Which is more tantalizing – the smell of frying bacon or the sound of the sizzle? Traditionally relegated to breakfast or the BLT, bacon has found it’s way into almost every dish imaginable. Candied bacon swizzles are used as cocktail garnishes, bacon bits are baked into chocolate chip cookies, and have you ever heard of a PB&B? We don’t advocate you going crazy with your bacon love, so this lineup of bacon recipes will show you how to cook bacon into recipes such as salads, soups, and fried egg sandwiches. What’s even better, you no longer have to stand over a hot skillet, getting splattered with hot grease while cooking bacon. Oven roasting is an easy, hands-off method of cooking bacon. So while it is true that bacon can be an integral component of most any dish, you still can’t beat the iconic combination of bacon and eggs. Unless it’s bacon and pancakes. Just add coffee.
Fettuccine Alfredo with Leeks and Peas
Recipe: Fettuccine Alfredo with Leeks and Peas
Homemade Alfredo sauce is the way to go, especially when you add bacon.
Creamy Rice with Scallops
Recipe: Creamy Rice with Scallops
Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor to the sweet corn and scallops.
Pork Chops with Tomato-Bacon Gravy
Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato-Bacon Gravy
This entire meal comes together in under an hour and is full of flavor.
Bacon-Hash Brown Quiche
Recipe: Bacon-Hash Brown Quiche
Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this crunchy bacon and hash brown crust is amazing.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breasts
The kids will gladly give up their chicken fingers for this delicious meal.
Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing
Recipe: Shrimp Cobb Salad with Bacon Dressing
Bacon topping is a salad is good. Bacon dressing is even better.
BLT Salad
Recipe: BLT Salad
Bake the croutons and bacon together on the same baking sheet. This rustic salad only take 20 minutes to whip up and, trust us, the results are well worth the effort. You might be tempted to go for the store-bought stuff, but homemade buttermilk dressing will really kick this salad up a notch.
The SL BLT
Recipe: The SL BLT
Punch up store-bought mayonnaise with these flavor-boosting ideas: For extra tang and heat, zest a small lemon and grind lots of black pepper into the mayo. For a hint of green, chop a small handful of tender herbs—parsley, basil, tarragon, dill—and fold them into the mayo.
Party Poppers
Recipe: Party Poppers
Satisfy hungry houseguests with an oven baked spicy two-bite appetizer stuffed with a cream cheese filling of chicken, cilantro, and fresh lime juice and wrapped in hickory-smoked bacon. This quick and easy appetizer, with just a few ingredients and even fewer steps, will make entertaining easy without the hassle of fussing over the oven all day and night. For those who like it hot, swap mini sweet peppers for spicy jalapeños. Need the perfect sipper to pair with these poppers? Look no further than our classic margarita. The smoky flavors infused in our favorite Tex-Mex cocktail will meld perfectly with our stuffed peppers.
Creamy Baked Eggs with Herbs and Bacon
Recipe: Creamy Baked Eggs with Herbs and Bacon
Make this savory one pan dish a complete meal and serve with toasted bread and a leafy green side salad.
Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Recipe: Slow-Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Bacon
Sweet potatoes are often a part of Thanksgiving, and this recipe gives you a new twist on that classic flavor. Orange juice gives this dish a little sweetness, while pieces of crumbled bacon will give you something to savor, and rosemary will give it an aroma all its own. Delicious together, this sweet-and-salty side could not be easier to prep on Thanksgiving morning. Best part? It's made in the slow cooker, so you're saving valuable stovetop space. When you’re ready to serve it, sprinkle a mixture of parsley, orange zest, and garlic over the top: you’ll get just the right amount of herbs, spice, and bite in every mouthful.
Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Recipe: Chicken-Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon
A little bit of turmeric enhances the color here; it's a bit of a trick that makes you perceive the sauce as cheesier than it actually is.
Buttermilk-Lady Pea Soup with Bacon
Recipe: Buttermilk-Lady Pea Soup with Bacon
Even served warm, buttermilk has a cooling effect on the palate, just right for summer meals.
Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa
Recipe: Brisket Tacos with Summer Salsa
Slow-cooker beef brisket and crunchy fruit summer salsa make these tacos a perfect blend of savory and sweet.
Oven-Roasted Bacon
To get the coatings to stick, bring your bacon to room temperature before dredging.
Watch: How To Make Bacon for a Crowd
Recipe: Southwest Cornmeal Bacon
Recipe: Pecan-Rosemary Bacon
Recipe: BBQ Bacon
The Ultimate Fried Egg Sandwich with BBQ Bacon
Recipe: The Ultimate Fried Egg Sandwich with BBQ Bacon
Clumsy? Skip the flip, and finish your fried egg under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Mustard Greens with Yogurt-Parmesan Dressing and Bacon Croutons
Recipe: Mustard Greens with Yogurt-Parmesan Dressing and Bacon Croutons
To tenderize mustard greens and mellow their fiery flavor, dress the raw greens about 15 minutes before serving. If you prefer them spicy, drizzle the dressing at the table, as we suggest in the recipe.
Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
Recipe: Bacon-and-Cheddar Grits Quiche
Spread cheese to the edge of the warm, bacony grits "crust" to prevent any custard from seeping out while the quiche bakes.
Peas and Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
Recipe: Peas and Kale Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
Ensure every day is a lucky and prosperous one when you serve this hearty Southern salad.
Bacon-Fig Tassies
Recipe: Bacon-Fig Tassies
Pinched for time? Swap the dough for frozen mini-phyllo pastry shells.
Hot Bacon Caprese Salad
Recipe: Hot Bacon Caprese Salad
Update the Italian tomato salad with a rich, tart dressing.
Arugula with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
Recipe: Arugula with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
"Mama always said, 'Eat your greens,' so start brunch off with a simple salad. The warm vinaigrette melts the goat cheese, creating a magical creamy dressing."
Braised Cabbage with Apple and Bacon
Recipe: Braised Cabbage with Apple and Bacon
Humble cabbage is an affordable and easy holiday side. Make it more elegant by braising red cabbage with apple slices. Adding bacon makes it delicious.
Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie
Recipe: Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie
You can’t go wrong with Chicken Pot Pie. You can’t go wrong with Bacon. This high-rating recipe combines both for a classic Southern dish that your family will request over and over again. Deli-roasted chicken and puff pastry shortcut time without cutting flavor; Thick, sizzling bacon slices, dry white wine, and mustard give the gravy and vegetables a savory punch. Want to know the secret for making the perfect potpie filling? Reserve the bacon drippings, and cook it in to the flour-based broth. You can make the mini version of this recipe by using ramekins instead of a baking dish.
Watch: Loaded Chicken-Bacon Pot Pie
Cheesy Bacon-and-Two-Onion Tart
Recipe: Cheesy Bacon-and-Two-Onion Tart
Complete this meal with Pea-and-Green Onion Soup.
Bacon, Peach, and Basil Burgers
Recipe: Bacon, Peach, and Basil Burgers
Nothing says summer in the South quite like peaches, and of course we think everything goes better with bacon, so the Bacon, Peach, and Basil Burgers are a fresh-off-the-fire sensation. We recommend ground sirloin here because it's lean, which causes fewer flare-ups on the grill. Chopped pickled jalapeños and their juice ramp up the flavor, while bacon, and tangy-sweet chutney balance the heat. Soft and creamy goat cheese, an unexpected addition, adds just the right amount of smooth flavor to these amazingly balanced burgers.
Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Hot Bacon Dressing
This salad combines the hearty crunchiness of Brussels sprouts with the delicate sweetness of thinly sliced red apples. Partner that with the smoky flavor of crisp bacon and you are well on the way to enjoying a delicious salad redolent with the flavors of autumn that would be amazing on your Thanksgiving table. Red onion adds a little spice. The lemon juice, mixed with the vinegar, bacon drippings, and Dijon mustard, adds a little tart bite. When tossed together, and seasoned with salt and pepper this salad is a delicate delight. Whole Brussels sprout leaves make beautiful little salad greens. If you are pressed for time, slice the Brussels sprouts instead of peeling them.
Salty-Sweet Bacon Panini
Recipe: Salty-Sweet Bacon Panini
Melt-in-your-mouth Salty-Sweet Bacon Panini goes over the top with the paring of salty bacon and sweet apple butter with melty Brie on top of raisin-walnut bread.
Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut
Recipe: Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut
Thinly sliced pancetta (unsmoked Italian bacon cured with salt and spices) and a few quick twists of kitchen string turn an inexpensive pork loin into a party-worthy dish.
Pimiento Cheese-Bacon Burger
Recipe: Pimiento Cheese-Bacon Burger
Dress up our Best Beef Burgers with fresh herbs and a hearty scoop of pimiento cheese and bacon.
Watch: The Best Way To Make a Hamburger
Green Beans With Mushrooms and Bacon
Recipe: Green Beans With Mushrooms and Bacon
We loved the dash of dried crushed red pepper—it made the flavor lively, not hot.
Springtime Pasta with Bacon
Enjoy this colorful dish warm or chilled; leftovers are perfect for a brown bag lunch the next day. Add grilled shrimp kabobs and a crispy Sauvignon Blanc for a relaxing meal with friends.
- Recipe: Springtime Pasta with Bacon
BLT Benedict with Avocado-Tomato Relish
Recipe: BLT Benedict with Avocado-Tomato Relish
Sunny-side up or sliced boiled eggs would work just as well as poached eggs for this dish you've got to try.
