Bacon lovers rejoice! This article brings you 30 mouthwatering bacon recipes to satisfy your cravings. From classic breakfast dishes to creative dinner options, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy this beloved ingredient. These recipes showcase bacon’s versatility and ability to enhance the flavors of many different foods.
You’ll discover new ways to cook with bacon and learn how to incorporate it into various meals throughout the day. Whether you prefer your bacon crispy or chewy, there’s a recipe here for you. Get ready to explore delicious combinations of bacon with other ingredients like chicken, potatoes, and even desserts. Your taste buds are in for a treat with these bacon-filled recipes.
Maple-glazed bacon is a mouthwatering treat that combines sweet and savory flavors. To make it, start by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Place bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. Brush both sides of the bacon with pure maple syrup.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or garlic to the maple syrup before brushing. The result is crispy, sticky, and irresistibly delicious bacon.
Start by wrapping each scallop with half a slice of bacon. Secure it with a toothpick. Pat the scallops dry first for best results.
You can cook these in the oven or on the stovetop. For oven cooking, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. On the stove, cook in a hot skillet for 3-4 minutes per side.
Season your scallops with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. Serve warm as an appetizer or main dish.
Bacon cheeseburger soup combines the flavors of a classic burger in a cozy bowl. You’ll love this creamy, hearty dish on cold days.
To make it, cook bacon until crispy. Brown ground beef and onions in the same pot. Add beef broth, potatoes, and seasonings.
Let it simmer until the potatoes are tender. Stir in milk and cheese to create a rich base. Top each serving with crumbled bacon, extra cheese, and diced pickles.
This soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers are a tasty appetizer that will spice up your next party. You’ll need jalapenos, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
Cut the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds. Mix cream cheese and cheddar, then stuff the peppers. Wrap each stuffed pepper with a slice of bacon.
Secure the bacon with toothpicks to keep it from unraveling while cooking. Bake the poppers until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
These bite-sized treats offer a mix of creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors. They’re perfect for game day snacks or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings.
Bacon mac and cheese is a comforting dish that combines two beloved ingredients. You start by cooking macaroni noodles until tender. While they cook, crisp up some bacon in a pan.
Next, you make a cheese sauce. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk to create a creamy base. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Crumble the crispy bacon and fold it into the mac and cheese. For extra flavor, you can add sautéed onions.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. Bake until golden and bubbly. Serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad combines crispy bacon, creamy dressing, and tender pasta for a tasty side dish. Start by cooking rotini pasta until it’s tender but still firm. While it cools, fry bacon until crispy and chop it into small pieces.
Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning to make the dressing. Add garlic powder and a splash of vinegar for extra flavor. Toss the cooled pasta with the dressing.
Add the bacon pieces to your pasta mixture. For more variety, you can include cubed cheese, peas, and sliced olives. Mix everything together gently.
Chill your pasta salad in the fridge before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together. Your Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad is now ready to enjoy at your next cookout or picnic.
You’ll love this tasty breakfast dish that combines crispy bacon and creamy brie cheese. Start by cooking bacon until crisp in an oven-safe skillet. Remove the bacon and set it aside.
In a bowl, whisk eggs with cream, salt, and pepper. Add most of the cooked bacon back to the mixture. Pour this into the skillet with some reserved bacon grease.
Top the egg mixture with slices of brie cheese. Cook on the stovetop until the edges start to set. Then transfer the skillet to a preheated broiler.
Broil for a few minutes until the frittata puffs up and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Let it cool briefly before serving.
Bacon-wrapped filet mignon is a luxurious dish that’s easier to make than you might think. Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. Let the steaks come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Wrap each filet with a strip of bacon and secure it with kitchen twine. Season the steaks with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the bacon-wrapped filets on all sides.
After searing, transfer the skillet to the oven. Cook for 4-6 minutes for rare, 6-8 minutes for medium, or 8-10 minutes for well done. Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving.
Bacon potato soup is a comforting dish that combines two beloved ingredients. You can make this hearty soup in under an hour.
Start by frying bacon until crispy, then set it aside. In the same pot, cook onions and garlic in the bacon fat for extra flavor.
Add diced potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings like thyme. Simmer until the potatoes are tender. For a creamy texture, blend part of the soup or mash some potatoes.
