My Simple 1-Ingredient Upgrade for a Better BLT

The BLT is an almost perfect combination of salty, fatty, crispy, and fresh. To make this summer sandwich a 10/10, I take inspiration from my 8-year-old self.

Here's my secret: I layer salt and vinegar chips throughout. Yes, inside the sandwich!

This addition delivers extra crunch and a punch of tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of good bacon and mayo. The chips play nicely with the juiciness of the tomatoes, too.

This BLT upgrade is inspired by childhood lunches (and my parents’ neighbor—shout-out to Will). When I was younger, slipping chips into my sandwich felt like a mischievous, delicious upgrade. But don’t be fooled, this trick is for grown-ups, too.

Why I Love Chips on a Sandwich

The balance of textures and flavors makes culinary sense. Salt and vinegar chips bring sharp acidity, a welcome contrast to the fat of the bacon and the creamy mayo on a BLT. The chips’ crunch boosts the sandwich’s textural appeal, reinforcing what the lettuce starts but can't quite finish on its own.

Eating a BLT with potato chips isn't a one-off upgrade either. This move works across the board for all kinds of sandwich recipes, with each kind of chip adding its own nostalgic, salty-crunchy magic.

Once you start layering chips into your sandwiches, it's hard to stop. Here are a few more combos I recommend trying:

• Kettle Chips in an Italian Sub: Choose thick-cut chips for a deep crunch that stands up to stacked meats and oily dressings.
• BBQ Chips in a Pulled Pork Sandwich: The sweet-and-salty chips bring a hint of crunch to a barbecue classic.
• Classic Lays on a PB&J: Soft bread, gooey filling, and salty crunch make for the ultimate sweet-and-savory combo—perhaps the most nostalgic one of them all. 

No matter which pairing you choose, potato chips are the ideal balancing act and help turn a good sandwich into a great one.

Fear not, you can have chips on your sandwich and on the side. Don’t overthink it. Summer’s short—make the BLT that brings you joy!