Want to know how to make easy Homemade Bacon Bits? Well, I'm calling all bacon lovers to get ready to elevate your keto and low-carb lifestyle with these easy-to-make bacon crumbles! Toss those store-bought vegetable protein imposters aside; these crispy bacon bits are gluten-free and 100% authentic bacon goodness. This is where real bacon meets real flavor—no carbs attached.
Picture your kitchen filled with the sizzle of thick-cut bacon cooking to crispy perfection in a skillet. These homemade bacon bits are not just a topping; they're a game-changer for salads, soups, and snacks. Let's dive into this delicious recipe and learn how to make bacon bits together!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free and Dairy Free
Table of Contents
6 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Looking for reasons to love these homemade bacon bits? Here are six:
- Perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation.
- Adds delicious flavor to salads and soups.
- Gluten-free and dairy-free option.
- Ideal for meal prepping and snacking.
- Can be cooked either on the range or in the oven.
Are Homemade Bacon Bits Low-Carb?
Yes, homemade bacon bits are low-carb. You'll be amazed to know that each tablespoon of these homemade bacon bits contains less than 1g of net carbs per serving. This makes them an excellent choice for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
Also, if you want to dig into the details of "Is Bacon Low Carb?", the article put up by the certified nutritionist at I'd Rather Be A Chef is going to help you!
Enjoy the crispy, savory goodness without worrying about the carb count!
Why Choose Homemade Bacon Crumbles Over Store-Bought?
Homemade bacon crumbles are a game-changer for bacon lovers who crave quality and flavor, offering a fresh, natural alternative to generic store-bought versions. Here are the reasons why I love making homemade bacon bits:
- Real bacon bits: Unlike many store-bought options made from vegetable protein, you get 100% real actual bacon with no artificial ingredients.
- Gluten-free: Ideal for those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable sizes: Chop each slice of bacon to your preferred size. Love bacon croutons? Chop the strips of bacon really thick!
- Lower chemical factor: Choose your own bacon without sodium nitrite or sodium nitrate.
- Customizable flavors: Add any additional spices or flavors you'd like.
- Extended shelf life: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for an extended period.
Homemade Bacon Bits Ingredient List
You'll need the following ingredients for this bacon bits recipe:
- 1 pound thick-cut quality bacon (no added sugar for a keto-friendly option)
- Optional: ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- Optional: ¼ tablespoon garlic powder
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing an ingredient for your homemade bacon bits? No worries—here are some keto-friendly substitutions you can try:
- Smoked paprika: If you don't have smoked paprika, regular or Hungarian paprika will work just fine.
- Garlic powder: Substitute garlic powder with onion powder for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor twist.
Additional Ingredients
Looking to add extra flavor to your healthy bacon? Here are some keto-friendly ingredients that pair perfectly with the main ingredients:
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne: Add a kick of spice by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Dried herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary): Incorporate dried herbs like sage, thyme, or rosemary for a delightful earthy flavor.
- Cumin or curry powder: For a bold flavor profile, try adding cumin or curry powder to infuse the bacon with rich and aromatic spices.
Note: These additional ingredients are completely optional, and are not included in the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following cooking tools:
- Skillet or frying pan (for skillet method)
- Baking sheet (for baking method)
- Bowl for rendered fat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Colander or sieve
- Bowl
How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method: Option 1
Frying
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Place your skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to heat up before adding the bacon; it should sizzle upon contact.
- While the pan heats, cut the thick-cut bacon into strips or batons of about ¼-inch.
Cooking Instructions
- Add the raw bacon pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Monitor the fat that renders out. Once it begins to release, reduce the heat to allow the bacon to become crispy at a lower temperature.
- Continue cooking the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the bacon's thickness and the starting temperature.
- Use a colander or sieve over a bowl to drain off the bacon fat. Return any chunks of bacon pieces from the sieve back to the pan.
