Backyard BLT Skewers

Serves 4 · 30 min prep · 20 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 410 cal
• 14g protein
• 22g carbs
• 30g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 8 slices thick-cut bacon
• 24 cherry tomatoes
• 1 romaine heart
• 4 slices ciabatta or soft sandwich bread
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 2 tbsp fresh chives
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 8 wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

1. 1If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes so they do not scorch on the grill or under the broiler. Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 375°F, or set the oven broiler to high with a rack 6 inches from the heat.
2. 2Arrange bacon slices on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes until crisp but still pliable enough to fold, or cook in a skillet over medium heat, draining on paper towels. Cool briefly, then cut each slice into 3 pieces.
3. 3Cut the bread into 1-inch cubes. Toss lightly with olive oil and salt. Toast on the grill or under the broiler, turning once, until golden on the edges, 2 to 4 minutes—watch closely so they do not burn.
4. 4Wash and dry the romaine; cut into thick bite-size ribbons or folded chunks that will stay on a skewer. Keep cherry tomatoes whole.
5. 5Stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, snipped chives, garlic powder, lemon juice, kosher salt, and black pepper for a cool ranch-style dip. Chill until serving so it thickens slightly.
6. 6Assemble skewers in a repeating pattern: bread cube, folded bacon piece, tomato, romaine, bacon, tomato, ending with bread or tomato so both ends look full. Aim for sturdy, even spacing so guests can grab one-handed.
7. 7If you want a final warm kiss of smoke, set assembled skewers on the cool side of the grill for 1 to 2 minutes just to perfume them—do not wilt the lettuce. Otherwise serve at room temperature.
8. 8Arrange skewers on a large platter with the chive mayo dip in a bowl in the center. These are peak backyard lunch finger food—prep components ahead and thread just before the crowd arrives.