Bacon ends and pieces are an economical way to enjoy the smoky, salty flavor of bacon without spending a fortune. These irregularly shaped bits of pork belly offer the same great taste as bacon slices, at nearly half the price
While you can cook up bacon ends on their own, getting creative with them unlocks even more possibilities. From soups and salads to burgers and baked goods, bacon ends shine when incorporated into recipes.
Keep reading for 15 savory and sweet ways to put bacon ends and pieces to delicious use.
What Are Bacon Ends and Pieces?
Bacon ends and pieces contain the same pork belly meat as regular sliced bacon. They are simply the irregular shaped leftovers from slicing production. Rather than go to waste, the small, chunky bits are packaged up and sold at a discount.
A typical 16-ounce package costs around $4-5, while an equivalent amount of sliced bacon may run $8-10. For a smoky, savory flavor boost on the cheap, bacon ends can’t be beat!
How to Cook Bacon Ends
Cooking bacon ends takes a bit more finesse than slices. The irregular shapes mean the meat cooks unevenly. Follow these tips for perfectly done bacon ends every time:
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Cut pieces into uniform 1⁄2-inch chunks before cooking.
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Use a heavy pan like cast iron or stainless steel.
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Cook over medium-high heat stirring frequently.
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Once fat renders, reduce heat to low to finish cooking.
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Drain on paper towels before using.
Now let’s get cooking! Here are 15 tasty ways to put pre-cooked bacon ends to work:
1. Loaded Baked Potatoes
Chunks of bacon ends provide the perfect smoky, salty topper for a stuffed baked potato. Combine with cheddar, sour cream, scallions and butter for a fully loaded spud.
2. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts
Caramelized Brussels sprouts get an extra punch of flavor from small bacon pieces sautéed in the pan first. The crispy bits cling nicely to the sprouts.
3. Bacon Cheese Ball
A bacon cheese ball gets flecks of bacon flavor in every bite. Fold diced bacon into the creamy cheese mixture before chilling and rolling in chopped pecans.
4. Cobb Salad Topper
Crisp bacon ends lend the right salty crunch when topping a Cobb salad full of chicken, egg, tomato and avocado. Sprinkle them over the greens or use them to garnish.
5. Bacon Vinaigrette
Infuse olive oil with bacon flavor for an easy salad dressing. Sauté ends briefly in oil, then blend in vinegar, mustard, garlic and herbs. Drizzle over fresh greens.
6. Bacon and Corn Chowder
For a rich, smoky soup, sauté bacon ends first when making corn chowder. The meaty flavor perfectly complements sweet corn and potatoes.
7. Bacon Jam
Caramelized onions and bacon ends cooked in brown sugar and spices create a sweet and savory bacon jam. Spread on burgers or sandwiches for a flavor boost.
8. Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
Mixing crumbled blue cheese with bacon ends creates an appetizer filling with tang and crunch. Stuff into baked button mushroom caps for a party pleaser.
9. Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Bacon ends add hearty texture and flavor sprinkled over cool pasta salads. Use thinly sliced onions, peas and shredded cheddar for a ranch style version.
10. Bacon Wrapped Anything
Wrapping shrimp, chicken, meatloaf or other foods in thinly sliced bacon ends seals in moisture and adds a smoky accent. The irregular shapes wrap easily.
11. Bacon Drop Biscuits
Studding buttermilk biscuit dough with bacon ends before baking adds pockets of salty pork flavor. The bacon juices seep into the surrounding dough too.
12. Bacon Meatloaf
Adding a couple handfuls of diced bacon ends to ground beef enriches the flavor of meatloaf. Spread ketchup mixed with brown sugar atop the loaf for sweet and savory glaze.
13. Bacon and Corn Frittata
Bacon ends cooked into an egg frittata lend great texture and pork flavor. Combine with corn, cheese and scallions for a hearty breakfast.
14. Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
For an indulgent treat, fold chopped bacon ends into chocolate chip cookie dough. The salty smokiness plays off the sweet dough and chocolate beautifully.
15. Candied Bacon Ends
Coating irregular bacon ends in a maple syrup glaze and baking results in candied bacon bit treasures. Sprinkle over ice cream, cupcakes or anything!
Get Creative with Bacon Ends
With their concentrated porkiness and value price, bacon ends deserve a place in every cook’s kitchen. Beyond just breakfast, incorporating them into sweet and savory dishes adds texture, richness and smoky depth.
Start with these 15 recipes, then get creative dreaming up your own ways to use bacon ends and pieces! With their versatility and flavor, the possibilities are practically endless.
Dress up your keto salads with these keto salad dressings!
If you want to buy tasty salad dressing, many of them are full of carbs, extra sugar, or ingredients we can’t pronounce. Still, we looked into it some and came up with a few keto salad dressing ideas that will make your salads, vegetables, meats, and other foods taste better!
