What Can I Cook With Bacon? 18 Irresistible Meals That Go Beyond Breakfast
Bacon is one of those kitchen ingredients that can transform the ordinary into something memorable. Crispy, salty, and deeply savory, bacon pairs with sweet, tangy, bitter, and creamy flavors—and it works in everything from appetizers to main courses. If you’re tired of the same breakfast routine and want to explore how bacon can brighten lunches, dinners, snacks, and party foods, this guide gives you 18 creative, reliable recipes that put bacon center stage.
Below you’ll find straightforward meals and crowd-pleasers, each with an ingredients list and step-by-step instructions. Use these as inspiration to expand your weeknight repertoire or to impress guests. Let’s dive into 18 bacon-forward meals that go well beyond breakfast.
How to use this list
Each entry below includes:
– A short description of the dish and why bacon works in it.
– Ingredients (bulleted list).
– Instructions (numbered list).
If you want quicker results, look for recipes that use pre-cooked bacon or start with bacon you’ve baked ahead of time. Save this post for weeknight inspiration, and don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors.
1. Upgraded BLT with Avocado and Herb Mayo
A classic BLT gets richer with ripe avocado and a herby mayonnaise that complements bacon’s saltiness.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon
– 4 slices good-quality sandwich bread, toasted
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
– Lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
– 3 tbsp mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crispy (pan-fry or oven-bake), then drain on paper towels.
2. Mix mayonnaise, chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make herb mayo.
3. Toast bread and spread herb mayo on one side of each slice.
4. Layer lettuce, tomato, bacon, and avocado on two slices; season with salt and pepper.
5. Top with remaining slices, slice in half, and serve immediately.
2. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs with Maple-Orange Glaze
Bacon keeps chicken thighs juicy and adds a caramelized finish when paired with a maple-orange glaze.
Ingredients
– 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 6 slices bacon
– 2 tbsp maple syrup
– 1 tbsp orange juice
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper
– Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Wrap each thigh with a bacon slice and secure with a toothpick.
3. Mix maple syrup, orange juice, soy sauce, and garlic to make the glaze.
4. Place wrapped thighs on a baking sheet and brush with half the glaze.
5. Roast for 25–30 minutes, brushing with remaining glaze halfway through, until bacon is crisp and chicken registers 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest 5 minutes, garnish with thyme, and serve.
3. Creamy Bacon Mac and Cheese
Bacon’s smokiness adds depth to a rich, creamy mac and cheese—an instant comfort-food upgrade.
Ingredients
– 8 oz elbow macaroni
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
– 1/2 cup Gruyère or mozzarella, shredded
– 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Fry chopped bacon until crisp; remove with a slotted spoon and reserve drippings.
3. In the same pan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, cook 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; simmer until thickened.
5. Stir in cheeses until melted, season with salt and pepper.
6. Mix cheese sauce with macaroni and cooked bacon. Top with panko if desired.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes for a golden crust (optional), then serve hot.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
Bacon turns roasted Brussels sprouts from bitter to sweet-savory with a glossy balsamic finish.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1–2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– 1–2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet.
3. Scatter chopped bacon over sprouts.
4. Roast 20–25 minutes, stirring once, until sprouts are caramelized and bacon is crisp.
5. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey, toss, and serve warm.
5. Spaghetti alla Carbonara (Bacon Version)
A quick, luxurious pasta where bacon (or guanciale) creates the flavorful base for a silky egg-cheese sauce.
Ingredients
– 12 oz spaghetti
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
– 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan
– Freshly ground black pepper
– Salt for pasta water
– 1 clove garlic (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente and reserve 1 cup pasta water.
2. Fry bacon until crisp; if using garlic, add and remove before mixing.
3. Whisk eggs, yolk, and cheese in a bowl with plenty of black pepper.
4. Toss hot pasta with bacon off the heat, then add egg-cheese mixture, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce—use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
5. Serve immediately with extra cheese and pepper.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
An elegant side where bacon crisps while asparagus cooks, combining textures and flavors in one bite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
– 8–10 slices bacon (halved)
– Olive oil spray or brush
– Salt and pepper
– Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Group asparagus into bundles of 6–8 stalks and wrap each bundle with a half-slice of bacon.
