19 Sneaky Ways to Use Bacon
Bacon, our favorite salty sidekick, has long been associated with breakfasts, burger toppings, and club sandwiches. But what if we told you that a whole world outside of bacon's traditional roles exists? You might be surprised by some of these bacon recipes, but we promise, they're delicious.
If you're looking to incorporate bacon into your meals in a more creative way—think bacon bread pudding, bacon frosting, and bacon pasta—then look no further. We rounded up 20 of the most creative ways to use bacon in recipes. Prepare for your mind to be blown.
And for more, don't miss these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Comeback.
Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Peaches with Balsamic Glaze
You may have heard of bacon-wrapped dates, but have you ever tried bacon-wrapped peaches? Heidi of food blog Foodie Crush has put together this fancier finger-friendly food that will work great as an appetizer to serve at your next holiday party.
Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.
Bacon, Leek, and Artichoke Bread Pudding
Bread pudding, which is usually made with sweet ingredients such as chocolate chips or chopped fruit, takes a more savory form in this recipe.
This savory bread pudding is perfect to serve during brunch, lunch, or in lieu of traditional Thanksgiving stuffing.
Get the recipe from Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen.
Bacon and Brussels Sprout Salad
Take your salad game up a notch with this mouthwatering recipe. Thinly cut Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon, fresh-squeezed lemon, and orange juice, almonds, and pecorino romano make for a delicate yet hearty salad. It's a great choice to serve at any time of the day.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Bacon Beer Cheese Dip
If you need a more innovative dip for your chips, look no further than this bacon cheese dip. Just the right amount of cheesy, gooey, and salty, this bacon-based dip is sure to be a game-day favorite.
Get the recipe from Foodie Crush.
Potato Salad with Bacon
Make ho-hum deli potato salad a thing of the past and instead sub in this healthier recipe. What we love most is that this dish is made sans mayo and instead has a tangy vinegar base.
Get the recipe from Averie Cooks.
Chocolate Pound Cake with Bacon Bourbon Frosting
Why make any old chocolate cake when this recipe exists? The frosting, which is made from simple ingredients including cream cheese, crumbled bacon, bourbon, and powdered sugar, could be the reason you can't just have one serving of this decadent dessert.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Balsamic Blueberry Baked Brie with Bacon
Next time you have company stopping by, whip up this baked brie. Your guests will definitely thank you—and be impressed with your culinary prowess.
Get the recipe from Cupcakes and Kale Chips.
Rye Bacon Pancakes with Blueberries
Start your morning off right with these delicious pancakes. Our favorite part about this recipe is that big pieces of crispy bacon are cooked right inside the pancake batter, making for a delicious surprise. Just make sure to avoid these common pancake mistakes while you're cooking.
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Grilled Corn with Bacon Butter and Cotija Cheese
This may just become your new favorite side dish—it is just that tasty! And it's pretty simple to make, too. All you have to do is grill your corn, smother it in a bacon and butter mixture, and then sprinkle it with crumbled Cotija cheese.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Grilled Chocolate Chip Cookie Bacon S'mores
Sure, classic s'mores are great. But have you ever tried bacon s'mores? Just layer a piece of thick-cut bacon—Applewood smoked or maple works just fine—into a chocolate chip s'mores sandwich.
Be prepared to never look at s'mores the same way again—it is that delicious!
Get the recipe from Creme De La Crumb.
Cauliflower Casserole with Cream Cheese and Bacon
Introduce a new dish into the upcoming holiday menu mix with this cauliflower casserole. Roasted cauliflower florets covered in gruyere cheese, crispy bacon, and a pinch of nutmeg will have all of your dinner guests coming back for more.
Get the recipe from Well Plated.
Whipped Bourbon Bacon Sweet Potatoes
Bacon and bourbon are a match made in side-dish heaven with this recipe. The secret? Not only is the bacon crumbled on top, but bacon fat is also added into the potato mixture to achieve that perfect balance of salty and sweet.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Candied Jalapeño Bacon Grilled Cheese
If you're a fan of the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo, you'll love this inventive take on this popular comfort food. In this recipe, candied jalapeños and homemade bacon jam take center stage, adding a new dimension of flavor to this tasty sandwich.
Get the recipe from How Sweet Eats.
Tomato Bacon Pasta
This dish is sure to become a family favorite. Not only is it tasty, but it also only takes mere minutes to throw together. All you need is pasta, bacon, canned tomato, and some garlic and oil to create this 15-minute dinner dish.
Get the recipe from Recipe Tin Eats.
Zucchini, Bacon, and Pecorino Tart
This tart is the perfect option to serve during brunch or as a unique dinner side. Decorated with zucchini blossoms, this tart definitely also looks as good as it tastes.
Get the recipe from Half-Baked Harvest.
Low-Carb Cheesecake with Maple Bacon Crust
This cheesecake boasts a sweet, fluffy filling with a touch of pumpkin. Our favorite part is the crust, which is made using a mixture of finely chopped bacon pieces, almond flour, and maple flavoring.
Get the recipe from I Breathe I'm Hungry.
Cheesy Bacon Savory Oatmeal
Add a little bit more excitement to your morning oats with this oatmeal recipe. This dish is a savory take on a sweet morning classic.
Get the recipe from Macheesmo.
Easy Bacon Chicken Tacos
These tacos feature pickled onions, sour cream, avocado, bacon crumbles, and chicken cooked in bacon fat. Serve these alongside a green salad or vegetable dish for an ideal meal.
Get the recipe from Inspired Taste.
Bacon Jam
Move over ketchup and mustard, there is another condiment in town. Keep this bacon jam on hand at all times to help make any dish a bit tastier!
Get the recipe from Savory Simple.
Whether you're looking for a sweet dish or a savory one, there's not much that bacon doesn't make better. And whatever you do, just make sure to avoid these bacon mistakes while cooking.
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