Stir in milk or cream and crumbled bacon. Heat through and serve hot. Top with cheese, green onions, or extra bacon for added taste and texture.
Bacon chocolate chip cookies blend sweet and salty flavors for a unique twist. To make them, cook bacon until crisp and chop it finely.
Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, cream butter, bacon grease, and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients.
Fold in chocolate chips and bacon pieces. Scoop the dough onto baking sheets and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Let the cookies cool before serving. You’ll love the combination of crispy bacon bits and melty chocolate chips in every bite.
Bacon-wrapped chicken is a delicious dish that combines two popular meats. You can make it easily in your oven or on the grill.
Start by wrapping bacon slices around chicken breasts. For extra flavor, brush the chicken with maple syrup before wrapping.
Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F inside. The bacon should be crispy on the outside. This usually takes about 30-35 minutes in the oven.
You can add spices to the chicken before wrapping for more taste. Brown sugar on the bacon gives a sweet touch. Serve with a veggie side like broccoli for a complete meal.
Bacon corn chowder is a hearty soup that combines smoky bacon with sweet corn. You’ll start by cooking bacon until crispy, then use the fat to sauté onions and other vegetables.
Add potatoes, corn, and broth to create a flavorful base. Milk or cream gives the chowder its signature richness. Some recipes include additional ingredients like celery or garlic for extra flavor.
Simmer until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together. Top your chowder with crumbled bacon and chopped green onions for a delicious finishing touch.
This comforting dish is perfect for cooler weather. You can use fresh corn when in season or frozen corn year-round.
Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts are a tasty appetizer that combines salty and savory flavors. To make them, wrap each Brussels sprout in a piece of bacon. Place them on a baking sheet with the bacon seam side down.
For extra flavor, brush maple syrup on top and sprinkle with pepper. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Some recipes add parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.
These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or holiday gatherings. You can serve them with ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Make sure to use fresh Brussels sprouts and regular bacon strips for best results.
Bacon avocado toast is a tasty and filling breakfast option. To make it, start by cooking bacon until crispy. You can fry it in a pan or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
While the bacon cooks, toast your bread slices. Mash a ripe avocado in a bowl and mix in some salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
Spread the mashed avocado on your toasted bread. Top with crispy bacon pieces. For extra flavor, you can add sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
This simple dish combines creamy avocado, crunchy toast, and savory bacon for a delicious meal. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy mornings.
Bacon and spinach stuffed mushrooms are a tasty appetizer you can make for parties or snacks. To prepare them, start by removing the stems from mushrooms and mincing them.
Cook bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Sauté spinach in a pan until wilted. Mix the bacon, spinach, and minced mushroom stems together.
Add cheese to the mixture for extra flavor. Good options include cream cheese, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorites.
Fill the mushroom caps with the bacon and spinach mixture. Bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is hot.
Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are a tasty twist on a classic favorite. To make them, wrap bacon around each hot dog in a spiral pattern. Secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
You can cook these savory treats on the grill or in the oven. On the grill, cook them over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, turning often. In the oven, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
The result is a crispy bacon exterior with a juicy hot dog inside. Serve in buns with your favorite toppings like ketchup, mustard, onions, or jalapeños. Add some potato chips on the side for a complete meal.
Spaghetti carbonara with bacon is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s quick and easy to make. You’ll need spaghetti, bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper.
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. While it’s cooking, fry the bacon until crispy. Drain it on paper towels and crumble it.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, and black pepper. When the pasta is done, reserve some cooking water before draining.
Toss the hot pasta with the egg mixture, adding a bit of pasta water if needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the crispy bacon pieces.
Serve your spaghetti carbonara immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper if desired.
Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is a tasty dish that combines two delicious meats. You start by seasoning the pork with salt, pepper, and herbs like thyme or sage.
Next, wrap bacon slices around the tenderloin, overlapping slightly. Secure the bacon with toothpicks if needed.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear the wrapped tenderloin on all sides.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for about 25-35 minutes. The pork is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the pork moist and flavorful.
Bacon Smokies are a tasty appetizer that’s easy to make. You wrap small sausages in bacon slices and bake them in the oven.