Mango-Spinach Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette
This is a delicious partner for grilled fish. Don't forget fresh crusty bread to soak up every bit of the warm vinaigrette.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Basil Lima Beans
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken with Basil Lima Beans
A basil puree makes a quick sauce for chicken and lima beans.
Grilled Balsamic-Molasses Bacon
Recipe: Grilled Balsamic-Molasses Bacon
Tie fresh rosemary sprigs to the handle of a wooden spoon with garden sisal or kitchen string, and use as an aromatic basting brush for the bacon.
Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Potatoes with Queso Blanco Dip
These hearty bites will become your signature party dish. You can keep the queso blanco warm in a fondue pot or 1-qt. slow cooker.
Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut
Recipe: Pork with Apples, Bacon, and Sauerkraut
Thinly sliced pancetta (unsmoked Italian bacon cured with salt and spices) and a few quick twists of kitchen string turn an inexpensive pork loin into a party-worthy dish.
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Upgrade a typical holiday shrimp cocktail by wrapping the juicy bites in satisfyingly salty bacon.
Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits
Recipe: Chicken Pot Pie with Bacon-and-Cheddar Biscuits
Replace the traditional pastry crust in chicken pot pie with homemade biscuits – trust us, the added cook time is worth it. These homemade buttery biscuits are made with sharp Cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, and chives, making them just as tasty solo as atop this chicken pot pie. The biscuits are filled with a buttery, flour-based, creamy filling of sautéed mushroom, chicken, bacon, chives, and hash browns. Want to take the flavor to the next level? Cook the bacon yourself and save the drippings; add a tablespoon (or two) into the pot pie filling for a savory, smoky flavoring. This elaborate meal is perfect for holidays or potlucks.
Maple Bacon Cupcakes
Recipe: Maple Bacon Cupcakes
This cupcake is without a doubt most men's favorite. Bite into these cupcakes and you'll taste the flavor you get when bacon mingles with syrup while eating pancakes. It's a wonderful salty-sweet combination you won't want to miss.
Bacon-Peanut Truffles
Recipe: Bacon-Peanut Truffles
Your dreams have come true—candy that’s made with sweetened peanut butter and bacon and then dipped in chocolate. Oh, my.
Chicken-and-Bacon Satay
Recipe: Chicken-and-Bacon Satay
A satay is an Indonesian version of kabobs: thinly sliced marinated meat grilled on a skewer and served with lip-licking peanut sauce.
Bacon-Grits Fritters
Recipe: Bacon-Grits Fritters
Grits are treasured like gold in the South. These Bacon-Grits Fritters are the perfect Southern delicacy to introduce to your family and friends. Watch them quickly disappear.
Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Scones
Recipe: Bacon, Cheddar, and Chive Scones
This savory pastry treat made with fresh chives is a hit at holiday brunches.
Bacon Pimiento Cheese
Recipe: Bacon Pimiento Cheese
Spread homemade Bacon Pimiento Cheese on whole wheat bread with lettuce and tomato. Use leftover spread on crackers or celery for a snack.
Brussels Sprouts with Applewood Bacon
Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Applewood Bacon
This recipe features a tasty blend of crisp, applewood bacon, tossed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg.
Chipotle-Bacon Mac and Cheese
Recipe: Chipotle-Bacon Mac and Cheese
Only 40 minutes of hands-on time and you can spice up your dinner with this delicious take on a classic comfort food.
Bacon-Herb Cupcakes
Recipe: Bacon-Herb Cupcakes
Use a combination of parsley, thyme, and oregano, or sage, rosemary, basil, and chives for a savory and perfectly balanced nibble.
Bacon-Infused Bourbon
Recipe: Bacon-Infused Bourbon
Welcome to the Southerner’s perfect cocktail: bacon-flavored bourbon. All you need is a bottle of your favorite bourbon and some warm bacon grease.
Cornmeal-and-Brown Sugar-Crusted Bacon
Recipe: Cornmeal-and-Brown Sugar-Crusted Bacon
Dress up your bacon with this oh-so-Southern crispy coating. Once you've prepared it for the pan, you can stick the bacon in the oven and free your hands up to prepare other parts of your meal.
Layered Bean Dip
Recipe: Layered Lima Bean Dip
A hearty serving of Layered Lima Bean Dip clocks in at only 172 calories. Top lightly with shredded cheese and bacon. You’ll be surprised at how fast it will disappear.
Home-Style Butterbeans
Recipe: Home-Style Butterbeans
Bacon, onion, and brown sugar pack these beans with holiday flavor.
