18 Best Bacon Recipes
While we can't definitively say that bacon makes literally everything better, we can confidently attest to the fact that it makes just about everything better. Indeed, there are few foods that bacon doesn't improve, and it really just goes to show how delicious and surprisingly versatile the thinly-sliced pork is.
Long gone are the days of reserving slices of bacon for your breakfast plate; nowadays, it's all the rage to feature bacon's salty, fatty flavor in savory dishes, and even a few sweet ones, too. You can enjoy bacon as-is, wrapped around vegetables, crumbled up, slapped onto a sandwich, or even turned into a jam — we weren't lying when we said it's an incredibly versatile ingredient, and it certainly isn't only limited to breakfast time.
If you're a bacon superfan and you're looking for any and all ways to include bacon in more recipes, then you've come to the right place. This list will help you bacon-ify foods you never thought would work with bacon, so get ready for some rich, salty, and savory goodness to take over your kitchen.
1. Bacony Turnip Greens And Mash
If you can't stand to see any food go to waste, then you'll definitely want to take advantage of this no-waste bacony turnip greens and mash recipe. While many people tend to only use the turnip root itself when working with the vegetable, this recipe puts the entire ingredient to use, including those greens.
Of course, turnips alone aren't all too exciting, so bacon is here to help enhance the dish. If you've ever had collard greens, then the bacony turnip greens part of this recipe is quite similar to that. The turnips themselves are turned into a lovely mash, and when combined, this is an impressive side dish that makes great use of just a few ingredients. All told you'll need but eight ingredients and about an hour of time to make this recipe, so you don't have to worry about planning ahead too much to whip up this no-waste side dish.
2. Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be quite the polarizing vegetable, with some people revering their naturally bitter taste and others avoiding it at all costs. Even if you're not a huge fan of sprouts, you might change your mind after trying this maple bacon Brussels sprouts recipe. This recipe is successful at turning non-believers into sprout lovers because it helps tamper that bitter flavor without completely hiding it. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness while the bacon adds some richness and meatiness to the dish, and all together, this is a sweet-salty-bitter flavor combo that works quite well.
Aside from the delicious flavors in this recipe, it's also an easy one to throw together on even the most hectic of weeknights. Your oven will do most of the work, so all you have to do is trim the sprouts and toss them with the bacon, syrup, and seasonings. You don't even have to cook the bacon beforehand — it will crisp up as it cooks in the oven alongside the Brussels sprouts.
Recipe: Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
3. Maple-Smoked Bacon
We have to be upfront with this recipe — it's definitely not ideal for those who are craving bacon right here, right now. No, this recipe requires a decent amount of patience — we're talking days' worth of curing pork belly, then rigging up a makeshift smoker in your oven. There's some dedication involved here, and a strong hankering for maple-smoked bacon doesn't hurt, either. But if you have the patience and ingenuity, then the sweet, smoky, salty bacon is most certainly worth the wait.
The easy part of this recipe is that it doesn't require any fancy tools or ingredients. You will need to find some maple wood chips and turn a cast-iron skillet into a smoker in the oven, but otherwise, patience is the only real challenge with this recipe. Once you've jumped through the hurdles and have perfectly crisp, smoky bacon, the possibilities are endless. You can't go wrong enjoying the bacon as-is, though this bacon would also be a welcome addition to a BLT, providing flavors that make the classic sandwich a little more exciting than what grandma used to make.
Recipe: Maple-Smoked Bacon
4. Sweet Potato Casserole with Bacon
It's no secret that bacon pairs well with russet potatoes, but what about sweet potatoes? Unsurprisingly, the two are a winning duo, as proven by this sweet potato casserole with bacon recipe. Ideal for holiday side dishes or as a simple addition to any dinner table, this casserole is a little bit sweet, creamy, cheesy, and ultra-savory.
This is the type of recipe that involves making each component separately and then combining them into one toward the end. You'll start by baking the bacon until crisp, boiling the sweet potatoes, then turning them into sweet mashed potatoes. Then you'll grab your casserole dish and combine the elements with a sprinkle of Gruyere cheese for added decadence.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Shrimp is one of the most versatile types of seafood out there. You can dress prawns up, a la shrimp scampi, or you can dress them down and serve as-is with cocktail sauce. They can be as minimal or as impressive as you want to make them; and, if you're inclined to go the impressive route, then this bacon-wrapped shrimp recipe won't disappoint.
If there's one way to improve shrimp, an already delicious food, it would certainly be to wrap it in bacon. And this recipe does just that, pairing the bacon-wrapped shrimp with a simple but delicious maple syrup and cayenne pepper spread. These shrimp are salty, fishy, savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy — we dare you to find another four-ingredient appetizer that effortlessly covers as many flavor profiles as that.
