BLT appetizer skewers with wasabi mayo dipping sauce
For someone who suffers from appetizer anxiety like I do, these little bacon, lettuce and tomato skewers couldn't be easier. The only cooking is the bacon, and you actually have to undercook it to be able to thread it onto the skewers. And, who doesn't love a good BLT?
I love to serve these little bites with wasabi mayonnaise, which really packs a punch, and adheres somewhat to the spirit of a traditional BLT sandwich. You can mix up any dipping sauce you like, with mayonnaise as the base. Instead of wasabi, try adding Sriracha sauce, or some of the adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. Don't want spicy? How about stirring some basil pesto into your mayo, or garlicky Green Goddess salad dressing? Or you might blend in half an avocado, and season it with sweet smoked paprika. Truly easy apps, any way you go, fun for both kids and adults, and perfect for game day.
BLT appetizer skewers with wasabi mayo dipping sauce {can be gluten-free}
From the pantry you'll need: bacon, mayonnaise, wasabi paste (or wasabi powder), rice vinegar, fresh black pepper.
Makes 24 skewers; can be multiplied.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon
24 cherry tomatoes
72 1-inch square pieces of iceberg lettuce
2 Tbsp mayonnaise (use gluten-free if needed)
1 tsp wasabi paste (or 1/2 tsp wasabi powder)
1/2 tsp rice vinegar
1/4 tsp fresh black pepper
Directions
Cook the bacon, either on the stovetop or in the oven. Be sure to stop the cooking while the bacon is still pliable. (I like to use pre-cooked bacon, which I microwave for 45 seconds rather than the full 1 minute.) Blot the extra bacon grease with a paper towel, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces.
Thread the tomatoes, bacon, and 3 squares of lettuce on small skewers.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, wasabi, rice vinegar and black pepper. You can do this earlier in the day, and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
Serve cold.
More appetizer skewers:
Grilled sesame-lime shrimp and cucumber skewers, from The Perfect Pantry
Grilled beef teriyaki skewers with ramps, from The Perfect Pantry
Caprese skewers with balsamic drizzle, from Iowa Girl Eats
Tamarind shrimp and pineapple skewers, from Rasa Malaysia
Disclosure: The Perfect Pantry earns a few pennies on purchases made through the Amazon.com links in this post. Thank you for supporting this site when you start your shopping here.
Interesting recipe for BLT Appetizers and very easy to make. Ever since Jacques Pepin wrote in one of his cookbooks that he microwaves his bacon I’ve been doing the same with great results. Less mess in the kitchen and quicker cooking. I am a lover of bacon so I would probably loop the bacon around the cherry tomato and lettuce. Wasabi mayonnaise could be kicked up a notch with Sriracha sauce as you say but I’d probably go with horseradish mayo, Korean Ko Choo Jang hot sauce mayo, Indonesian sambal oelek mayo, Tabasco habanero mayo or chili garlic sauce mayo. I like to make BLT sandwiches with drained Rotel chili tomatoes.
Ken, I love anyone who loves hot sauce in all forms! You could definitely have some fun with the bacon here.