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Homemade Refrigerator Pickled Tomato Slices (BLT Hack) recipe photo
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Refrigerator Pickled Tomato Slices (BLT Hack)

These tangy refrigerator pickled tomato slices add a zesty twist to your BLT sandwich. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, salads, or snacks!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BLT, Easy, Pickled, Quick, Sandwich, Tomato, Turkey Bacon
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 medium tomatoes sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • turkey bacon cooked and crumbled
  • lettuce leaves
  • whole wheat bread

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes

  • Start by washing your tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them evenly into medium-thick rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.

Make the Pickling Brine

  • In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.
  • Once the sugar and salt are dissolved, stir in black peppercorns, mustard seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Let the brine simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.

Pickle the Tomatoes

  • Place the sliced tomatoes in a clean glass jar or an airtight container. Pour the hot brine over the tomatoes, making sure they are fully submerged. Press gently with a spoon if needed to remove air pockets.
  • Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop.

Assemble the BLT Hack

  • Cook the turkey bacon until crispy and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Toast whole wheat bread lightly.
  • Layer the lettuce leaves, pickled tomato slices, and crumbled turkey bacon on the bread. Add your favorite sandwich spread or keep it simple with mayonnaise or mustard.

Serve

  • Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy the burst of flavors from the tangy pickled tomatoes combined with smoky turkey bacon and fresh lettuce.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • Glass Jar or Airtight Container
  • Knife
  • Spoon
  • Toaster

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm tomatoes to maintain slice shape and texture after pickling.
  • Customize the spice blend by adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme for extra aroma.
  • Make the pickled tomato slices ahead of time; they keep well up to one week refrigerated.