How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits
Homemade bacon bits are super easy to make at home, and way better tasting than store-bought! You can enjoy these bacon crumbles atop salads, soups, wraps, and more! Read on to learn more about this recipe.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
✔ Just One Ingredient! – All you need is thick-cut bacon to make these flavorful, crispy crumbles. No extra ingredients, no fuss!
✔ So Much Better Than Store-Bought – Freshly made bacon bits are richer, crispier, and free from additives or preservatives.
✔ Versatile & Delicious – Sprinkle them on salads, soups, baked potatoes, eggs, and more for an instant flavor boost.
✔ Easy to Make in Batches – Cook once and store extras in the fridge or freezer for quick, ready-to-use bacon crumbles anytime!
Homemade Bacon Bits Recipe
I had a couple girl friends over a while back for dinner when the kids were gone. As part of the dinner I served wedge salad. My friend Laura and I recently shared one when out for lunch and we both had been craving wedge salads again so I told her I’d make it when she came over.
My other friend, Becca, commented that the bacon crumbles were cooked and crumbled perfectly for the salad. Honestly, before that I hadn’t thought twice about what I did or how I cooked my bacon pieces.
But it got me thinking maybe that making homemade bacon bits was a worthy tip to share. So, without further adieu I’m sharing how to make bacon bits (aka bacon crumbles) with you all today.
★★★★★
Reader Review
“Just tried your bacon bits recipe. This is great. I always hated to make homemade bacon bits. But not anymore. Thanks for your tip. Quick and easy. And tips on storing them.”—Anita
Bacon Bits Ingredients
Homemade bacon bits couldn’t be easier to make! This simple recipe requires just one ingredient—thick-cut bacon. Seriously, that’s it!
Want the full details? Scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card with exact measurements and step-by-step instructions to make your own crispy bacon crumbles.
Katie’s Tip: For the best flavor, choose nitrate-free bacon to avoid extra preservatives and chemicals. Check the ingredient label to ensure it’s free from additives—these options are usually clearly marked.
Step-by-Step Photos
This quick visual guide walks you through the best way to make bacon bits at home. Follow these step-by-step photos to see exactly how to slice, cook, and crisp up your bacon crumbles!
How to Make the BEST Bacon Bits
Making crispy bacon bits at home is easier than you think! With just one ingredient and a simple oven-baked method, you’ll have perfectly crumbled bacon for salads, soups, potatoes, and more. Here’s a quick overview:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Firm up the bacon by freezing it for 30 minutes (or thaw frozen bacon ⅔ of the way). This makes slicing easier.
- Stack & slice bacon into thin strips, then cut crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat, then add the bacon crumbles to separate any pieces.
- Bake for 20–30 minutes, stirring every 5–7 minutes, until crispy.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for pan-fried bacon bits. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Recipe Tips
- I recommend starting with partially frozen bacon or popping the bacon in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you start cutting the bacon. The bacon will be firmer and much easier to cut quickly and in uniform pieces.
- For the best bacon bits, try to cut the bacon as uniformly as possibly. This will allow for even cooking time across all of the bacon. I like to cut mine in about 1/2 inch dices.
- Note that you don’t need to add additional oil to the skillet before making the bacon crumbles. That’s because bacon is naturally quite fatty, and as it heats up in the skillet it’ll release all that fat, which in turn will prevent the bacon from sticking to the pan.
- Making bacon bits is a great way to touch up the seasoning on your cast iron pan. Read here for full details on how to season cast iron pans.
Easy Ways to Use Bacon Bits
These are the best bacon bits because they’re easy to make and can be used in all kinds of dishes! Here are a few simple ideas:
- add to scrambled eggs or omelets
- use as a topping when serving baked potatoes
- sauté fresh vegetables and toss with bacon bits
- stir into homemade mac and cheese
- add bacon pieces to fresh salads
- use as a pizza topping
Bacon Bits FAQs
Got questions about how to make homemade bacon crumbles? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.
How long will bacon bits last?
If you aren’t able to use all of the bacon immediately, or you’re a fan of planning ahead with meal prep tasks, homemade bacon bits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
I also like making a big batch and keeping them on hand in the freezer. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I use turkey bacon?
Most likely, yes. I just recommend purchasing thick-cut bacon, if possible. Keep an eye on your turkey bacon bits and stir frequently once it’s in the oven so that the bacon crumbles don’t burn.
