Elevate Your Bacon: 12 Creative Ways to Serve Candied Bacon

Candied bacon, with its magical combination of sweet and salty flavors, is a treat that begs to be savored. But what can you serve alongside these crispy, caramelized slices to make a complete meal? With the right sides and pairings, candied bacon becomes the star ingredient in breakfasts, lunches, dinners and even desserts.

This guide explores 12 creative ways to serve candied bacon From brunch plates to salad toppings, main dishes to beverages and beyond, these recipes maximize bacon’s versatility for memorable dining experiences

Classic Brunch Pairings

Candied bacon shines at breakfast and brunch alongside traditional offerings like French toast, pancakes and waffles. Consider these winning combinations

• Candied Bacon Waffles – Mix chopped candied bacon into waffle batter before cooking for a sweet and salty flavor right in every bite

• Candied Bacon Pancakes – Top fluffy pancakes with crumbled candied bacon and drizzle with maple syrup for a delightful sweet and savory combo.

• Bacon Maple French Toast – Dip sliced bread in an egg batter seasoned with cinnamon and maple syrup, then cook and top with chopped candied bacon for crunch.

• Bacon Egg Sandwiches – Tuck crispy candied bacon along with fried eggs and cheese between English muffins or biscuits for a hearty handheld breakfast.

• Bacon Avocado Toast – Pile whipped avocado, cherry tomato halves and crumbled candied bacon atop toasted bread for a fresh take on avocado toast.

• Bacon Omelets – Add crumbled candied bacon to egg omelets along with cheese, veggies or other fillings. The bacon adds a lovely sweetness and texture.

Salads: Candied Bacon As A Topper

Candied bacon make an amazing topper for all types of fresh salads. The sweetness and crunch complements creamy, crunchy, fruity or tangy ingredients.

• Spinach Salads – Top fresh spinach with candied bacon, sliced strawberries, pecans and tangy vinaigrette for a springtime flavor fest.

• Wedge Salads – Adorn crispy iceberg wedges with crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles and creamy blue cheese dressing.

• Apple Salads – Toss sliced apples, raisins, candied walnuts and bacon bits with lemon poppyseed dressing for a flavorful fall salad.

• Caesar Salad – Scatter crispy bacon bits over cool romaine lettuce with Parmesan cheese, croutons and creamy Caesar dressing.

• BLT Salad – Make an entire salad of bacon, lettuce and tomato pieces tossed in mayonnaise or buttermilk ranch dressing for an extra hearty version.

Main Dishes: Bacon As An Ingredient

Candied bacon can transform from garnish to star ingredient when used within delicious main dishes like these:

• Bacon Mac and Cheese – Stir crumbled candied bacon into cheesy macaroni along with herbs, spices, veggies or other mix-ins. The bacon adds fantastic texture.

• Bacon Meatloaf – Mix chopped bacon into meatloaf batter before baking for incredibly moist, flavorful results. Glaze the top with ketchup or barbecue sauce.

• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp – Wrap peeled shrimp in partially cooked bacon slices secured with toothpicks. Bake until bacon is crisp for a party-perfect appetizer.

• Bacon Topped Pizza – Sprinkle candied bacon chunks over pizza along with other favorite toppings. The sweetness balances the acidity of the sauce.

• Bacon Burgers – Top hefty beef burgers with cheese, lettuce, tomato and several slices of candied bacon for a fun flavor twist on a classic.

Appetizers: Bacon Bites

Candied bacon makes finger-licking good appetizers for parties and game day. Consider these fun ways to serve the bacon:

• Bacon Bites – Cut candied bacon into bite-size pieces. Skewer onto toothpicks or serve in mini muffin tins or paper cups for easy snacking.

• Bacon Deviled Eggs – Mix crumbled bacon into egg yolk filling before spooning into halved hard boiled eggs for a perfect party snack.

• Bacon Wrapped Dates – Wrap pitted dates with partially cooked bacon secured with toothpicks and bake until the bacon crisps up. The sweet and salty combo is addictive!

• Bacon Jalapeno Poppers – Stuff pickled jalapeños with cream cheese and candied bacon crumbles before baking or frying for spicy appetizers.

• Bacon & Cheese Balls – Combine shredded cheese, cream cheese, bacon and herbs. Chill, shape into balls, then roll in chopped bacon or nuts before serving.

Desserts: Sweet Bacon Creations

Believe it or not, candied bacon pairs fantastically with all sorts of sweet treats!

• Bacon Milkshakes – Add a few crumbles of candied bacon to chocolate, vanilla or coffee milkshakes for a surprisingly delicious combo.

• Bacon Brownies – Mix diced bacon into chocolate brownie batter before baking, then sprinkle more bacon on top. The saltiness curbs the sweetness.

• Bacon Ice Cream – Fold cooked, crumbled bacon into ice cream before freezing for irresistible flavors and crunch. Bacon caramel or maple flavors are especially good.

• Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies – Add bacon pieces into the cookie dough or sprinkle over the tops before baking. The bacon adds fantastic salty flavor.

• Bacon Maple Cupcakes – Top cupcakes with maple buttercream frosting and sprinkle candied bacon crumbs over the top for show-stopping sweets.

Drinks: Beverages To Pair With Bacon

Candied bacon deserves a properly paired beverage to bring out the best flavors. Consider these thirst-quenching options:

• Coffee or Espresso – The rich flavors and caffeine pair perfectly with candied bacon’s sweet and salty notes. Add a splash of whiskey for an adult twist.

• Bloody Mary – Rim the glass with candied bacon bits, use infused bacon vodka and add bacon salt or strips for garnish.

• Beer – Opt for maple or coffee-flavored brews or rich, hearty porters which stand up to bacon’s boldness.

• Bourbon – The smokiness and sweetness complements bacon’s flavors. Enjoy in cocktails or on the rocks.

• Cold Brew – The bitter, acidic notes of cold brew contrast the sweetness and fat of the bacon. Add milk, cream or syrups to taste.

• Iced Tea – Tart, refreshing iced tea provides the perfect palate cleanser between bites of candied bacon. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup.

With so many options for plates, bites, mains and drinks, candied bacon can be incorporated into all types of meals with incredible results. Its beloved sweet and salty flavor profile pairs wonderfully with breads, fruits, vegetables, cheeses and beverages alike. So go ahead, enjoy your bacon for breakfast, lunch dinner and everything in between!