Pioneer Woman BLT Bites

Pioneer Woman BLT bites are a crispy mini open-faced appetizer with thick-cut bacon, crunchy lettuce and juicy cherry tomatoes that come together in 45 minutes. Save this easy party appetizer for game day, Super Bowl parties or baby showers, because it's a no-fuss finger food that disappears fast.

Bake the bread squares until they are golden brown, flipping them once halfway through. Skipping that toasting leaves the bread soft, so the mayonnaise and lettuce turn it soggy within minutes.

A spoonful of chipotle mayonnaise, made with chopped chipotle in adobo and a little of its sauce, gives each bite a smoky heat that plain mayo can't. Baking the bacon on a parchment-lined sheet pan also keeps it flat and evenly cooked, so you can fold it neatly onto each tiny square.

Pioneer Woman BLT Bites

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Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

190

kcal

Crisp toasted bread squares hold a smoky chipotle mayo, crunchy lettuce, tender folded bacon and a juicy tomato half. Each bite stays crunchy and fresh when you assemble it just before serving.

Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds crosswise
  

• 4 slices white sandwich bread
  

• 2 tbsp. mayonnaise
  

• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped, plus 1 teaspoon sauce
  

• 1/4 head iceberg lettuce, cut into 1-inch squares
  

• 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
  

• 24 toothpicks or cocktail picks
  

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then you're ready for the bacon.
• Bake the bacon: Place the 8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cut into thirds crosswise, on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown but not too crispy, then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Toast the bread: While the bacon bakes, trim the crusts from the 4 slices of white sandwich bread and cut each slice into 6 squares of about 1 1/4 inches. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown.
• Mix the chipotle mayo: Stir together 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo and 1 teaspoon of the adobo sauce in a small bowl. Keep it close by, since it goes on every square.
• Prep the toppings: Cut the 1/4 head of iceberg lettuce into 1-inch squares and halve the 12 cherry tomatoes. Then skewer each tomato half onto one of the 24 toothpicks or cocktail picks.
• Assemble the bites: Spread one side of each toasted bread square with some chipotle mayonnaise, then stack a piece of lettuce and a folded piece of bacon on top. Secure each stack with a tomato pick and serve right away.

Tools for this recipe

• Nordic Ware half sheet pan, Reynolds unbleached parchment paper, Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife, Hellmann's real mayonnaise, 30 oz. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of chipotle mayo?

Plain mayonnaise works fine if you want a milder bite. To keep some of that smoky flavor, stir in a pinch of smoked paprika instead of the chipotle.

How long do BLT bites stay crisp after assembly?

They taste best within two hours, because the mayonnaise and lettuce slowly soften the bread. If you need to serve them later, keep the parts separate and assemble at the last minute.

What can I use instead of white sandwich bread?

Any firm sliced bread, like sourdough or a mild whole wheat, will hold up to toasting. Cut it into the same small squares so the bacon and lettuce fit neatly on top.

Can I cook the bacon in a skillet instead of the oven?

A skillet over medium heat works if that's easier for you, though the oven keeps the slices flatter and cooks a big batch at once. Pull it while it's still a little flexible so it folds easily onto the bread.

What's the most common mistake with these bites?

Overcooking the bacon is the usual problem, since very crisp slices shatter when you try to fold them. Bake it until golden brown but still bendy, then drain it well so no grease soaks into the toast.