- If using, mix in the smoked paprika and garlic powder during the last minute or two of cooking for an added flavor boost. If the seasoning sticks to the pan, deglaze with a little water carefully.
Step 1: Slice the bacon into batons. Lots of surface area!
Step 2: Cook the bacon batons (bits) over high heat to start.
Step 3: When the fat begins to render, reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Cook until the bacon fat is rendered and starts to brown.
Step 5: Drain off the rendered bacon fat into a bowl.
Step 6: Add in the spices to give the bacon bits amazing flavor.
Step 7: Deglaze the pan with a touch of water for full effect.
Step 8: Process the bacon batons into bacon bits or crumbles.
Cooking Method: Option 2
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature before the bacon goes in.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bacon from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the raw bacon into the desired size. The size depends on your preference for the final result.
- Mix with the spices (if using) before baking.
Cooking Instructions
- Lay the bacon slices or pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spread out evenly and not overlapping, for consistent cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bacon for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness.
- Once crispy, use tongs to transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess fat. This helps achieve the perfect crispiness without being too greasy.
- Allow to cool slightly before chopping the bacon into crumbles. Cooling makes it easier to handle and chop without crumbling excessively.
💡 My Pro Tip
There's a big difference between homemade bacon bits and store-bought versions. Most store-bought bacon bits are made from textured soy protein with added bacon flavoring, containing various nasty chemicals, color additives, preservatives, and starches. Making them at home gives you better control over the ingredients going into your body. Opt for nitrate and nitrate-free bacon without added sugar, and choose antibiotic-free pork for the highest quality homemade bacon crumbles.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use kitchen shears to pre-cut bacon into batons efficiently and clean up easily.
- Save clean-up time by lining your baking sheet with parchment paper if you're following the baking method.
- Prevent scorching by placing the baking sheet on the middle rack when cooking in the oven.
- Using a splatter guard to minimize cleanup from bacon grease splatters when cooking in a pan.
What to Make with Homemade Bacon Bits?
Homemade bacon bits are a versatile addition to various dishes. Here are some creative ideas:
- Loaded Cauliflower Bake: Add crispy bacon crumbles to your loaded cauliflower bake for a savory crunch. The creamy cauliflower, melted cheese, and bacon create a comforting, low-carb dish.
- Brussels Sprouts Hash with Bacon: Enhance Brussels sprouts hash with crispy bacon bits for a delicious twist. Caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon make a satisfying keto-friendly side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Upgrade roasted Brussels sprouts with crunchy bacon bits for added depth of flavor. The smoky bacon complements caramelized Brussels sprouts beautifully.
- Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole: Elevate cheesy Brussels sprouts casserole with a tablespoon of bacon bits for a delightful texture contrast. Enjoy each cheesy bite combined with savory bacon.
- Sautéed Cabbage Side Dish with Bacon & Apples: Use chopped bacon in salad for a flavorful touch. Sweet apples, savory bacon, and tender cabbage create a satisfying low-carb dish.
- Cheesy Bacon Egg Frittata with Broccoli: Boost your cheesy bacon egg frittata with extra flavor and protein from bacon crumbles. This hearty frittata featuring cheese, bacon, and broccoli is perfect for a satisfying keto breakfast.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage Tips:
Here are a few tips on how to store homemade bacon crumbles:
- Store these delectable bacon bits in an airtight container in the fridge— they'll stay crisp and delicious for up to a week to ten days.
Freezing Tips:
- Yes, you can freeze them! Store extras in a zip-top bag, remove air, and freeze. Frozen bacon keeps well for up to three months.
- Remember, avoid room temperature storage to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage.
Reheating Tips:
- For reheating, use a pan on the stove over medium heat until heated through to about 160°F (70°C).
- Alternatively, microwave on high until heated through, or serve at room temperature. Avoid reheating in the oven, as it can ruin the texture.
Note: Storing homemade bacon bits at room temperature is not recommended due to the risk of bacterial growth.
