Bacon turns an ordinary meal into something worth getting out of bed for. That smoky, salty crunch works just as well folded into a weeknight pasta as it does piled on a burger or wrapped around a shrimp for a party tray. If you’ve ever wondered what to make with that extra package in your fridge, you’re in the right spot.
This collection pulls together 19+ of the best bacon recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even dessert, built around real techniques that make bacon crisp up right every time. Whether you want a classic sandwich or something a little more unexpected like candied bacon or maple bacon donuts, there’s a recipe here that fits the craving.
Quick picks:
- Best breakfast: Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
- Best party appetizer: Bacon-Wrapped Dates
- Best comfort dinner: Bacon Mac and Cheese
- Best sweet treat: Maple Bacon Donuts
1. Classic BLT Sandwich
A BLT works because of balance: crisp bacon, cool lettuce, and juicy tomato stacked between toasted bread. This sandwich earns its spot at the top because it’s the simplest way to let good bacon shine.
Ingredients (makes 2 sandwiches):
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices white or sourdough bread, toasted
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 4 leaves romaine or iceberg lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, 8-10 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels.
- Spread mayonnaise on toasted bread.
- Layer lettuce, tomato, and bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Top with second slice of bread, slice, and serve.
For more sandwich inspiration, check our best sandwich recipes.
2. Bacon Mac and Cheese
Crisp bacon bits stirred into a creamy cheese sauce make mac and cheese feel like a whole new dish. This version suits anyone who wants weeknight comfort food with a smoky, salty edge.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Boil macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crisp; remove, leaving fat behind.
- Melt butter into bacon fat, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cheeses until melted. Fold in macaroni and bacon. Season and serve.
Pair it with one of our best sides to serve with mac and cheese for a full dinner.
3. Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
This sandwich delivers the diner classic at home: crisp bacon, a soft fried egg, and melty cheese on a toasted roll. It works best for anyone who wants a filling breakfast that travels well.
Ingredients (makes 1 sandwich):
- 2 slices bacon
- 1 egg
- 1 slice cheddar or American cheese
- 1 English muffin or bun, split
- Butter for toasting
Method:
- Cook bacon until crisp; set aside.
- Butter and toast the muffin halves in the same skillet.
- Fry the egg to your liking, 3-4 minutes for a soft yolk.
- Layer bacon, egg, and cheese on the muffin. Close and serve warm.
Browse our best breakfast sandwich ideas for more morning combinations.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp
Bacon-wrapped shrimp bakes up smoky and crisp on the outside with a tender, juicy bite inside. This appetizer suits anyone hosting a party who wants something impressive but low-effort.
Ingredients (makes 16 pieces):
- 16 large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 8 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Toothpicks
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
- Wrap each shrimp with a half slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick.
- Sprinkle with brown sugar and paprika.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, until bacon is crisp and shrimp is pink.
See our best shrimp recipes for more seafood ideas worth adding to the rotation.
5. Bacon Cheeseburgers
A bacon cheeseburger stacks crisp bacon and melted cheese over a juicy, well-seasoned patty. This burger is the pick for backyard cookouts where everyone wants something hearty.
Ingredients (makes 4 burgers):
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 8 slices bacon
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce, tomato, and condiments as desired
Method:
- Cook bacon until crisp; set aside.
- Form beef into 4 patties, season with salt and pepper.
- Grill or pan-sear patties 4-5 minutes per side, adding cheese in the last minute.
- Build burgers with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and condiments on toasted buns.
Check our best sides for burgers to round out the meal.
6. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
Sweet, sticky dates wrapped in salty bacon make one of the easiest crowd-pleasing bites around. These suit holiday gatherings where you want a quick appetizer that disappears fast.
Ingredients (makes 20 pieces):
- 20 Medjool dates, pitted
- 10 slices bacon, cut in half
- 20 whole almonds (optional)
- Toothpicks
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Stuff each date with an almond, if using.
- Wrap with a half slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick.
- Bake on a lined sheet 15-18 minutes, turning once, until bacon is crisp.
7. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Casserole
This casserole bakes bacon, eggs, and cheese into one hearty dish that feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. It’s a dependable choice for holiday mornings or weekend brunch hosting.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 10 slices bacon, chopped
- 8 eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook bacon until crisp; drain.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together.
- Layer bread cubes, bacon, and cheese in the dish. Pour egg mixture over top.
- Bake 45-50 minutes, until set and golden.
Find more ideas in our best brunch recipes.
8. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Breast
Wrapping chicken breast in bacon keeps the meat moist while adding a crisp, smoky crust. This dinner works well for anyone who wants an easy oven meal with minimal seasoning needed.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each breast with 2 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks.
- Sear in an oven-safe skillet 2-3 minutes per side, then bake 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
9. Bacon Carbonara
Carbonara relies on crisp bacon, eggs, and cheese to form a silky sauce without any cream. This pasta is the pick for anyone craving a rich dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 12 ounces spaghetti
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Black pepper to taste
Method:
- Cook spaghetti in salted water; reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Cook bacon with garlic until crisp.
- Whisk eggs and Parmesan together.
- Off heat, toss hot pasta with bacon, then quickly stir in egg mixture, adding pasta water until creamy.
- Season with black pepper and serve immediately.
10. Loaded Baked Potatoes with Bacon
A loaded baked potato turns simple spuds into a meal with crisp bacon, melted cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. This dish fits anyone wanting a filling dinner with few ingredients.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 4 russet potatoes
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce potatoes with a fork.
- Bake 45-60 minutes, until tender.
- Slice potatoes open, fluff the inside with a fork.
- Top with cheddar, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.
11. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These poppers pack creamy, spicy filling inside a jalapeño, then wrap it all in crisp bacon. They’re the go-to for game-day spreads where heat and crunch matter most.
Ingredients (makes 12 poppers)
- 12 jalapeños, halved and seeded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix cream cheese and cheddar together.
- Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture.
- Wrap with a half slice of bacon, secure with a toothpick.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until bacon is crisp.
12. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts get a smoky lift from crisp bacon bits and a touch of caramelized sweetness. This side dish works well alongside roasted meats or a holiday spread.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Scatter raw bacon pieces over the top.
- Roast 20-25 minutes, stirring once, until bacon is crisp and sprouts are browned.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
13. Creamy Bacon Potato Soup
This soup blends tender potatoes into a creamy, bacon-studded bowl that warms you up fast. It suits cold weather dinners when you want something cozy without much hands-on work.
Ingredients (serves 6):
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 4 cups diced russet potatoes
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Cook bacon in a large pot until crisp; remove, leaving fat.
- Sauté onion in bacon fat until soft.
- Add potatoes and broth; simmer 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Mash some potatoes for thickness, stir in cream and cheddar.
- Top bowls with crisp bacon before serving.
14. Bacon and Cheddar Quiche
This quiche bakes bacon and sharp cheddar into a creamy egg custard inside a flaky crust. It’s a reliable pick for brunch spreads or make-ahead weekday breakfasts.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 pie crust, unbaked
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Press crust into a pie dish.
- Scatter bacon and cheddar over the crust.
- Whisk eggs, cream, salt, and pepper; pour over bacon and cheese.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and lightly golden.
Explore our best egg recipes for more brunch-worthy dishes.
15. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
This pizza swaps red sauce for ranch dressing, then piles on chicken, bacon, and melted cheese. It’s the choice for pizza night when you want something richer than the classic pepperoni pie.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, sliced
Method:
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Roll out dough on a floured surface or pizza stone.
- Spread ranch dressing evenly over dough.
- Top with mozzarella, chicken, and bacon.
- Bake 12-15 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese bubbles. Top with green onions.
16. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
This cold pasta salad mixes crisp bacon, creamy ranch, and crunchy vegetables for an easy potluck dish. It’s the pick for summer cookouts needing a make-ahead side.
Ingredients (serves 8):
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
Method:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and cool.
- Toss pasta with ranch dressing until coated.
- Fold in bacon, cheddar, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
17. Green Beans with Bacon
Tender green beans tossed with smoky bacon bits make a simple side dish that pairs with almost any main. This dish works well for weeknight dinners or holiday tables alike.
Ingredients (serves 4):
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp; remove, leaving fat.
- Add green beans to the skillet, cook 5-7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Stir in garlic, cook 1 minute more.
- Toss with crisp bacon, season with salt and pepper.
18. Candied Bacon
Candied bacon bakes with a brown sugar glaze until it turns sticky, sweet, and deeply crisp. This treat suits anyone wanting a sweet-and-salty snack or a burger topping with extra punch.
Ingredients (makes 12 strips):
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Method:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set a wire rack on top.
- Press brown sugar onto both sides of each bacon strip.
- Sprinkle with pepper and cayenne, if using.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, until deep brown and caramelized. Cool before serving; it crisps as it sits.
19. Maple Bacon Donuts
These donuts top a baked cake donut with maple glaze and crumbled candied bacon for a sweet-salty bite. They’re the standout for brunch spreads looking for something a little different.
Ingredients (makes 12 donuts):
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 4 slices candied bacon, crumbled
Method:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a donut pan.
- Whisk flour, sugar, and baking powder together.
- Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
- Pipe batter into donut pan, bake 10-12 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar and maple syrup into a glaze. Dip cooled donuts, top with bacon crumbles.
Tips for Cooking Bacon for Recipes
Starting with a cold pan gives bacon time to render its fat slowly, which means crispier strips with less shrinkage. Preheating the pan first often leads to burnt edges and a chewy center.
Baking bacon on a wire rack over a lined sheet at 400°F produces even crisping without flipping. It’s the easiest method when you’re cooking a big batch for a casserole or a crowd of guests.
Pat strips dry before cooking if they’ve been sitting in the fridge. Excess moisture steams the bacon instead of letting it crisp.
Save the rendered fat. A spoonful adds deep flavor to roasted vegetables, cornbread, or even scrambled eggs. Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a month.
For recipes like carbonara or bacon-wrapped dates, cut bacon to the size you need before cooking. It cooks more evenly and saves time compared to chopping hot bacon afterward.
How to Store and Reheat Cooked Bacon
Cooked bacon keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid trapping steam.
For longer storage, freeze cooked strips in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 3 months and won’t stick together, so you can grab just a few strips at a time.
Reheat bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about a minute per side to bring back the crisp texture. A microwave works in a pinch, between paper towels for 20-30 seconds, though it softens the edges more than a skillet does.
Avoid reheating bacon in the oven unless you’re warming a large batch. It takes longer and dries out thinner strips.