If you’re wondering what salad dressing is keto, we have several recommendations for you. A lot of my coworkers told me about their favorite low-carb salad dressings, so we made a list for you to use the next time you’re in the store!
Classic and creamy, this Green Goddess Dressing is flavored with organic herbs and spices like tarragon, black pepper, garlic cloves, chives, and parsley. It’s perfectly designed for drizzling over grilled chicken or shrimp, fresh veggies, and greens. Of the keto-friendly salad dressings on the list, this one is my coworker Rachel’s top pick!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 12g of fat, 1g of carbs, 0g of sugar, 0g of fiber, 0g of protein, and 1g of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Some of the things that go into making this sauce are water, organic apple cider vinegar, organic Dijon mustard (which is made from organic apple cider vinegar, water, organic mustard seed, sea salt, and organic spices), organic coconut amino acids (which are made from organic coconut sap and sea salt), organic distilled vinegar, organic eggs, organic lemon juice concentrate, organic black pepper, organic garlic, organic chives, tarragon, parsley, rosemary extract, and organic rosemary.
Is ranch dressing keto-friendly? It can be! This low-carb ranch dressing is the holy grail of dressings! Made with 100% pure avocado oil, it contains only the finest primal ingredients. There is absolutely no dairy, buttermilk, gluten, soy, canola, or refined sugar in sight! Enjoy it on your salads, as a dip with fresh veggies, or on grilled meats. The recipe recently changed to be a bit thicker, but it’s still one of the top keto salad dressings in our book!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. ): 110 calories, 12 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of protein, and 2 grams of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Water, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Egg Yolk, Potato Starch, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Mushroom Extract, Organic Lemon Juice Concentrate, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Garlic Powder, Nutritional Yeast (Inactive Dried Yeast, Riboflavin [Vitamin B2]), Salt, Organic Dried Parsley, Organic Dried Chives, Organic Dried Dill, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Rosemary Extract
This fresh, tangy Lemon Garlic Dressing and Marinade turns fresh greens and lettuce into lush, mouthwatering salads. It also pairs well with fresh vegetables or on meats, like chicken and fish. The simple and clean ingredients make this low-carb salad dressing a winner!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. (100 calories, 11 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs)
Ingredients:
Avocado Oil, Filtered Water, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Xanthan Gum, Celery Seed Extract, Turmeric.
This Garlic Gold Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette is a delicious keto-friendly salad dressing for any vinaigrette and garlic lover. Plus, it’s a great choice for people who have trouble tolerating vinegar as it is vinegar-free! This zippy dressing tastes delish on seafood salads or makes a great marinade for fish, chicken, and veggies.
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 11g of fat, 2g of carbs, 1g of sugar, 0g of fiber, 0g of protein, and 2g of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Organic Meyer Lemon Juice, Organic Garlic Gold Nuggets (garlic), Sea Salt, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Spice Blend, and Organic Italian Seasoning Blend are all things that are used to make Organic Garlic Gold Oil.
If you thought you couldn’t enjoy a summery fruit dressing on a keto diet, think again! Hip2Keto’s Rachel is a huge fan of Skinny Girl dressings and they make a delicious Raspberry Vinaigrette that’s sugar-free and low carb!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. (5.0 calories, 0.0 g fat, 1.0 g carbs, 0.0 g sugar, 0.0 g fiber, 0.0 g protein, and 1.0 g net carbs)
Ingredients:
Fruit juice concentrates (apple, pear, lemon, grape, raspberry, elderberry), distilled vinegar, dried red bell pepper, citric acid, dried onion, xanthan gum, dried garlic, fruit juice (for color), natural flavor, potassium sorbate and calcium disodium EDTA, and sucralose are some of the things that are in cider vinegar.
*Note that due to the sucralose in this dressing, this condiment is considered dirty keto.
This keto-friendly Caesar is made with 100% avocado oil and contains an ample supply of real food ingredients. Dive into the classic Caesar taste you know and love, while enjoying organic herb and spice ingredients like roasted garlic, black pepper, coconut aminos, and nutritional yeast.
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 12g of fat, 2g of carbs, 0g of sugar, 0g of fiber, 0g of protein, and 2g of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Some of the things that go into this recipe are water, organic apple cider vinegar, egg yolk, potato starch, organic distilled vinegar, garlic puree, mushroom extract, sea salt, organic black pepper, nutritional yeast (inactive dried yeast, riboflavin [vitamin B2]), organic lemon juice concentrate, organic garlic powder, tamarind seed gum, salt, and organic rosemary extract.
Filled with a light and fresh, citrusy flavor, this Italian Vinaigrette & Marinade is one of the keto salad dressings you don’t want to miss. It makes an ideal marinade for meat and fish and is also perfect for pairing with fresh veggies and salads. Yum!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 110 calories, 12 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Organic Onion Powder, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Dried Basil, Organic Dried Oregano, Organic Dried Konjac Root, Organic Dried Crushed Red Chile Pepper, and Organic Dried Thyme. There is also organic lemon juice concentrate and organic red wine vinegar.
This zesty sauce and salad dressing is similar to a chimichurri sauce but with a ton more flavor and much healthier. There is no water added, so each drop is packed with flavor! It’s perfect for dressing salads, cooking amazing meals, or simply adding on top of your favorite low-carb foods. At only 1 net carb per serving, it’s the perfect keto-friendly salad dressing!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 10 calories, 1 gram of fat, 1 gram of carbs, 0 gram of sugar, 0 gram of fiber, 0 gram of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Apple Cider Vinegar, Cilantro, Olive Oil, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic, Sea Salt, Spices, Mustard, and Turmeric.
If you’re a sucker for Poppyseed dressing, we have good news! Skinny Girl dressings, a favorite brand of Hip2Keto’s Rachel, makes a sugar-free and low carb Poppyseed salad dressing that is sure to hit the spot!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. 10 calories, 0 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fiber, 0 grams of protein, and 2 grams of net carbs.
Ingredients:
Salt, Poppy Seeds, Cellulose Gel, Dried Onion, Mustard Flour, Xanthan Gum, Sucralose, Titanium Dioxide, Potassium Sorbate, and Calcium Disodium EDTA. Plus cider vinegar and lemon juice concentrate.
*Note that due to the maltodextrin in this dressing, this condiment is considered dirty keto.
Hip2Save’s Amber likes to get creative with her salads! She uses G. Hughes Sugar-Free Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce as a low carb salad dressing. She says the consistency is thin, but the flavor is full!
Many Hip2Keto team members love the line of keto-friendly G. Hughes Sugar-Free Dipping Sauces and Dressings. If dipping sauce isn’t your style, the brand also makes a low carb Honey Dijon Dressing that is worth checking out!
- Nutrition (Serving Size 2 Tbsp. (20 calories, 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, 0 grams of sugar, 0 grams of fiber, 0 grams of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs)
Ingredients:
Brown mustard is made from strained vinegar, mustard seeds, salt, spices, and turmeric. It also contains canola oil, modified corn starch, vinegar, yellow mustard made from strained vinegar, mustard seeds, salt, turmeric, and spices. It also contains enzyme-modified egg yolks, spices, xanthan gum, natural flavor, and sucralose.
*Note that due to the sucralose in this dressing, this condiment is considered dirty keto.
It’s not a store-bought keto salad dressing that makes one of the best ways to top a salad. Simply mash and mix an avocado into your greens. Not only does it provide a source of moisture and healthy fat, but it tastes absolutely delicious!.
- 109 calories, 10 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, less than 1 gram of sugar, 5 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs for a half avocado.
Lemons have a lot of vitamin C and make a great keto salad dressing. Just squeeze the fresh lemon juice over your greens and toss! If you’re making a salad with parmesan cheese, you should definitely try lemon. The two flavors together are perfection!.
- 3 calories, 0 grams of fat, 1 gram of carbs, <1 gram of sugar, <1 gram of fiber, <1 gram of protein, and 1 gram of net carbs per tablespoon.
How to make Bacon Burnt Ends | Jess Pryles
FAQ
What are bacon ends good for?
What are sliced bacon ends?
How to render bacon ends?
What to do with bacon ends?
1. Bacon Bits: One of the easiest ways to use up bacon ends is to turn them into crispy bacon bits. Simply mince and cook them slowly until they are very crisp. Save the fat for cooking and sprinkle the crispy bits on salads, veggies, potatoes, or even popcorn. 2. Breakfast Burritos: Bacon ends make a great addition to breakfast burritos.
What can you do with bacon?
Simply chop the bacon into small pieces and cook them in a pan until crispy. Use them to top salads, soups, baked potatoes, or even as a garnish for cocktails. 2. Bacon Wrapped Appetizers: Bacon ends and pieces are perfect for wrapping around bite-sized appetizers like dates, jalapeño poppers, or shrimp.
Can you use bacon ends in a sandwich?
Bacon ends can be used in sandwiches as a flavorful substitute for regular bacon. Simply cook the bacon ends in a skillet until crispy, then use them in your favorite sandwich recipe. Bacon ends are quite fatty, which makes them perfect for rendering. To render the fat, cook the bacon ends in a skillet over low heat until the fat has liquefied.
Can you use bacon ends in soup?
Here are some tips for using bacon ends in your favorite soup or stew recipe: 1. Potato Soup: Bacon adds a delicious flavor to creamy potato soup. Simply cook the bacon ends until crispy, remove from the pot, and use the rendered fat to sauté onions, carrots, and celery.