Can I freeze bacon bits?
Yes, you can freeze homemade bacon bits! I like to store mine in a zip top freezer bag labeled with the contents and date. To use frozen bacon bits, you’ll need to let the bacon bits thaw in the fridge before using them.
Try Making Bacon Bits at Home!
Next time you need crispy bacon crumbles for a recipe, skip the store-bought version and make your own!
Did you think they were so much better than packaged bacon pieces? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts—your review helps others decide if they should give this easy recipe a try, and it makes my day!
On Instagram? I’d love to see what you made with them! Tag me @goodlifeeats and use #goodlifeeatsrecipes so I can check it out!
Easy Recipes Using Homemade Bacon Bits
Looking for more ways to use your homemade bacon bits? Try these delicious recipes that highlight their crispy, savory flavor:
- Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese – This ultra-creamy mac and cheese gets a kick from jalapeños and a savory crunch from crispy bits of bacon.
- Caramelized Onion Bacon Dip with Blue Cheese – A bold and creamy appetizer featuring caramelized onions, tangy blue cheese, and plenty of crumbled bacon for extra richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic – A simple yet flavorful side dish where caramelized Brussels sprouts meet crispy bacon crumbles and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Broccoli Cheese Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes – Stuffed with a rich, cheesy broccoli mixture and topped with homemade bacon bits, these potatoes are the ultimate comfort food.
- Cranberry Bacon Green Beans – A sweet and savory twist on green beans, with tart cranberries and crunchy bacon pieces making this a perfect holiday side dish.
- Southwest Protein Breakfast Bowls – A hearty breakfast bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Want even more ideas? Browse my Bacon Recipe Collection for more delicious ways to cook with bacon!
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Have you ever made homemade bacon bits?
Homemade Bacon Bits
All you need is thick-cut bacon to make the crispiest, most flavorful bacon crumbles—way better than store-bought! Just slice, bake, and stir until golden and crunchy. Perfect for salads, soups, potatoes, and more. Make a big batch and store extras in the fridge or freezer so you always have some on hand!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Thick Cut Bacon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- If the bacon is frozen, thaw it about 2/3 of the way.
- If it isn’t frozen, pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Either way, the bacon should be very cold and a little firmer than straight out of the refrigerator, but you don’t necessarily want it icy. This will make the bacon easier to cut.
- Stack the bacon strips directly on top of one another in piles that are thin enough that your knife can cut through.
- Slice the strips in half lengthwise so they are thinner. Then, cut horizontally into chunks (remember they will shrink down when they cook).
- Place the cut bits into a cast iron pan.
- Cook for just a couple of minutes over medium high heat on the stove to heat the pan and separate any chunks of bacon.
- Transfer the cast iron pan to the oven and bake at 425 degrees F for 25 – 30 minutes.
- Check every 5-7 minutes or so and give the pan a stir.
- Drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Easier Cutting Tip: For quick, even slices, freeze the bacon for 30 minutes before cutting—it’ll be firmer and easier to dice.
- Uniform Pieces = Even Cooking: Aim for ½-inch dice to ensure crispy, evenly cooked bacon bits.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1/8 lb.Amount Per Serving: Calories: 265Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 955mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 19g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
David Haag says
I am a 73 old widower. Connie passed away 3 years ago. I am learning, thanks to those that share, how to feed myself. I never cared much for store-bought Bacon Bits. Since I am male, I opted for your simple solution. However, I was a little concerned about the foam that formed about the 18-minute mark. Then I realized more bacon grease for me. The time between stirring the bacon was well spent, knife sharping, seasoning cutting boards, and general cleanup. Thank you for a well-spent kitchen event. The bacon bits are a welcome tasty treat.
I do not do Instagram, so no photos, sorry.
Katie says
Hi David, I am so glad that this was helpful for you! Thanks for taking the time to let me know about your experience. Best of luck in the kitchen!
Anita says
Just tried your bacon bits recipe. This is great. I always hated to make homemade bacon bits. But not anymore. Thanks for your tip. Quick and easy. And tips on storing them
Katie says
You’re welcome! I’m glad it was helpful!
Allison says
Yes, a very worthy tip to share! What a great idea. Totally trying this for lunch today!