Bacon Bow Tie Pasta
Recipe: Bacon Bow Tie Pasta
Ready in 20 Minutes
A homemade white sauce ready in 10 minutes? Yes, please. Round out the meal with a mixed green salad and lightly toasted Italian bread. You can lighten up the entrée by using reduced fat turkey bacon, 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, and 2% reduced-fat milk.
Afterburners
Recipe: Afterburners
These all-time favorite bite-sized peppers are delicious with Spicy Queso Dip.
Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip
Recipe: Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip
For the perfect low-stress starter, try this rich and creamy baked dip.
Tip: Bake Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip in four small baking dishes, and place throughout the party area.
Hot Brown Panini
Recipe: Hot Brown Panini
Hot Brown Panini combines turkey, bacon, tomato, and Swiss cheese in a pressed sandwich with White Cheese Sauce.
Potato Cobb Salad
Recipe: Potato Cobb Salad
A twist on the traditional Cobb, this version uses Yukon gold potatoes in place of chicken. Cheddar and blue cheeses, bacon crumbles, and tomatoes pair with avocados to create a hearty meal.
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Scallops
Serve these bite-size treats straight off the grill. Salty bacon is the perfect finish to the marinated, meaty scallops. Dip in Dot’s Tartar Sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Green Bean, Grape, and Pasta Toss
Recipe: Green Bean, Grape, and Pasta Toss
Crunchy green beans and crisp bacon are always a wonderful flavor pairing, and the addition of red grapes makes for a sweet surprise. Cook the penne pasta al dente so it holds up when tossed with the dressing and beans.
Bacon-Onion Dip
Recipe: Bacon-Onion Dip
Plan on this dish being scraped clean—few people can resist the combination of bacon, onions, and sour cream. Make a day ahead, and serve with a tray of colorful veggies.
Bacon-Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts
Recipe: Bacon-Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts
Lots of flavor—and only five ingredients—make this Brussels sprouts recipe a winner. Even reviewers who aren't sprouts fans like this version.
Bacon Potato Salad
Recipe: Bacon Potato Salad
Potato salad with bacon is a delicious twist on a traditional summer side. Jazz up your presentation by serving this salad in paprika-rimmed glasses. (Simply dip the rims in lemon or lime juice, then into paprika.)
Mini Bacon, Tomato, and Basil Sandwiches
Recipe: Mini Bacon, Tomato, and Basil Sandwiches
These mini-sandwiches make fantastic finger foods for a luncheon, or simply assemble one anytime for a quick snack. Using basil rather than lettuce gives this traditional sandwich a fresh twist.
Bacon-and-Greens Salsa
Recipe: Bacon-and-Greens Salsa
This classic salsa gets a decidedly Southern spin by adding bacon and greens. We loved it over cream cheese (a great idea for leftovers). You can prepare the recipe up to a day ahead―just reheat before serving.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
Everything's better with bacon, and this pork tenderloin recipe is no exception! Go ahead and season the other tenderloin in the package with your favorite spice blend. Wrap and freeze to jump-start another meal.
Bacon-Arugula-Apple Bites
Recipe: Bacon-Arugula-Apple Bites
Complement any menu with this no-fuss party appetizer.
Creamed Collards
Recipe: Creamed Collards
Full-bodied and richly flavored, this collards dish is inspired by flavors of New Orleans. A Béchamel sauce gives fresh collard greens a creamy consistency. It's a classic taste of the South.
Bacon-Blue Cheese Salad With White Wine Vinaigrette
Recipe: Bacon-Blue Cheese Salad With White Wine Vinaigrette
Impress guests with simple-to-prepare Bacon-Blue Cheese Salad with White Wine Vinaigrette.
Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese-and-Bacon Potato Salad
Recipe: Big Daddy's Grilled Blue Cheese-and-Bacon Potato Salad
Grilling the potatoes in an easy-to-fold aluminum foil packet adds a subtle note of smoky flavor–plus it makes cleanup a breeze.
Bacon-Wrapped Barbecue Burgers
Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Barbecue Burgers
Vidalia onions and barbecue sauce add an unbeatable Southern flair to these juicy burgers. They’re sure to become a favorite.
Layered Cornbread-and-Turkey Salad
Recipe: Layered Cornbread-and-Turkey Salad
Crumbled cornbread is layered with shredded lettuce, smoked turkey, shredded Swiss cheese, bacon, fresh tomatoes and more in this crowd-pleasing salad.
Turkey, Bacon, and Havarti Sandwich
Recipe: Turkey, Bacon, and Havarti Sandwich
Stack leftover sliced turkey with cheese and other toppings on a fresh sourdough loaf to make four sandwiches in one. You can substitute whatever you have on hand, including Muenster or Swiss cheese for Havarti and cranberry sauce in place of bell peppers and vinaigrette.
