BLAT Toasts

The BLAT Toast is a clever, flavorful twist on the classic BLT. Imagine everything you love about bacon, lettuce, and tomato plus the rich creaminess of avocado all served on a golden toast triangle soaked in luscious bacon fat. These little bites are the definition of indulgent simplicity.

Perfect for brunch spreads, casual get-togethers, or even a fun snack night, these mini toasts deliver bold flavor in just a few bites. The trick is in the details: crispy bacon cooked from cold, perfectly seasoned tomato slices, and that bacon-fat-kissed toast crunch. Add a swipe of mayo and a splash of color, and you’ve got a dish that disappears faster than you can say “pass the tray.”

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

4 oz. bacon (about 4 strips), cut into 1/2″-thick pieces
4 slices white sandwich bread
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
3 large romaine lettuce leaves
5 super-ripe grape tomatoes
1/2 ripe avocado

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a rack in the center.
Arrange bacon in a single layer in a cold metal pan and cook over medium heat, undisturbed, for 5 minutes until browned. Stir and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until crispy. Transfer bacon to a plate, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
Trim the crusts from the bread using a serrated knife and cut each slice into 4 triangles.
Dip one side of each bread triangle in the reserved bacon fat and place on a baking sheet, bacon fat side up.
Bake for 4–5 minutes until edges are crisp and lightly golden.
In a small bowl, mix mayo, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
Slice romaine leaves lengthwise, then tear crosswise into 2″ pieces.
Slice grape tomatoes into 1/4″-thick slices and season with salt.
Slice avocado into 1/4″-thick strips, then halve each horizontally.
Spread 1 tsp of seasoned mayo onto each toast point.
Top each with lettuce, avocado, two bacon slices, and one tomato slice in a shingled pattern. Season with pepper to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 120 kcal | Servings: 16 mini toasts

A Modern Take on a Timeless Favorite

At its core, the BLAT Toast is rooted in the same principles that made the BLT a staple in American households simplicity, contrast, and balance. The beauty of this recipe lies in its clever updates. The transformation from a full sandwich to bite-sized toasts makes them ideal for communal dining and casual snacking. The addition of avocado, rich and creamy, elevates the dish by bringing an extra layer of texture and nutritional value.

This updated version is especially resonant in today’s culinary climate where small plates, finger foods, and clean presentations are all the rage. Think of it as a bruschetta-meets-BLT hybrid sophisticated enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough to whip up on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

The Flavor Symphony of BLAT Toasts

What makes BLAT Toasts truly stand out is their ability to pack a burst of flavor into each tiny bite. Every component plays a crucial role in the overall composition:

Bacon lends that signature salty, crispy bite, and when cooked slowly from a cold pan, it becomes shatteringly crisp and perfectly flat ideal for even layering.
Lettuce, preferably romaine in this case, offers a fresh, sturdy crunch that holds up against moist components.
Avocado introduces a rich, buttery contrast that cuts through the saltiness of the bacon and adds luxurious depth.
Tomatoes (specifically grape tomatoes) provide bursts of juicy sweetness, especially when seasoned with salt to draw out their natural flavors.
Toasted bread, brushed or dipped in reserved bacon fat, becomes the ultimate foundation crispy, savory, and utterly indulgent.

It’s the harmony of these elements that makes BLAT Toasts so memorable. Nothing overpowers the other, and yet every bite feels vibrant, cohesive, and satisfying.

The Versatility of Presentation

One of the greatest strengths of BLAT Toasts is their visual and functional versatility. They’re small enough to serve as elegant hors d’oeuvres, yet hearty enough to be the centerpiece of a brunch spread. Their triangular shapes, glistening with bacon fat and topped with colorful layers, make them as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

You can present them stacked, arranged in neat circles on a charcuterie board, or served alongside dips and spreads to enhance the experience. For outdoor parties or events, they can be pre-assembled a few hours in advance (excluding the avocado to prevent browning) and finished just before serving.

For a rustic look, you can serve them on a wooden board with minimal garnishes. If you’re going for a more upscale vibe, try plating them individually with microgreens or a light balsamic drizzle for added flair.

Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer or Elegant Snack?

There’s something about miniaturized food that feels immediately inviting. It signals care, effort, and intentionality three values that modern home cooks and hosts appreciate. BLAT Toasts play right into this ethos. They’re finger foods, but not your average chips and dip. They tell your guests, “I wanted to serve something thoughtful, flavorful, and fun.”

For casual parties, especially where guests are grazing and chatting rather than sitting down for a meal, BLAT Toasts strike the perfect balance between substance and convenience. No knives or forks required, yet every bite feels gourmet. They’re also a hit with kids and adults alike because, really, who can say no to bacon and avocado?

Room for Creative Variations

Once you’ve mastered the traditional BLAT Toast, the canvas is wide open for customization. Here are a few ideas to experiment with:

Add a spicy mayo by blending sriracha into your mayonnaise for a kick of heat.
Swap bacon for pancetta or turkey bacon for a leaner or more elevated twist.
Incorporate cheese, like a thin slice of mozzarella or a sprinkle of crumbled feta.
Top with microgreens or chives for color and a touch of herbal freshness.
Use whole grain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread to cater to dietary preferences.
Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon to brighten the overall flavor.

You can even play with the size and format mini baguette slices for a more traditional bruschetta approach, or crostini bases for an ultra-crispy bite.

Nutritional Appeal and Balance

Despite their indulgent flavor, BLAT Toasts can be quite balanced nutritionally. Avocados offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. Tomatoes bring vitamin C and lycopene, and romaine contributes fiber and folate. Even bacon, when used in moderation, adds protein and essential minerals like zinc and selenium.

By controlling portion size and opting for quality ingredients, this appetizer becomes both satisfying and relatively wholesome. You can make it even healthier by toasting the bread in olive oil rather than bacon fat or using low-sodium bacon.

Tips for Prepping Like a Pro

If you’re planning to serve BLAT Toasts at an event, timing and organization are key. Here are a few pro tips:

Prep the mayo ahead of time it can last up to three days in the fridge.
Toast the bread and cook the bacon a few hours before, then assemble shortly before serving.
Slice the avocado and tomatoes last, right before serving, to retain their color and freshness.
Keep components stored separately to avoid sogginess.

With a little prep and attention to detail, assembling a tray of BLAT Toasts can take just minutes.

Conclusion:

BLAT Toasts represent everything we love about food today: they’re creative, flavorful, visually stunning, and endlessly adaptable. They take the comforting, familiar essence of a BLT sandwich and repackage it into something chic, modern, and party-friendly.

Perfect for brunch LUNCH, picnics, cocktail parties, or even a light lunch, these mini bites are as practical as they are delightful. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just looking to impress your next dinner guest, BLAT Toasts offer an easy way to elevate everyday ingredients into a dish that feels special.

So the next time you’re browsing for an appetizer that checks all the boxes taste, presentation, and simplicity give BLAT Toasts a try. You might just find yourself making them on repeat.

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