Bacon is a beloved food that can be enjoyed in so many ways. But what about those little bits and ends that are left over after cooking up a batch of bacon?
Don’t toss them out just yet! These bacon ends and pieces can be used in a variety of delicious dishes. From crispy toppings to savory additions, there are endless possibilities for incorporating these flavorful morsels into your meals.
In this article, we’ll explore some creative and tasty ways to make the most out of your bacon ends. So, grab those leftover pieces and let’s get cooking!
What To Make With Bacon Ends?
1. Bacon Bits: One of the easiest ways to use up bacon ends is to turn them into crispy bacon bits. Simply mince and cook them slowly until they are very crisp. Save the fat for cooking and sprinkle the crispy bits on salads, veggies, potatoes, or even popcorn.
2. Breakfast Burritos: Bacon ends make a great addition to breakfast burritos. Cook them up with some scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite veggies for a delicious and filling breakfast.
3. Twice Baked Potatoes: Add some bacon ends to your favorite twice baked potato recipe for an extra burst of flavor. Top with cheese and bake until golden brown.
4. Bacon Burnt Ends: This recipe is perfect for bacon lovers everywhere! Using slab bacon, these sticky little cubes of bacon are made with just 2 ingredients; barbecue sauce and dry rub. They make a great appetizer or snack.
5. Savory Soups and Stews: Add some bacon ends to your favorite soup or stew recipe for an extra layer of flavor. They pair well with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions.
6. Bacon Grease: Don’t forget to save all that bacon grease! You can use it just like butter or olive oil in cooking. It adds a delicious smoky flavor to everything from eggs to roasted vegetables.
Crispy Bacon Bits As Salad Toppings
If you’re looking for a simple way to add some crunch and flavor to your salads, crispy bacon bits are the perfect solution. Instead of buying store-bought bacon bits, you can easily make your own at home using bacon ends. Simply cook them slowly until they are very crisp, then chop them up into small pieces.
To use them as salad toppings, start by chopping up your lettuce and slicing cherry tomatoes in halves. Then, sprinkle the crispy bacon bits on top of your salad for a delicious and satisfying crunch. You can also add other toppings like cheese, croutons, or nuts for added texture.
If you want to take it a step further, you can also blend bacon into your salad dressing for a subtle smoky flavor. Simply cook a few strips of bacon until very crispy, then blend them with your favorite dressing ingredients. This works best with looser dressings like oil and vinegar or buttermilk dressing.
Bacon Ends In Soups And Stews
Bacon ends are a great addition to soups and stews, adding a smoky and savory flavor to the dish. When cooking with bacon ends, it’s important to render the fat slowly to ensure that the bacon bits don’t burn. Here are some tips for using bacon ends in your favorite soup or stew recipe:
1. Potato Soup: Bacon adds a delicious flavor to creamy potato soup. Simply cook the bacon ends until crispy, remove from the pot, and use the rendered fat to sauté onions, carrots, and celery. Add diced potatoes and chicken broth, and simmer until the potatoes are tender. Finish with whole milk and chopped bacon ends for a hearty and satisfying soup.
2. Beef Stew: Bacon ends can be used to add depth of flavor to a classic beef stew. Brown cubed chuck roast in bacon fat, then sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings, and simmer until the beef is tender. Add chopped bacon ends in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a smoky twist on this comforting dish.
3. Cabbage Soup: Cabbage soup is a classic comfort food that is made even better with the addition of bacon ends. Cook the bacon ends until crispy, remove from the pot, and use the rendered fat to sauté onions, garlic, and cabbage. Add chicken broth and diced potatoes, and simmer until everything is tender. Finish with chopped bacon ends for a delicious and filling soup.
4. Bean Soup: Bacon adds a smoky flavor to hearty bean soups. Cook the bacon ends until crispy, remove from the pot, and use the rendered fat to sauté onions, garlic, and celery. Add dried beans (such as navy or cannellini), chicken broth, and seasonings, and simmer until the beans are tender. Finish with chopped bacon ends for a satisfying bowl of soup.
With these tips in mind, you can easily incorporate bacon ends into your favorite soup or stew recipe for an extra burst of flavor. Don’t forget to save any leftover bacon grease for future cooking adventures!
