Bacon is a beloved food that can be used in countless ways to add flavor and texture to any dish. But what do you do with those leftover bacon ends and pieces that are too small for a sandwich or a classic breakfast plate?
Don’t throw them away! These little bits of bacon goodness can be used in a variety of recipes to add a smoky, savory flavor.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative ways to use bacon ends and pieces, from crispy burnt ends to delicious balsamic chicken thighs.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
What To Make With Bacon Ends And Pieces?
1. Bacon Bits: One of the easiest and most versatile ways to use bacon ends and pieces is to turn them into bacon bits. Simply chop the bacon into small pieces and cook them in a pan until crispy. Use them to top salads, soups, baked potatoes, or even as a garnish for cocktails.
2. Bacon Wrapped Appetizers: Bacon ends and pieces are perfect for wrapping around bite-sized appetizers like dates, jalapeño poppers, or shrimp. Simply wrap the bacon around the filling and secure with a toothpick before baking or grilling.
3. Smoked Bacon Burnt Ends: If you have access to a smoker or grill, try making smoked bacon burnt ends. Cut the bacon into cubes and season with your favorite rub before smoking for a few hours. Toss with BBQ sauce for a delicious and smoky treat.
4. Balsamic Chicken Thighs: Use bacon ends and pieces to add flavor to this classic chicken dish. Cook the bacon until crispy, then remove from the pan and set aside. Brown chicken thighs in the bacon fat, then add balsamic vinegar, garlic, and thyme to the pan. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then top with the crispy bacon pieces.
5. Breakfast Burritos: Use bacon ends and pieces as a filling for breakfast burritos along with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies. Roll up in a tortilla and enjoy a delicious breakfast on-the-go.
Crispy Bacon Burnt Ends
Crispy bacon burnt ends are a delicious and indulgent treat that will satisfy any meat lover’s cravings. To make these savory bites, start by cutting your bacon ends and pieces into small cubes. Season them with your favorite rub or seasoning, and then smoke them in a grill or smoker at around 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more hours until the bacon becomes crispy on the outside and the fat has melted to a point where it bursts when you bite into it.
Once they’re cooked to perfection, take them out of the smoker or grill and let them cool slightly. Then, toss them in your favorite BBQ sauce until they’re evenly coated. Place them back on the grill or smoker for another 20-30 minutes to glaze and caramelize the sauce.
The result is a deliciously smoky and crispy treat that will have your taste buds singing. Serve them as an appetizer or snack at your next barbecue, or enjoy them as a decadent treat any time of day. Just be sure to save some for later, as they’re sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!
Bacon And Egg Fried Rice
Bacon and egg fried rice is a delicious and easy way to use up bacon ends and pieces. Start by cooking the bacon in a large skillet or wok until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and snap peas, and cook until the vegetables start to soften.
Next, add cooked white rice to the pan along with beaten eggs. Use a spatula or spoon to press the rice into the egg, folding and repeating until the rice is completely coated and heated through. Add soy sauce and oyster sauce to the pan and stir to coat the rice. Season with a pinch of salt and cook over high heat until the rice is heated through.
Finally, add the crispy bacon pieces back into the pan and stir to combine. Garnish with sliced scallions and white pepper for an extra burst of flavor. This bacon and egg fried rice is a perfect meal on its own or as a side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.
Bacon And Potato Soup
Bacon and Potato Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. It’s also a great way to use up any bacon ends and pieces you may have lying around. To make this soup, start by cooking chopped bacon in a large pot until it’s just cooked through and a little crisp around the edges. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate.
Next, cook onions and celery in the remaining bacon grease until the onions begin to turn translucent around the edges. Add potatoes and chicken broth, and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender. Use a potato masher or fork to roughly smash about half the potatoes.
While the soup simmers, make a cheese sauce by making a roux of butter and flour and then slowly pouring in milk. Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until smooth.
Stir the cheese sauce into the soup and add salt and pepper to taste. Add about 3/4 of the bacon back to the pot, reserving the rest for topping. Dish up the soup, top with sour cream, more cheese, green onions if desired, and chopped up bacon, and enjoy!
If you prefer to use a slow cooker, combine potatoes, chicken broth, soup, onion, and pepper in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours. Add cream cheese and cook 30 minutes or until cream cheese is melted, stirring occasionally, until combined. Top with cheese, cooked bacon, or sliced green onions if desired.
Bacon and Potato Soup is a delicious way to use up any bacon ends and pieces you may have on hand while also creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is a tasty and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any meal. There are several ways to cook bacon-wrapped asparagus, including in the oven, on the grill, or on the stove. To make this dish in the oven, preheat your oven to 425°F and wrap each bundle of trimmed asparagus with one slice of bacon. Arrange the bundles in a single layer on an oven-safe wire rack set inside a parchment-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 18-22 minutes until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crispy.
To make bacon-wrapped asparagus on the grill, prepare the bundles as directed and secure the free end of each strip of bacon with a toothpick. Grill over medium heat, covered, until the bacon is crisp and cooked through, about 12 to 15 minutes. Turn the bundles a few times throughout so that the bacon crisps evenly on all sides.
For stove-top preparation, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. When the oil is hot, place as many asparagus bundles in the pan as will fit without overlapping, placing the bacon seam-side down. The bacon should sizzle. Let cook several minutes until the bacon is crisp on the first side. Turn the bundles and continue cooking on all sides until the asparagus is tender and the bacon is crisp.
Bacon-wrapped asparagus is not only delicious but also a healthy option that is low in carbs and perfect for keto diets. It makes for a great snack or side dish that can be served at any time of day. The best part about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily for a quick and tasty meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, bacon-wrapped asparagus is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Balsamic Bacon Chicken Thighs
Balsamic Bacon Chicken Thighs are a delicious and easy way to use up bacon ends and pieces. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be prepared in under an hour. Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and spraying a large baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Next, par-cook the bacon in a skillet until it is about halfway cooked, only about 2-3 minutes per side. You still want it flimsy, not crisp. Drain on a paper towel. This will help the bacon to fully crisp up while baking in the oven with the chicken.
Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Baste the chicken with balsamic glaze, reserving some for basting after the cooking is complete. Wrap each chicken thigh with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary, and place in the greased baking dish.
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through depending on the size of the chicken thighs. Baste with the remaining balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken dish that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Bacon Mac And Cheese
Bacon Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made even more delicious with the addition of bacon ends and pieces. This one-pot dish features pasta in a creamy cheese sauce with plenty of smoky bacon flavor. To make Bacon Mac and Cheese with bacon ends and pieces, start by cooking the bacon until crispy in a large skillet. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel, but do not drain the bacon grease. Add butter to the hot bacon grease and stir until melted, then add flour and cook over medium heat until the flour has begun to brown. Next, add milk and heavy whipping cream to the roux and return to a boil. Turn off the heat and stir in salt, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Reserve some of the jack and cheddar cheeses and set aside with mozzarella. Stir the rest of the jack and cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted. Combine cooked macaroni noodles with the cheese sauce, half of the cooked bacon, and pour into a baking dish. Top with remaining jack, cheddar, and mozzarella cheese, sprinkle on remaining bacon crumbles, and bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and melted. This easy dinner option is packed with smoky bacon flavor and is sure to be a hit in your household.
