September 4, 2023

Keto BLT Bites: A Quick and Easy Recipe

July 11, 2023

Introduction

There’s something incredibly nostalgic for most of us about a BLT sandwich. Maybe it’s the memory of it being our favorite school lunch or those random picnics we took. The crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all nestled between two hearty slices of bread, is comfort food for many. The way the flavors meld together to create something so basic yet so satisfying is a delight to even the most sophisticated palate.

It’s fun to reinvent classic dishes for a healthier lifestyle, so I am sharing this simple and easy recipe for an adapted Keto BLT. Now, don’t let the “keto” tag make you think it’s any less flavorful than the original BLT sandwich. In fact, I might argue it tastes even better. There is no need for bread because our keto BLT bites are light and fresh!

They look refreshingly vibrant, too, a feast for the eyes!

Reviews
0.0(not rated)

20 minutes

4 servings

Ingredients

6 slices bacon
1 medium English cucumber
6 teaspoons of mayonnaise
1 large avocado, sliced
1-2 medium tomatoes, sliced and cut into portions to fit cucumber slices
¼ cup of cilantro, chopped
Nutritional Information
300 Calories
28g Total Fat
4g Net Carbs
6.5g Protein

Directions

1
Gather Your Ingredients.
A significant part of cooking is staying organized and prepping your space. To prep your gluten-free keto BLT sandwich, or rather our keto BLT bites, you will need:
Bacon: Cooked until it's crispy to give that satisfying crunch.
Medium English cucumber: Cucumber adds a refreshing touch and a crunchy, hydrating base to these bites. You can also try zucchini (this would be a bit soggier) or toasted keto bread instead.
Mayonnaise: Spread mayonnaise to give a creamy, tangy taste that balances the crunch. You can substitute mayonnaise with full-fat sour cream.
Large avocado, sliced: Avocado introduces a healthy dose of good fats, and its buttery texture is absolutely delicious.
Medium tomatoes: Sliced and cut into portions that fit cucumber slices.
Chopped cilantro: For a finishing touch of freshness.
2
Cook the Bacon.
Place your bacon slices in a single layer in a cool, large skillet. Heat over medium heat for 10-12 minutes. Flip the bacon as needed until it's cooked through and crispy.
3
Drain the Bacon.
As the bacon slices finish cooking, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Set aside to cool. 
4
Prep the Base and Toppings.
Meanwhile, slice the cucumber at an angle into 12 slices. The angle cut gives a nice surface area for the toppings. Slice avocado and tomato as well. Break it into smaller strips once it is cooled. These strips will fit nicely on our cucumber slices.
5
Assemble the Bites.
Assemble your keto BLT by spreading each cucumber bites with ½ teaspoon of mayo. Add pieces of bacon and avocado slices. Add tomato slices and, lastly, the cilantro. The burst of colors is awesome, isn't it?
As soon as you've completed the assembly, serve immediately and enjoy these. So yummy!

Notes

Preparation

  • For the crispiest bacon, start cooking it in a cold pan, and don't let them overcrowd.
  • Slice your cucumbers thick so that the toppings will hold up. 
  • Choose ripe but firm avocados for the best texture.
  • When assembling the BLT, layer the toppings in this order: cucumber slice, mayo, bacon, avocado, tomato, and then cilantro. It helps to balance the flavors. 

Tools

  • Large skillet: Ideal for cooking bacon to the perfect level of crispiness.
  • Sharp knife: For slicing cucumbers, avocados, and tomatoes to the right thickness.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: A must-have for draining cooked bacon.
  • Serving tray: To aesthetically present your Keto BLT bites.

Storage

To keeping your keto BLT bites fresh, slice and store your veggies in separate containers rather than storing them assembled. Put them all in the fridge and assemble them when you are ready. This will help prevent them from losing their flavor or getting soggy, and they could last up to 3 days. Talk about convenient meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these BLT bites keto-friendly?

These BLT bites replace traditional bread with crisp cucumber slices, reducing the carb content. Plus, the ingredients such as bacon, mayo, and avocado are all high in healthy fats and low in carbs, fitting perfectly into a keto diet.

Can I replace the bacon with turkey bacon?

Absolutely! You can use turkey as another keto ingredient alternative.

I’m not a fan of cilantro. Can I use other herbs or other toppings?

Of course! Feel free to customize your bites with the herbs you prefer. Our low-carb version of the BLT classic sandwich is versatile. You can add a sprinkle of cheese and hot sauce for extra flavor. Don’t shy away from trying different herbs like parsley, dill, or even fresh basil. You can even add green onion too! Make it your own, and don’t shy away from color.

How long can I store these Keto BLT bites?

While these bites are best enjoyed fresh, you can store the components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble them just before serving them for the best taste and texture.

Can I add cheese to my Keto BLT bites?

Definitely! Adding a little cheese can create a delicious variation. Try blue cheese or cream cheese for a creamy twist.

Can these Keto BLT bites be made vegan?

With a few tweaks, yes! You could replace the bacon with a vegan alternative like tempeh bacon and use a homemade vegan mayo.

Can I have lettuce and tomato on my keto BLT?

Tomatoes and lettuce like iceberg and romaine are low-sugar, low-carb, and low-fat, making them ideal for those on a keto diet.

Is bacon high or low carb?

One slice of regular bacon is low-carb. One slice contains 0.1 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent food choice for a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

What are some good substitutes for bacon, mayonnaise, and cucumber?

You can substitute bacon with ground beef or another low-carb meat. You can substitute mayonnaise with full-fat sour cream. You can also try zucchini or keto bread instead of English cucumbers.

Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Your Keto BLT

What’s a good keto BLT without the perfect dish? Try our Keto Fruit Pizza as the entree and sip with our yummy Keto Sweet Tea.

Wrap Up

Making a keto BLT always brings joy and satisfaction. The cucumber slice makes a great crunchy base. They are so light and fresh; you won’t miss the bread!  These are great served as an appetizer or enjoyed as a light meal. These are easy to customize simply by adding your favorite citrus zest or seasoning to the mayonnaise and then topping with a complimentary herb. For instance, try adding a little lemon zest to the mayonnaise and topping with fresh parsley. You’ll be glad you did.

Have you tried this one yet? Let us know in the comments below. We genuinely love your feedback and enjoy hearing about your culinary adventures.

Now, if you’re feeling a wave of pride looking at your keto BLT, don’t shy away from sharing it with our community! Capture your creation and share it on Instagram using #buttertogetherkitchen. We will spotlight your result on our page.

So, here’s to cherishing every nibble!

Enjoy!