Savory Bacon Jam For Sandwiches And Burgers
Bacon jam is a versatile condiment that can be used to add a unique sweet and savory flavor to sandwiches and burgers. It’s easy to make using ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. The best bacon jam recipe in the world includes bacon, onions, brown sugar, coffee, and balsamic vinegar, slowly simmered until thick and jam-like. The sweet onions and smoky bacon make this jam totally irresistible.
To use bacon jam on sandwiches, pair it with other toppings such as lettuce, mayo, and red onion. It’s also great on grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for roasted vegetables. For burgers, try adding it to a classic BLT or pairing it with sharp white cheddar cheese. Bacon jam can also be used as an appetizer to elevate cheese and crackers or added to soups and stews for an extra burst of flavor.
If you’re looking for a spicy twist on bacon jam, try Honey Habanero Bacon Jam or Sweet Chili Bacon Jam. These variations add a little kick of heat to the sweet and savory flavors of the original recipe.
Bacon-Infused Breakfast Dishes
Bacon is a popular breakfast ingredient, and bacon ends are no exception. Here are some delicious bacon-infused breakfast dishes that you can make with bacon ends:
1. Bacon Egg and Potato Breakfast Skillet: This hearty breakfast skillet combines crispy bacon ends with tender potatoes and eggs for a filling and flavorful meal.
2. Bacon Pancakes: These savory pancakes are made with bacon ends and are the perfect combination of sweet and salty. Top them off with some maple syrup for a delicious breakfast treat.
3. Potato Hash with Bacon and Egg: This classic breakfast dish gets a flavor boost from crispy bacon ends. Simply cook the bacon and potatoes in a skillet, add some eggs, and you have a delicious and satisfying meal.
4. Bacon Breakfast Burritos: Fill your breakfast burritos with scrambled eggs, cheese, veggies, and of course, crispy bacon ends for a protein-packed breakfast on-the-go.
5. Bacon and Cheese Omelette: This classic breakfast dish gets an upgrade with the addition of crispy bacon ends and gooey melted cheese. It’s a simple but satisfying way to start your day.
No matter how you use them, bacon ends are a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to any breakfast dish. So next time you have some leftover bacon ends, give one of these delicious recipes a try!
Bacon-Wrapped Appetizers And Snacks
Bacon-wrapped appetizers and snacks are always a hit at parties and gatherings. Here are a few ideas to make your next event even more delicious:
1. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon: These three-ingredient smokies are perfect for meat lovers. Wrap a juicy sausage in flavorful bacon and top it with brown sugar for an irresistible appetizer.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in a sweet and tangy marinade featuring soy, pineapple, and ginger before wrapping it in bacon and grilling it to perfection. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
3. Bacon-Wrapped Sausages with Mustard Maple Sauce: This easy appetizer only requires five ingredients and 25 minutes of your time. Wrap sausages in bacon and serve with a delicious sauce made from mustard, mayonnaise, and maple syrup.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Fries: Cook potato wedges until they are soft, wrap them in bacon, and bake them until they are crispy. These fries are perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
5. Bacon-Wrapped Olives, Oysters, Water Chestnuts, and Pineapple: For a unique twist on classic appetizers, wrap olives, oysters, water chestnuts, or pineapple chunks in bacon and bake them until they are crispy. Serve them warm for the best flavor.
Bacon-wrapped appetizers and snacks are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Try these recipes at your next party or gathering for a delicious and memorable experience.
Bacon Bits In Pasta And Rice Dishes
Bacon bits can also be a great addition to pasta and rice dishes. One quick and easy recipe is Tomato Bacon Pasta, which requires just a few ingredients like canned tomato, pasta, and of course, bacon. Heat some olive oil in a skillet and cook the bacon until it’s almost crispy. Then, add garlic, onions, and canned tomato sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce has been absorbed by the pasta, creating a deliciously rich and flavorful dish.
Another great idea is to add bacon bits to rice dishes. One recipe is to cook the rice separately and then sauté the bacon bits in a skillet with garlic and onions until they are crispy. Add the cooked rice to the skillet and mix well. Then, pour in some canned tomato sauce and let it simmer until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. This simple yet satisfying dish can be customized with different vegetables or proteins for added nutrition.