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
6. Bacon Fat Hash Browns
If you've ever cooked bacon on the stovetop before, then you're likely very familiar with that thick layer of fat that it leaves behind — something that many people tend to just discard. Well, this hash browns recipe puts both the bacon and the leftover grease to good use; after cooking the bacon, you'll leave the fat in the pan and cook the potatoes in it for added richness.
Ideal for those on the search for a perfect breakfast or brunch recipe, these hash browns are guaranteed to please the whole family. They're more like home fries, so you can count on hearty chunks of potatoes, onion, and peppers throughout. Of course, we can't forget about the actual bacon, which shines here. Even if you don't get a chunk of actual bacon in every bite, you'll still taste that salty goodness throughout the dish thanks to the bacon fat.
Recipe: Bacon Fat Hash Browns
7. Broccoli Bacon Brussels Salad
When we think of bacon-infused recipes, it's easy to picture opulent dishes that really hone in on decadence. Less frequently do we consider the pork featured in a bright green dish, but that doesn't mean that such dishes don't exist — take, for example, this broccoli bacon Brussels salad. It's bright, green, and bursting with freshness. Of course, salads can be a bit boring on their own, but that's where the bacon comes in handy.
For those looking for an easy lunch option or a quick dinner side dish, this salad is the ideal option. You'll slice the broccoli into small chunks and shave the Brussels sprouts then ultimately enjoy the veggies raw, so no need to stress over cooking those. The only cooking involved here is with the bacon, but because you'll start with chopped bacon, it will crisp up in a skillet in a matter of minutes.
Recipe: Broccoli Bacon Brussels Salad
8. Cheesy Bacon Egg Bake
While bacon certainly isn't reserved for only breakfast time, it's impossible to deny that it does complement nearly any breakfast recipe, like this cheesy bacon egg bake. This recipe is perfect for those who are on a family vacation and need to feed a crowd; instead of taking everyone's individual egg orders, satisfy the crowd with an egg bake, which is also loaded with onion, pepper, spinach, and of course, bacon.
You'll have to cook the bacon and soften the vegetables a bit before assembling the whole dish, but once you get the brief stovetop cooking out of the way, you'll enjoy the ease of throwing together this casserole-like dish. The oven will take over cooking duty and, while you will have to wait at least 40 minutes for the egg bake to, well, bake, the fluffy, savory goodness will be well worth the wait.
Recipe: Cheesy Bacon Egg Bake
9. Bacon-Baked Scallops
Scallops are one of the most delicious delicacies that the sea has to offer, and if you've ever enjoyed them, then you know they have a very rich, buttery, and subtly sweet flavor profile. This recipe hones in on those flavors while pairing them with bacon; you'll enjoy all of the goodness of scallops with the added flavor of salty pork.
While searing may be the most common method when it comes to cooking scallops, this recipe takes a unique approach by baking them. This takes any guesswork away from cooking the delicate scallops, ensuring that you won't burn, undercook, or overcook them. Instead, you'll yield perfectly-cooked scallops along with crispy bacon, a decadent butter and white wine sauce, and even some breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a crispy topping.
Recipe: Bacon-Baked Scallops
10. Baconified Marry-Me Chicken
Is it possible for a dish to be so delicious that it results in an immediate marriage proposal? While we can't definitively prove it, we would argue that marry-me chicken is the one dish that might yield an engagement, especially when you add bacon to the mix.
This baconified marry-me chicken is the perfect example of bacon enhancing an already great recipe; you've got crispy chicken cutlets as the base, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and crispy bacon as a final decadent garnish. Other highlights of this dish include sundried tomatoes and fresh lemon juice in the sauce for a pop of brightness amidst the richness. Serve this marry-me chicken with a side of potatoes to help soak up all of that extra sauce, and make this for your significant other if you're trying to drop a not-so-subtle marriage hint.
Recipe: Baconified Marry-Me Chicken
11. Easy Bacon Jam
When you think of jam flavors, fruity types like raspberry, strawberry, or classic grape likely come to mind. But what about bacon jam? It's likely not the first jam flavor that your mind might conjure up, but once you give this easy bacon jam recipe a try, we have a feeling that it'll be all you're able to think about.
There are a few reasons why this recipe is so good. First and foremost, it is incredibly delicious — there's the savory, salty bacon, brown sugar for sweetness, and balsamic vinegar for a tangy touch. Second, this recipe is remarkably easy to make. You only need a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes to dedicate to stovetop cooking. And, if you're wondering what you could possibly put the jam to good use, trust us when we say there really is no shortage of options. From burgers to toast, to eggs to charcuterie boards, there's a whole world of food that is just begging you to pair it with this jam.
Recipe: Easy Bacon Jam
12. Maple-Cinnamon Candied Bacon
Bacon is known for its salty, fatty flavor, which is why it's typically used in similar flavor contexts. But what about sweetening up the deal? That's exactly what this maple-cinnamon candied bacon recipe does, opting to give bacon a sweet treatment and taste oh-so-good while doing so.
