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.
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.
Bacon Bits Ingredients
Homemade bacon bits couldn’t be easier to make! For this simple recipe, all you need is thick-cut bacon. Seriously, that’s it!
If you want to avoid any extra chemicals in your bacon crumbles, choose nitrate-free bacon. Read the ingredients list before buying the bacon to make sure it’s free of nasty chemicals and preservatives (these types of bacon are usually clearly labeled).
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make your own bacon crumbles, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
How to Make the BEST Bacon Bits
- 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 20 – 30 minutes. Check every 5-7 minutes or so and give the pan a stir.
- Drain on paper towels.
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.
Tips for Making Bacon Bits
- 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.
How to Store Bacon Bits
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 love to cook a whole pack of bacon at a time this way and have homemade bacon bits on hand in the fridge for sprinkling on salads, in omelets, or for use in Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipes.
Easy Ways to Use Bacon Crumbles
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
I definitely recommend making a big batch and keeping them on hand in the freezer to add to some of your favorite side dishes!
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.
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 these Bacon Crumbles at Home!
Next time you’re making a recipe that calls for bacon pieces, give this recipe for homemade bacon bits a try!
Did you think they were the best bacon bits and so much better than store-bought bacon bits? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this versatile topping!
On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see what you made with them!
★★★★★
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.”
Easy Bacon Recipes:
Looking for some new bacon recipes to try? Check out a few of these:
Garlic Bacon Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Mushrooms make a great Thanksgiving side dish, loaded with flavor, and a lot more fresh tasting than the traditional green bean casserole.
Breakfast Bowls like these Southwest Protein Breakfast Bowls with Sweet Potato and Black Beans are a great way to enjoy a quick protein-packed, creative meal at home on busy weekday mornings.
Caramelized Onion Bacon Blue Cheese Dip is a revamped and homemade version of the classic onion dip. This dip has tons of flavor thanks to the addition of blue cheese and plenty of crumbled bacon.
Chopped lettuce, heirloom baby tomatoes, plenty of bacon, bleu cheese, and cubes of toasted bread make up this Bleu Cheese BLT Salad, a fun take on a classic BLT.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor – caramelized, roasted brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.
Butternut Squash Sage Bacon Mac n Cheese features penne covered in a creamy, rich sauce of pureed butternut squash, parmesan and sharp white cheddar with bacon and fresh sage.
This Easy Loaded Baked Potato Soup is like your favorite loaded baked potato in soup form – sour cream, cheese, green onions, homemade bacon bits, and broccoli.
Next time you’re craving comfort food, try these Broccoli Cheese Loaded Twice Baked Potatoes. They’re loaded up with plenty of broccoli, cheese, and – everyone’s favorite – bacon!
Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.
Get More Recipes via Email
Did you love this recipe for the best bacon bits? Sign up to receive Good Life Eats Email Updates and never miss another recipe!
Have you ever made homemade bacon bits?
Homemade Bacon Bits
Perfect Homemade Bacon Bits are super easy to make at home, and way better tasting than store-bought!
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
HOMEMADE BACON BITS TIPS
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.
HOW TO STORE BACON BITS
Homemade bacon bits can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. I love to cook a whole pack of bacon at a time this way and have homemade bacon bits on hand in the fridge for sprinkling on salads, in omelets, or for use in Mac ‘n’ Cheese recipes.
CAN I FREEZE BACON BITS?
Yes, you can freeze homemade bacon bits in an airtight container. You’ll need to let the bacon bits thaw in the fridge before using them.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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!