3. Place bundles on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, season with salt and pepper.
4. Roast 12–15 minutes until bacon is crisp and asparagus is tender.
5. Finish with lemon zest if desired; serve warm.
7. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese (Appetizer)
Sweet dates and creamy goat cheese offset salty bacon for a perfect bite-sized party snack.
Ingredients
– 12 Medjool dates, pitted
– 4 oz goat cheese
– 6 slices bacon, halved
– Optional: toasted almonds or pistachios
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stuff each pitted date with about 1 tsp goat cheese (and an almond if using).
3. Wrap each stuffed date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake 12–15 minutes until bacon is crisp.
5. Serve warm as an appetizer.
8. Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
A comforting, velvety soup where bacon provides both texture and smoky richness.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 celery stalks, diced
– 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup heavy cream or milk
– Salt and pepper
– Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook chopped bacon in a large pot until crisp; remove and set aside, reserving drippings.
2. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery in bacon drippings until soft.
3. Add potatoes and broth, bring to a simmer, and cook until potatoes are tender (15–20 minutes).
4. Puree half the soup for texture (optional) then stir in cream and warmed bacon.
5. Season, garnish with chives, and serve with crusty bread.
9. Warm Bacon Kale Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
Wilted kale tossed with warm bacon vinaigrette makes a hearty, nutrient-dense side or main.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 6 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper
– 1/4 cup toasted sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
1. Fry bacon until crisp; remove and reserve drippings.
2. Whisk Dijon, vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper; whisk in 1–2 tbsp warm bacon drippings to make warm vinaigrette.
3. Toss kale with vinaigrette to wilt slightly; mix in bacon and sunflower seeds.
4. Serve immediately as a salad or side.
10. Bacon-Stuffed Cheeseburgers (Juicy Lucy Style)
Bacon elevates burgers, and stuffing the patty with cheese (and bacon) keeps it juicy and indulgent.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
– 4 oz cheddar or American cheese, cubed
– Salt and pepper
– Burger buns and toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles)
Instructions
1. Divide beef into 4 equal portions; flatten two portions into patties.
2. Top each flattened patty with a few cheese cubes and a sprinkle of chopped bacon, leaving a border.
3. Place the other patties on top and seal edges, forming stuffed patties.
4. Season and grill or pan-fry to desired doneness (about 4–5 minutes per side for medium).
5. Rest briefly, assemble with buns and toppings, and serve.
11. Bacon Fried Rice with Scallions
An easy weeknight meal that repurposes leftover rice; bacon adds crunch and umami.
Ingredients
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 3 cups cold cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots)
– 2–3 scallions, sliced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
1. Fry chopped bacon until crispy; remove and reserve bacon fat.
2. Scramble eggs in bacon fat, remove and set aside.
3. Add rice to pan, stir-fry to warm through, breaking up clumps.
4. Add mixed vegetables, soy sauce, sesame oil, cooked bacon, and scrambled eggs; toss until combined.
5. Stir in scallions and serve hot.
12. Bacon Corn Chowder
A creamy chowder where corn’s natural sweetness plays beautifully with smoky bacon.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 potatoes, peeled and diced
– 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup milk or cream
– Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
Instructions
1. Cook bacon in a pot until crisp; remove and reserve bacon and fat.
2. Sauté onion in bacon fat until translucent.
3. Add potatoes, corn, broth, and thyme; simmer until potatoes are tender (15–20 minutes).
4. Stir in milk or cream and cooked bacon; heat gently.
5. Adjust seasoning and serve with chopped parsley.
13. White Pizza with Bacon, Ricotta, and Caramelized Onions
Skip tomato sauce—this white pizza uses bacon and ricotta for a rich, sophisticated pie.
Ingredients
– 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
– 6 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized
– Olive oil, salt, and pepper
– Fresh arugula (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to highest temperature (475–500°F/245–260°C) with pizza stone if available.
2. Caramelize onion slowly in a pan with a little oil until golden and sweet.
3. Roll out dough, brush with olive oil, sprinkle a little salt.
4. Dollop ricotta, scatter mozzarella, caramelized onions, and bacon over dough.
5. Bake 10–12 minutes until crust is golden and cheese bubbles. Top with arugula if desired.
14. Bacon-Lined Meatloaf
Lining meatloaf with bacon keeps it moist and infuses the entire roast with smoky flavor.