If you've been scouring this list in search of a simple bacon recipe, then you've found it. And we mean "simple" in the best way possible — you only need four ingredients to make the magic happen here, and the method really couldn't be easier. Making this candied bacon is as easy as brushing on the maple mixture, roasting the bacon, and then allowing it to cool. The biggest hurdle is just a test of patience, but one bite of this sweet, cinnamony bacon will be plenty of a reward.
Recipe: Maple-Cinnamon Candied Bacon
13. Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
If you're a true bacon beginner and have never cooked bacon, then this recipe is a great place to start. The only ingredient here is bacon (and some optional black pepper) so the focus is on the method. And, as the title signifies, the method calls for baking the bacon in the oven, resulting in crispy perfection.
There are many ways that one could cook bacon, though perhaps one of the most common methods is on the stovetop. The stovetop method is ideal for yielding quick results, but for those who don't want to deal with the fuss of hot oil splashing everywhere, the oven is the way to go. Not only does this recipe guarantee crispy bacon, but it also guarantees evenly-cooked bacon — because no one wants to bite into a slice that's chewy on one end but burnt to a crisp on the other. If you need a go-to recipe for cooking bacon, then this oven-baked recipe will give you perfect results every time.
Recipe: Crispy Oven-Baked Bacon
14. Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
When early afternoon rolls around and your stomach is growling uncontrollably, it's always a good idea to have a go-to lunch recipe in your back pocket. This chicken bacon ranch wrap recipe is just the fix, requiring minimal cooking time but delivering nourishing and satisfying results. The contents of this wrap are as expected, with cooked chicken making up the bulk of it, along with crispy bacon, lettuce, and some ranch dressing.
One of the best aspects of this wrap is that it's so easily customizable. You can add any extra ingredients that you'd like, whether it be red onion, tomato, or cucumber slices. Of course, you can't go wrong by keeping things nice and simple, and while this wrap certainly does a good job of being far from boring, giving you something to look forward to come lunchtime.
Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap
15. Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
If you ever find yourself in the position of having to choose between scallops and bacon, rest assured that you don't actually have to choose one or the other — you can have them both in one compact little package. This bacon-wrapped scallops recipe proves that you can bring land and sea together effortlessly, with the salty bacon perfectly complementing the tender scallops.
Bacon and scallops are a winning combo all on their own, but this recipe doesn't stop there. You'll brush each scallop with a soy sauce maple syrup mixture to really emphasize those salty and sweet flavors, then you'll serve the dish with an apple cider-infused sauce. Though this seems like a recipe that only involves two ingredients — bacon and scallops — a few other players really come in handy to create a flavorful appetizer that beats out the competition.
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
16. Benedictine and Bacon Sandwich
In a world where BLTs reign supreme when it comes to bacon-forward sandwiches, it's nice to switch things up every now and then, and that's exactly what you get thanks to this Benedictine and bacon sandwich. Instead of the classic lettuce and tomato combo, bacon shines alongside a Benedictine sauce, which features grated cucumber, onion, dill, and cream cheese.
This sandwich — which is especially good at lunchtime but can be enjoyed at any time — lets bacon shine alongside other strong ingredients like onion and dill. There's a delightful creaminess from the cream cheese and, overall, this sandwich is really bursting with brightness. If onion in the Benedictine sauce wasn't enough, you'll also do a quick pickle on some red onion, which will serve as garnish alongside some fresh dill and arugula.
17. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
It's no secret that chicken and bacon pair together well; the two proteins complement one another perfectly, with the neutral flavor of chicken pairing with the salty flavor of bacon. But we typically don't just each bacon and chicken together, and there's usually some vehicle holding it all together ... in this case, that vehicle is pasta.
One of the most versatile foods in the world, pasta makes for the perfect base to house hearty chicken and chopped bacon. But this recipe doesn't stop there — you'll also mix mayonnaise with a ranch seasoning packet to make a quick and easy ranch dressing, which works beautifully with pasta, chicken, and bacon. This easy dish is tied together with a final garnish of parsley, which adds a pop of bright freshness as well as herbaceousness to an otherwise rich and decadent pasta dish.
Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
18. Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans
For those parents out there who struggle to get their kids to eat vegetables, this recipe is for you. These bacon-wrapped green beans will turn even the pickiest of children into vegetable lovers, but why stop at kids? Even adults who struggle to meet their daily veggie intake will benefit from these green beans, which feature the vegetable in little bundles, conveniently (and deliciously) wrapped up in a brown sugar-coated slice of bacon.
These bacon-wrapped green beans are easy enough to make for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for dinner parties. They don't require any special ingredients or any more time than a typical side dish might, but the presentation is enough to make them appear and taste more palatable than your plain old green bean.
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans