Savor the Flavor: Mini BLTs Made with Homemade Biscuits
Peppery arugula and crispy bacon elevate every bite into a snack worth savoring.
Mini BLTs with Homemade Biscuits: The Ultimate Party Appetizer
Few sandwiches are as iconic or beloved as the classic BLT—bacon, lettuce, and tomato. But even this nostalgic favorite can be elevated and transformed into a show-stopping appetizer by taking it down to mini size. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make mini BLTs with homemade buttermilk biscuits, a crowd-pleasing recipe developed by chef Marc Meyer. With tender biscuits, tangy tomato mayonnaise, crispy thick-cut bacon, and spicy arugula, these mini sandwiches deliver big flavor in every bite.
Why Mini BLTs Are the Perfect Entertaining Bite
- Versatile: Serve as hors d’oeuvres, brunch snacks, or a fun twist on the lunch sandwich.
- Easy to make ahead: Biscuits and fillings can be prepped in advance, assembling just before serving.
- Elevated presentation: Homemade mini biscuits create a more impressive and delicious base than store-bought bread.
- Bursting with flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, juicy tomato, peppery arugula, and smoky bacon is unbeatable.
Ingredients for Mini BLTs
This recipe brings together pantry basics and fresh produce to create a balanced flavor and texture profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 sticks unsalted butter, chilled
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large yellow tomato, chopped
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp
- 1 small bunch fresh arugula
Cook’s Tips:
- If yellow tomatoes are unavailable, feel free to swap in ripe red tomatoes for sweetness.
- Use the freshest arugula you can find; its peppery bite helps cut the richness of the bacon and mayo.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cracked black pepper to the mayonnaise mixture.
Step-by-Step Directions
Follow these simple steps to create bite-sized BLT sandwiches your guests will rave about.
1. Prepare the Biscuit Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut the chilled butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining—these will create tender, flaky biscuits.
Pour in the buttermilk and stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix only until the dough just comes together; overmixing will lead to tough biscuits.
2. Shape and Bake the Biscuits
Lightly dust your countertop with flour. Turn out the dough and knead it just a few times to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness. Use a 1 1/2-inch round biscuit cutter to stamp out rounds (you can reroll scraps as needed).
Arrange the biscuits about an inch apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and firm to the touch. Transfer to a rack to cool completely before splitting and assembling.
3. Make the Tomato Mayonnaise
While the biscuits bake, combine the chopped yellow tomato with the mayonnaise in a small bowl. Stir until well mixed. The tomato adds both sweetness and a bit of acidity, giving the mayo a fresh and vibrant taste.
4. Cook the Bacon
Arrange the bacon strips in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Bake in a 375°F oven until crispy—usually about 15-20 minutes, depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels and, once cooled, cut into 2-inch pieces to fit the size of your biscuits.
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5. Assemble the Mini BLTs
Once biscuits are cool enough to handle, carefully split each in half horizontally. On the bottom half, spread a generous spoonful of tomato mayonnaise. Layer with a piece or two of bacon and a few leaves of arugula. Cap with the biscuit top and secure with a toothpick if needed for easy serving.
Serving Suggestions and Customizations
Mini BLTs are perfect for any event that calls for finger food—think brunch buffets, cocktail parties, baby showers, or summer picnics. Here are a few ideas for customizing your mini sandwich tower:
- Vegetarian option: Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or eggplant bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Greens swap: Use watercress, baby spinach, or microgreens instead of arugula for a different flavor and appearance.
- Bread base variation: Substitute tiny slider buns, split mini croissants, or savory waffles for the biscuit base if you want to switch up the texture.
- Flavor boost: Add thin slices of avocado, a dab of sriracha mayo, or a sprinkle of fresh chives over the tomato mixture for added zest.
Nutrition Facts
Each mini BLT sandwich (based on 20 mini sandwiches) is estimated to provide:
| Component | Per Mini BLT |
|---|---|
| Calories | About 120 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
(Values are approximate and will vary depending on exact ingredient brands and sizes.)
Expert Tips for the Perfect Mini BLT
- Keep your butter and buttermilk chilled for the flakiest biscuits.
- Do not overmix the dough; a shaggy texture is ideal before you roll it out.
- Bake bacon in the oven for less mess and a more even crisp.
- Prepare all sandwich components in advance but assemble just before serving to keep the biscuits and arugula fresh.
- Use toothpicks for parties—these make for easy, mess-free serving.
Mini BLTs: A Timeless Flavor Combination
From the golden, home-baked biscuits to the burst of flavor in the tomato mayo and the satisfying crunch of bacon, these mini BLTs encapsulate all the best elements of the classic BLT—and then some. Their compact size and crowd-pleasing flavors make them an unbeatable choice for entertaining or treating yourself to a special snack.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a sophisticated brunch offering, or simply want a new spin on a lunchtime favorite, give these mini BLTs a try. The homemade biscuit base is a game changer that your guests will be talking about long after the last plate is cleared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the biscuits ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the biscuits a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and reheat briefly in a low oven before assembling for maximum flakiness and warmth.
Q: What can I use instead of buttermilk?
A: If you’re out of buttermilk, you can substitute by mixing 1 cup whole milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it stand for 5-10 minutes, then use as directed.
Q: Are there gluten-free options for the biscuits?
A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of regular flour. The technique is otherwise unchanged.
Q: Can I make these mini BLTs in advance for a party?
A: The biscuits, bacon, and mayo can all be made in advance. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the greens fresh and the biscuits from getting soggy.
Q: What’s the best bacon for mini BLTs?
A: Thick-cut bacon works best for hearty texture and big flavor. Cook until crisp so it stands up to the creamy mayo and tender biscuits.
Variations and Pairings
- Pair with: Sparkling wine, hard cider, or a light beer for a casual appetizer spread.
- For side dishes: Serve with a tangy slaw, fresh fruit salad, or chilled gazpacho soup to round out a warm-weather menu.
- Make it a meal: Enjoy a trio of mini BLTs with a green salad for a satisfying lunch.
Mini BLT Recipe at a Glance
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Bake time: 15 minutes
- Makes: About 20 mini BLTs
- Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Quick Tips for Party Success
- Double the batch for large crowds; these tend to disappear fast.
- Stagger assembly so fresh sandwiches are available throughout your gathering.
- Label with small flags or cards if you offer variations (vegetarian, spicy, etc.)
- Offer extra tomato mayo for guests who want more flavor.
Enjoy Your Mini BLT Party Bites!
Whether for an elegant brunch, a shower, or a casual get-together, these mini BLTs with homemade biscuits will win rave reviews. The combination of tender, buttery biscuits, creamy tomato mayo, crisp bacon, and arugula is simply irresistible. Take the classic BLT to the next level—miniaturized and magnificent.
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a3450/mini-blts-recipe-clv0910/
- https://dinnerthendessert.com/blt-dip-bites/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a43771883/roasted-tomato-pancetta-sandwich-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uG7nsO8hnz0
- https://www.appetizeraddiction.com/blt-egg-sliders/
- https://gilselegantcatering.com/mini-blt-hors-doeuvres/
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