Homemade Bacon Bits are a quick and easy way to add loads of flavor to so many different dishes. They’re perfect for sprinkling over eggs, salads, soups, baked potatoes, casseroles, and so much more.
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How To Make Bacon Bits
Once you learn how to make real bacon bits, you’ll never go back to the store bought kind. Everything truly does taste better with bacon, and luckily this Homemade Bacon Bits recipe is so darn easy. You can even make them at the last minute or freeze them for later.
Add these crispy, crunchy, savory little morsels to breakfast eggs, casseroles, salads, soups, baked potatoes, cheese balls, and so much more. As if you needed any more reasons to make your own bacon bits, you’ll also be left with bacon grease to use for later and a kitchen that smells great. For a sweet and savory version, you can also try our Candied Bacon that is made in the oven.
How to Use Homemade Bacon Bits Recipe
There are infinite ways to use bacon bits, so I’ll just list some of my favorites.
- Add to scrambled eggs or breakfast casseroles
- Use to top your favorite soups
- Serve over a baked potato with sour cream and chives
- Sprinkle over salad
- Use in cheese balls and dips
How to Make Real Bacon Bits at Home
- Slice bacon. With a sharp knife, cut the bacon into ⅓" strips.
- Cook the bacon. Heat a frying pan over medium high heat then add the sliced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling, gold brown, and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a plate lined with a paper towel to cool. Reserve bacon fat for another use if desired.
- Use immediately or store. Use it on baked potatoes, eggs, cheeseballs, or in your favorite salad. Enjoy!
Instructions for Cooking Bacon Crumbles or Bacon Pieces in the Oven
- Lay bacon on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, then spray a large baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Lay bacon strips in a single layer.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, then flip the slices over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes or until crispy.
- Cool. Remove from the oven and transfer bacon to a wire cooling rack.
- Chop. To create bacon crumbles, chop the completely cooled bacon into small pieces. Use immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you store in an airtight container in the fridge, your bacon bits should last for up to 5 days. You can also freeze bacon bits for up to 1 month.
I will generally yield a little over 2 cups of bacon bits from 1 pound of raw bacon. The yield will depend on the bacon that you use as well as whether you use thick cut or regular bacon.
You can use absolutely any type of bacon to make Homemade Bacon Bits - thick cut, regular cut, hickory smoked, it all works great. If you find that cutting the bacon is difficult, try tossing it into the freezer for an hour or so to make it easier to cut.
Storing and Freezing
- Refrigerator: store bacon bits in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: transfer bacon bits to a freezer bag, or another airtight container, and store for up to 1 month.
Recipe: How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits
Ingredients
- 1 lb Bacon
Instructions
- With a sharp knife, cut the bacon into ⅓" strips.
- Heat a frying pan over medium high heat then add the sliced bacon and cook, stirring occasionally for 5-8 minutes or until the bacon is sizzling, gold brown, and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a plate lined with a paper towel to cool. Reserve bacon fat for another use if desired.
- Use on baked potatoes, eggs, cheeseballs, or in your favorite salad. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More Of Our Favorite Bacon Recipes
- Bacon and Asparagus Quiche
- Bacon-Wrapped Filet Mignon
- Jalapeno and Bacon Stuffed Peppers
- Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
- Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon
- Broccoli Salad with Bacon
- Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
- BLT Dip
- More Meal Prep Recipes
- More Breakfast Recipes
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These Homemade Bacon Bits are so much better than the store bought version and couldn't be easier. Use real bacon bits to top everything from scrambled eggs and casseroles to soups, salads, and more.
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