Title: 18 Savory Leftover Bacon Recipes Deliciously Easy
Are you tired of throwing away leftover bacon? Think again! With these 18 mouth-watering recipes, you can transform your leftover bacon into a culinary masterpiece. From breakfast to dinner and even dessert (yes, you read that right!), we’ve got you covered with the most delicious and easy-to-make ideas using leftover bacon.
In this article, we’ll be sharing some of our favorite recipes that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them. Whether you’re a bacon lover or just looking for ways to use up that extra pack, these recipes are sure to become new favorites in your household. So, let’s get cooking and explore the world of savory leftover bacon recipes!
Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole
Start your day off right with this savory breakfast casserole, packed with crispy bacon, melted cheddar cheese, and tender eggs.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound bacon, diced
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 bag frozen hash browns, thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked bacon, shredded cheese, and hash browns to the egg mixture. Stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this rich and creamy macaroni dish loaded with crispy bacon and a velvety cheese sauce.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add flour and whisk together with milk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon Fried Rice with Vegetables
A flavorful and filling meal that combines crispy bacon with savory fried rice and a medley of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old rice)
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, corn)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
5. Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the pan. Crack in an egg and scramble it until cooked through.
6. Mix the cooked egg into the vegetable mixture.
7. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is well combined with the vegetables and egg.
8. Return the crispy bacon to the pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
9. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loaded Bacon Potato Soup
Warm up with a comforting bowl of loaded bacon potato soup, perfect for a chilly day. This creamy soup is packed with crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a hint of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3-4 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add crumbled bacon and cook until crispy.
2. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add potatoes, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional crumbled bacon and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
Elevate your snack game with these crispy, cheesy, and spicy treats that combine the perfect balance of flavors. With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious appetizer or party favorite.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 jalapeños
– 6 slices of bacon, cut in half
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut off the stems and carefully hollow out the jalapeños, leaving a shell.
3. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
4. Stuff each jalapeño with the cheese mixture, dividing it evenly among the peppers.
5. Wrap each stuffed jalapeño with a half-slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
6. Place the poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
7. Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon and Egg Breakfast Tacos
Start your day with a flavorful twist on traditional breakfast tacos! This recipe combines crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and creamy avocado for a morning treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 eggs
– 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Cheddar work well)
– 6 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, salsa, cilantro, sour cream
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until scrambled.
2. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
4. Assemble tacos by spreading scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and diced avocado onto each tortilla. Sprinkle with shredded cheese and add any desired toppings.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Hash
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch option that combines the savory goodness of bacon with the earthy sweetness of Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add the olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the Brussels sprouts and potatoes until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
4. Transfer the skillet mixture to a baking dish and top with the cooked bacon.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle with grated cheddar cheese and return to oven for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon-Stuffed Mushrooms
Elevate your appetizer game with this simple yet indulgent recipe that combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the smoky richness of bacon.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushroom caps (such as portobello or cremini)
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and grated cheese.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the bacon mixture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender and filling is golden brown.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Spinach Quiche
Quiche is a versatile dish that’s perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even dinner. This bacon and spinach quiche combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the earthy taste of fresh spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the spinach and cook until wilted.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese.
6. Add the cooked bacon and spinach to the egg mixture and stir well.
7. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
8. Let it cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and Avocado Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game with the creamy richness of avocado and the smoky savory flavor of crispy bacon.
Ingredients:
– 2 slices of bread (white or whole wheat)
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred variety)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Place one bread slice, buttered side down, in the skillet.
4. Top with a slice of cheese, some crumbled bacon, and a spoonful of mashed avocado.
5. Place the second bread slice, buttered side up, on top of the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also golden brown.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Bacon Carbonara Pasta
Satisfy your cravings with this rich and satisfying pasta dish, featuring crispy bacon, creamy eggs, and tender spaghetti.
Ingredients:
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti to the egg mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Add the reserved pasta water to the egg mixture in small increments until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
6. Add the cooked bacon to the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Corn Chowder
A warm and comforting soup perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the sweetness of corn, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy chowder.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave the drippings in the pot.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the corn kernels, chicken broth, and cooked bacon back into the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for 10 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
Elevate your meals with this simple yet impressive recipe that combines the savory flavors of bacon and asparagus. Perfect for special occasions or everyday dining, these bundles are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 fresh asparagus spears
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut the bacon into 4-inch (10 cm) pieces.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a piece of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
4. Place the bundles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the asparagus is tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on classic stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the savory goodness of bacon and melted cheese with the crunch of bell peppers. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers, removing seeds and membranes.
3. In a bowl, mix crumbled bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each pepper with the bacon-cheese mixture, filling to the top.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed peppers and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and Ranch Pasta Salad
A creamy and savory pasta salad that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the tanginess of ranch dressing, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup of ranch dressing
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing, and mayonnaise. Mix well until the pasta is fully coated.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including cooking time)
Bacon and Blue Cheese Flatbread
Elevate your snack game with this savory flatbread recipe, perfect for a quick bite or party appetizer. Crispy bacon, pungent blue cheese, and fresh herbs come together in a flavorful combination that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought)
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Spread the crumbled bacon evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Sprinkle blue cheese and parsley over the bacon.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the flatbread.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Bacon and Sweet Potato Hash
Savor the sweet and savory combination of crispy bacon, roasted sweet potatoes, and caramelized onions in this hearty breakfast or brunch dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, chopped
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to low and add sliced onion to the same skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until caramelized, stirring occasionally.
5. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
6. Combine roasted sweet potatoes, cooked bacon, and caramelized onions in a bowl. Toss to combine.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and Egg Fried Rice
This classic Chinese-inspired dish combines crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and fluffy rice into a savory and satisfying meal that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 4 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Push the onion mixture to one side of the skillet, then pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through.
6. Mix the eggs with the onion mixture, then add the cooked rice, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for about 2-3 minutes, breaking up any clumps as you go.
7. Return the crispy bacon to the skillet and stir-fry everything together for another minute.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get creative with your leftover bacon and try these 18 deliciously easy recipes! From breakfast casseroles to pasta salads, we’ve got you covered. Whip up a Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole or Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese for a comforting start to the day. Or, use your bacon to add smoky flavor to dishes like Loaded Bacon Potato Soup, Bacon Fried Rice with Vegetables, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or cheesy, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
