BLT Sliders Recipe

BLT Sliders are the ultimate answer to bite-sized cravings, packing all the iconic flavors of a classic BLT into irresistibly soft slider buns. Perfect for parties, quick lunches, or even a playful dinner, these little sandwiches bring together crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, cool shredded lettuce, and a creamy swipe of mayo—all stacked together for the ideal flavor punch. Their fun size makes every bite as satisfying as the last, and you’ll love how easily you can pick them up and pop them into your mouth. This recipe is about celebrating those familiar BLT vibes in a truly shareable way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BLT Sliders is just how simple each ingredient is—yet when combined, magic happens! Every component plays a role: adding crunch, savoriness, freshness, or that pop of color that makes them so inviting. Here’s what you’ll need and why each part matters:

• Slider Rolls: These mini buns are the canvas for your sliders; soft, slightly sweet, and just the right size for handheld snacking.
• Thick Bacon: Cooked until crisp, thick-cut bacon delivers smoky, savory flavor and a satisfying crunch.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo brings richness, tying all the elements together while keeping the sliders moist.
• Roma Tomatoes: Sliced thin, Roma tomatoes add juiciness and a burst of fresh flavor without making the sliders soggy.
• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp and cool, shredded lettuce brings the necessary crunch and lively green color.
• Cherry Tomatoes (optional): For a playful garnish, these add a sweet tomato bite and a splash of color on top.
• Small Pieces of Kale (optional): If you’re feeling fancy, a little kale on top gives your sliders a gourmet touch and a hint of earthy green.

How to Make BLT Sliders

Step 1: Get Ready to Toast

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As your oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. This step gets everything prepped and ensures perfectly golden, toasty rolls that are essential for the best BLT Sliders experience.

Step 2: Slice and Toast the Slider Rolls

Using a sharp serrated knife, carefully slice all your slider rolls in half horizontally. Spread them open on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up, and slide them into the preheated oven. Toast for 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye out—you want them lightly golden and warmed through, not crunchy.

Step 3: Spread the Mayonnaise

Once the rolls are toasted, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Take the tops of each slider bun and generously spread about a tablespoon of mayonnaise on the underside. This layer ensures every bite is luscious and packed with flavor.

Step 4: Layer Tomato and Bacon

On each bottom slider bun, place a thin slice of Roma tomato. Then, take two bacon halves and lay them right on top. This pairing creates the core structure of your BLT Sliders, maximizing the classic salty-meets-fresh flavor with every mini sandwich.

Step 5: Add the Lettuce

Next, sprinkle a fluffy handful of shredded iceberg lettuce over the bacon. You want enough for crisp texture, but not so much that it overwhelms the other components. This is where that characteristic BLT crunch comes in!

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish

Gently place the mayo-smeared slider tops onto each base to close the BLT Sliders. If you’re feeling festive, secure each slider with a toothpick, threading a small piece of kale and a cherry tomato on top. This simple garnish turns your sliders into colorful, party-ready bites.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Transfer your finished BLT Sliders to a platter and serve right away while the rolls are still just a little warm and the bacon stays crispy. They’re seriously hard to resist once they’re piled up on a tray!

How to Serve BLT Sliders

Garnishes

A little garnish takes BLT Sliders from homemade to showstopper. Skewer each slider with a toothpick topped with a cherry tomato and a small kale leaf to add a pop of color and a playful touch. Not only does this make them prettier, it helps keep them perfectly stacked for easy eating and handling.

Side Dishes

BLT Sliders pair perfectly with a range of sides. Serve them next to crispy kettle chips, sweet potato fries, or a zesty coleslaw to keep things picnic-inspired. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad or fresh fruit makes a colorful, refreshing match, highlighting the freshness of the BLT flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can arrange BLT Sliders on a wooden board with rows of sliders alternating with little bowls of pickles, olives, or vegetable chips for a party-ready presentation. For a picnic or larger gathering, wrap each slider in parchment squares tied with twine for an utterly charming, grab-and-go treat that will make your guests smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover BLT Sliders (a rare occasion!), wrap them individually in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed the same day, but will stay fresh for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the lettuce may lose its crunch, but the flavors will still shine.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for BLT Sliders since the fresh lettuce and tomato can become mushy after thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked bacon and the rolls separately, then assemble fresh sliders later for a quick shortcut when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat stored sliders, remove the lettuce and tomato (if possible) and warm the assembled bacon-and-bread stacks in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. Once warm, add fresh lettuce and tomato, replace the bun tops, and enjoy! Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bread rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use another type of bread for BLT Sliders?

Absolutely! While slider rolls are classic for a soft, easy-to-eat bite, you can swap in mini brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or even split dinner rolls for a different texture or flavor. Just make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.

What’s the best bacon for BLT Sliders?

Thick-cut bacon is the way to go for maximum crunch and smoky flavor. If you can find applewood-smoked or peppered bacon, give it a try—it adds an extra punch that pairs perfectly with the tomato and lettuce.

Can BLT Sliders be made vegetarian?

You bet! Swap out the bacon for crispy tempeh bacon, smoky eggplant strips, or your favorite plant-based bacon alternative. The key is to keep that smoky, savory element that makes a BLT so satisfying.

How can I keep the sliders from getting soggy?

Toast your buns thoroughly and assemble the sliders just before serving. Using Roma tomatoes (which are less watery) and patting them dry with a paper towel before layering also helps keep your BLT Sliders fresh and crisp.

What’s the best way to prep BLT Sliders for a crowd?

Cook the bacon, slice the tomatoes, and shred the lettuce ahead of time. Right before serving, toast the buns, assemble the sliders, and add garnishes. This keeps everything super fresh and makes serving to a crowd quick and easy.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something irresistible about BLT Sliders—the crunchy bacon, fresh veggies, creamy mayo, and pillowy rolls are sure to win over any crowd. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to something special, give these sliders a try and watch how quickly they disappear!

Print