Recipe Conclusion
Homemade Bacon Bits are the kitchen superstars — adding delicious flavor and crunch to your favorite dishes. Whether you sprinkle them over salads, mix them into casseroles, or simply enjoy them by the handful (no judgment here!), these bacon bits steal the spotlight. Once you've tried homemade bacon bits, you won't go back to artificial store-bought versions!
Incorporate these crispy bacon bits into your cooking routine and make your meals extra tasty. Don't wait—grab that skillet, slice up some bacon, and enjoy making your own bacon bits. Your meals will be even more delicious! Remember, cooking with love always makes a difference. Let's keep enjoying homemade bacon bits in our meals — it's all about good food and good company. So, what are you waiting for? Let's cook up some bacon magic! Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
More Bacon Bits Recipes
If you love to add crispy bacon pieces to your meals, here are a few more options:
FAQs
Bacon crumble is small, crispy pieces of cooked bacon often used as a topping for dishes.
Making bacon bits is very easy. The best method is to cook thick-cut bacon until crispy and then cut the strips into pieces.
Bacon bits are cooked when they are golden brown and crispy.
Yes, dried bacon bits can go bad over time, so it's best to use them within their recommended shelf life.
The calories in bacon bits vary based on preparation and bacon type. Typically, a tablespoon of real cooked bacon crumbles contains around 42 calories, while store-bought or simulated bacon crumbles range from 25-30 calories per tablespoon.
Homemade Bacon Bits
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut quality bacon no added sugar for a keto-friendly option
- Optional: ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
- Optional: ¼ tablespoon garlic powder
Instructions
Cooking Method: Option 1
- Frying
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Place your skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to heat up before adding the bacon; it should sizzle upon contact.
- While the pan heats, cut the thick-cut bacon into strips or batons of about ¼-inch.
Cooking Instructions
- Add the raw bacon pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Monitor the fat that renders out. Once it begins to release, reduce the heat to allow the bacon to become crispy at a lower temperature.
- Continue cooking the bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispiness, approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on the bacon's thickness and the starting temperature.
- Use a colander or sieve over a bowl to drain off the bacon fat. Return any chunks of bacon pieces from the sieve back to the pan.
- If using, mix in the smoked paprika and garlic powder during the last minute or two of cooking for an added flavor boost. If the seasoning sticks to the pan, deglaze with a little water carefully.
Cooking Method: Option 2
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's at the right temperature before the bacon goes in.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the bacon from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the raw bacon into the desired size. The size depends on your preference for the final result.
- Mix with the spices (if using) before baking.
Cooking Instructions
- Lay the bacon slices or pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spread out evenly and not overlapping, for consistent cooking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the bacon for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness.
- Once crispy, use tongs to transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain excess fat. This helps achieve the perfect crispiness without being too greasy.
- Allow to cool slightly before chopping the bacon into crumbles. Cooling makes it easier to handle and chop without crumbling excessively.
Notes
- Bacon Bits: Store the bacon crumbles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For more extended storage, you can freeze them in a zip-top bag and squeeze out all the air. They'll last in the freezer for up to three months.
- Bacon Fat: The rendered bacon fat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. Contrary to popular belief, it's better to refrigerate it than leave it on the counter, especially if you're not planning to use it within a week.
- Bacon fat is like culinary gold in the keto world. Use it for sautéing vegetables, frying eggs, or as a base for keto-friendly salad dressings like my Bacon Vinaigrette... oh, so yum.
- While the bacon crumbles may last up to a week in the fridge, you'll probably find they're so damn useful you'll run out long before then!
- Want to spice things up? Feel free to add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Add some dried rosemary or thyme to the bacon bits as they cook for a herby twist.
- Add fresh cracked pepper at the end of the cooking for a classic flavor profile. Just simple and delicious.
- See the blog post for additional flavoring ideas.
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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