Ingredients
– 1.5 lb ground beef (or mix with pork)
– 6 slices bacon (for lining)
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 egg
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 tbsp ketchup (plus extra for glaze)
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix breadcrumbs and milk; let soak a few minutes.
3. Combine with ground meat, egg, onion, ketchup, salt, and pepper; mix gently.
4. Line a loaf pan with bacon slices, overlapping.
5. Pack meatloaf mixture into the pan, fold bacon over the top, brush with extra ketchup.
6. Bake 50–60 minutes until internal temp 160°F (71°C). Rest, then slice and serve.
15. Linguine with Bacon, Peas, and Lemon
A bright, springy pasta where bacon’s savory character is balanced by lemon and sweet peas.
Ingredients
– 12 oz linguine
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas
– Zest and juice of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
– Salt, pepper, and olive oil
Instructions
1. Cook linguine until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Cook bacon until crisp; add peas to warm through.
3. Toss pasta with bacon, peas, lemon zest and juice, olive oil, and Parmesan.
4. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Season and serve.
16. Mushroom and Bacon Risotto
Earthy mushrooms and smoky bacon make an elegant, deeply flavored risotto that’s worth the gentle stirring.
Ingredients
– 6 slices bacon, chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms, sliced
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 4 cups warm chicken or vegetable stock
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crisp; remove and set aside, reserve fat.
2. Sauté mushrooms in some bacon fat until browned; set aside.
3. Sauté onion in remaining fat and butter until translucent. Add rice and toast 1–2 minutes.
4. Deglaze with wine (if using), then add warm stock ladle by ladle, stirring frequently until absorbed each time.
5. Stir in mushrooms, cooked bacon, Parmesan, and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
17. Bacon Tacos with Quick Slaw and Avocado
Turn bacon into a fun, crunchy taco filling—perfect for a casual dinner or taco night twist.
Ingredients
– 8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Hot sauce or salsa (optional)
Instructions
1. Mix cabbage, cilantro, mayonnaise, and lime juice for quick slaw; season with salt.
2. Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven.
3. Fill each tortilla with a portion of chopped bacon, a spoonful of slaw, and avocado slices.
4. Add hot sauce if desired and serve immediately.
18. Bacon-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Herb Rub
Pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon roasts beautifully—bacon adds fat, flavor, and an attractive finish.
Ingredients
– 1–1.5 lb pork tenderloin
– 8–10 slices bacon
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper; rub over pork.
3. Wrap the tenderloin with overlapping bacon slices and secure with twine or toothpicks.
4. Sear in a hot oven-safe skillet 2–3 minutes per side until bacon starts to brown.
5. Roast in the oven 15–20 minutes until internal temp 145°F (63°C). Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Cooking Bacon Successfully (H2)
- Oven-bake for even crispness and batch cooking: 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes on a baking sheet.
- Save bacon drippings: use them to sauté vegetables or flavor soups and dressings.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when pan-frying; give strips room to crisp.
- For chewier bacon, shorten cook time; for crispy, cook longer or finish under the broiler briefly.
- Precook bacon for recipes that only need a short finish in the oven (e.g., wrapped asparagus).
Conclusion
Bacon is more than a breakfast staple—it’s a versatile flavor booster that can make salads heartier, pastas silkier, veggies more interesting, and appetizers utterly irresistible. The 18 recipes above demonstrate how bacon pairs with sweet, acidic, creamy, and bitter elements to create balanced, satisfying meals for any time of day.
Start with one idea that speaks to you—maybe the quick bacon fried rice for tonight, or the show-stopping bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin for a weekend dinner. Cook once, improvise often: crisped bacon, leftover rice, roasted vegetables, and pantry staples can reinvent meals with minimal fuss. Keep a stash of pre-cooked bacon in the fridge or freezer to speed up weekday cooking, and remember: a little bacon can go a long way toward making dinner feel special.
Happy cooking—and enjoy unlocking new ways to use bacon beyond breakfast.