To start, preheat your oven to 325°F. Cut bacon strips into thirds and wrap each piece around a cocktail sausage. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Place the wrapped sausages on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Sprinkle brown sugar over them for extra flavor.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until the bacon is crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving. Your guests will love these savory-sweet bites at your next gathering.
Bacon-wrapped breadsticks are a tasty appetizer that combines crispy bacon with crunchy breadsticks. To make them, you’ll need breadsticks and bacon strips.
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap each breadstick with a piece of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling to the other.
Place the wrapped breadsticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
For extra flavor, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and garlic powder over the warm breadsticks. These savory treats are perfect for parties or as a snack.
Bacon-wrapped shrimp tacos are a tasty twist on classic tacos. You start by wrapping large shrimp in bacon slices.
Grill the wrapped shrimp until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. This usually takes 3-4 minutes per side.
Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp in taco shells. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
A lime crema or spicy sauce works well with these tacos. You can make a simple crema by mixing sour cream with lime juice and zest.
These tacos blend smoky bacon flavor with juicy shrimp for a unique taco experience. They’re perfect for summer grilling or taco nights.
Nutritional Information
Bacon packs a flavorful punch, but it’s important to know its nutritional content. Let’s look at the calories, fats, and proteins in bacon to help you make informed choices.
Caloric Content
Bacon is high in calories. A typical slice (about 8 grams) has around 40-45 calories. This can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
Cooking method affects calorie count. Fried bacon often has more calories than oven-baked.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, try turkey bacon. It has fewer calories, with about 30 per slice.
Fat and Protein Levels
Bacon is known for its fat content. A single slice can have 3-4 grams of fat. Most of this is saturated fat.
Here’s a breakdown of fat types in bacon:
Saturated fat: 1-1.5 grams
Monounsaturated fat: 1.5-2 grams
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.5 grams
Protein is another key component. One slice of bacon provides about 3 grams of protein. This makes it a decent source of this nutrient.
For a healthier option, look for lean cuts. Center-cut bacon has less fat than regular bacon.
Cooking Techniques
Bacon can be prepared using several methods, each offering unique flavors and textures. The right technique depends on your preferences and equipment.
Oven-Baked Method
Oven-baking bacon is easy and yields crispy, evenly cooked strips. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Lay bacon strips in a single layer on the sheet. Avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking. For extra-crispy bacon, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the strips on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking often. Cooking time varies based on bacon thickness and desired crispiness. Use tongs to flip the strips halfway through for even browning.
Once done, transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
Pan-Frying Tips
Pan-frying is a classic method for cooking bacon on the stovetop. Start with a cold pan to prevent curling and promote even cooking.
Arrange bacon strips in a single layer in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally with tongs. This process takes about 8-12 minutes.
For crispy bacon, cook until golden brown. For chewier bacon, remove it from the pan sooner.
Use a splatter screen to reduce oil splatters. Drain cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Save the bacon fat for cooking other dishes. It adds amazing flavor to vegetables and fried foods.
Grilling Instructions
Grilling bacon adds a smoky flavor and creates appetizing grill marks. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
For easy cleanup, use a cast-iron skillet or a foil packet on the grill grates. This also prevents flare-ups from dripping grease.
Cook bacon for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
For extra smoky flavor, add wood chips to your grill. Hickory or applewood pairs well with bacon.
Remove bacon from the grill when it reaches your desired crispiness. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Health Considerations
Bacon can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation. Making smart choices about bacon types and cooking methods can help you enjoy it while still meeting your health goals.
Moderation and Balance
Enjoy bacon as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple. Limit your portion size to 1-2 slices per serving. Choose leaner cuts like Canadian bacon when possible. Cook bacon using healthier methods like baking or microwaving instead of frying. Blot cooked bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease.
Try pairing bacon with nutritious foods like vegetables or whole grains. This can help balance out your meal. Keep track of your overall saturated fat and sodium intake when including bacon in your diet.
Alternatives to Traditional Bacon
Turkey bacon is a popular choice with less fat than pork bacon. Veggie bacon made from tempeh or mushrooms offers a plant-based option. Coconut bacon provides a crispy, smoky flavor without meat.
You can make “bacon” bits from nuts or seeds seasoned with smoky spices. Try using small amounts of prosciutto or pancetta for bacon-like flavor with less fat. Smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or hickory salt can add bacon-like taste to dishes without the meat.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
