How to Puree Bacon – A Step-by-Step Guide

Bacon is a breakfast staple loved for its smoky, salty, umami flavor. But for those with chewing or swallowing difficulties, enjoying crispy bacon can be challenging or even dangerous. Pureeing bacon is an easy solution that makes it smooth, safe and scrumptious.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about pureeing bacon, from choosing the right type of bacon to blending methods and recipe ideas. We’ll share tips to maximize flavor and texture in your homemade bacon puree. Read on to learn the ins and outs of pureeing bacon!

Why Puree Bacon?

There are several excellent reasons to puree bacon

• Makes it easier to chew and swallow for those with dysphagia or chewing difficulties. Minced and pureed meats can help prevent choking.

• Adds concentrated bacon flavor to enhace soups, dips, eggs, potatoes and more.

• Allows you to still enjoy the taste of bacon if you have dietary restrictions.

• Utilizes leftovers and reduces food waste.

• Can be used as a shortcut ingredient for quick cooking and baking,

No matter your reason for wanting to puree bacon, this guide will provide all the details you need for success.

Choosing the Right Bacon

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to pureeing. Here are tips for picking the best bacon for pureeing:

• Go thick-cut: Thicker slices of bacon puree more smoothly than thin, brittle slices.

• Choose smoky, cured bacon: The flavor really comes through in the puree. Avoid flavored bacons.

• Select quality bacon: Opt for bacon without a lot of white fat streaks for the best consistency.

• Consider fully-cooked bacon: This skips the pre-cooking step. Just make sure it’s not too crispy.

• Watch sodium content: Check the label if on a low-sodium diet.

Test out a few different bacon brands to see what purees best for your needs.

How to Puree Bacon

Follow these simple steps for pureeing bacon:

1. Cook the Bacon

• If using regular sliced bacon, cook until slightly underdone and still pliable.

• If using pre-cooked bacon, simply rough chop it.

• Let the cooked bacon cool slightly before pureeing.

2. Rough Chop

• Chop the cooked bacon into quarter inch pieces for easier pureeing.

3. Add to Blender

• Add the chopped bacon to your blender or food processor.

• For 1 cup of chopped bacon, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to help it blend smoothly.

4. Puree

• Puree on high speed until completely smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.

• Add more liquid if needed to reach the desired consistency.

• Puree in batches if needed to avoid overflow.

5. Season and Store

• Season puree to taste with salt, pepper, spices or herbs.

• Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

And that’s it – you now have homemade bacon puree ready to use in all sorts of recipes!

Tips for Smooth, Flavorful Bacon Puree

Follow these tips for the best results when pureeing bacon:

• Partially freeze bacon before pureeing for a smoother consistency.

• Remove excess fat for easier pureeing – leave just enough for flavor.

• Choose flavorful liquids like chicken broth instead of water to boost taste.

• Add spices and herbs like onion, garlic, paprika or parsley.

• Crumble crispy bacon on top as garnish for bonus crunch.

• Puree in a high-powered blender for the smoothest consistency.

• Sieve the puree to remove any remaining bits.

How to Use Bacon Puree

Bacon puree is endlessly versatile! Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Fold into scrambled eggs, omelets or frittatas

• Swirl into mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes or cauliflower

• Use as a topping for soups like loaded potato or baked potato

• Mix into dips like bacon artichoke or beer cheese

• Spread on sandwiches or wraps

• Stir into risottos, pastas and casseroles

• Add to bread or biscuit dough

• Make unique flavors like maple bacon or bacon jam

• Top baked potatoes, mac and cheese or chili

• Fill savory crepes or pancakes

Let your imagination run wild coming up with new ways to use bacon puree in your favorite recipes! It adds a pop of smoky flavor to both savory and sweet dishes.

Storing and Freezing Bacon Puree

Refrigerating: Store homemade bacon puree in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing: Bacon puree can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating: Gently reheat puree in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through before adding to recipes.

Common Bacon Puree FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about pureeing bacon:

Can you puree bacon in a blender? Yes, a regular blender or food processor works great for pureeing bacon.

Do you have to cook bacon before pureeing? It’s best to partially cook regular sliced bacon before pureeing to soften it up. Pre-cooked bacon can just be chopped and pureed.

How long does pureed bacon last? About 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.

Can you freeze pureed bacon? Yes, bacon puree freezes well for several months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight before using.

What consistency should bacon puree be? Aim for a smooth, pudding-like consistency. Thin with broth if needed.

Get Creative with Bacon Puree!

Homemade bacon puree is easy to make and opens up so many possibilities for adding bacon flavor to recipes without the texture issues. Now that you know the ins and outs of how to puree bacon, it’s time to get cooking!

Try it folded into breakfast dishes like eggs and pancakes, mixed into creamy dips and sides, or on top of soups and baked potatoes. The uses are endless. Bacon puree allows you to still enjoy the smoky bacon flavors you love in a safe, smooth texture.

So grab some thick cut bacon, fire up your blender, and start experimenting with new and exciting ways to savor the taste of bacon in puree form. Your tastebuds will thank you!