moisture from making the sandwich soggy during preparation.
  • Consider swapping mayo with Greek yogurt or avocado spread for lighter, healthier alternative dressing options.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 164
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 58 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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