50 Recipes to Make with Leftover Bacon

Balsamic Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables

I will always remember the way my grandmother's house smelled when she made these balsamic chicken thighs every Sunday. Ever since she gave me the recipe, the heartwarming flavors always take me back to my childhood. — Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, crumbled

Crunchy Bacon Blue Cheese Red Pepper Brussels Sprouts

This is my family's absolute favorite dish on my holiday table. What's not to love with the mixed aroma of garlic, onions, bacon, and blue cheese floating through your home? —Jana Gooding, Carlsbad, California

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

BLT Skillet

This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Cheddar-Veggie Appetizer Torte

A line forms quickly behind this quichelike torte at family gatherings. The wedges are easy to eat as finger food, and it's delicious hot or cold. — Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin

Amount of bacon needed: 2 Tablespoons, crumbled

Cheesy Bacon Spaghetti Squash

This quick casserole is called "cheesy" for a reason. Stir in any kind you've got. —Jean Williams, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs

Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches. They look fancy yet they're easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Bacon-Beef Barley Soup

Here’s a robust dish that’s perfect for hungry teenagers! Served over creamy mashed potatoes, this quick, comforting soup really hits the spot. —Cathy Peterson, Menominee, Michigan

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers

Filled with corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon, these grilled pepper halves are sure to liven up your next cookout. They have a wonderful taste and give a fun twist to the usual corn on the cob. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish Vinaigrette

Totally scrumptious and packed with nutrition, this salad was my response to friends who asked how they could incorporate kale into their diets without sacrificing taste. It is also wonderful made with collard or mustard greens, prepared in the same fashion as the kale, or with a mix of spinach & arugula or watercress. —Elizabeth Warren, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Waffle Monte Cristos

Waffles packed with turkey, ham, bacon and apricot preserves have so much sweet, smoky love going on. I use frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle iron to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips

Brat & Bacon Appetizer Pizza

Chopped bratwurst and maple bacon are a fabulous way to start a pizza. I jazz up this treat even more with apricot preserves and honey mustard. The snack-sized slices win over even the toughest critics. —Colleen Vrooman, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Egg-Topped Avocado Toast

We always have avocados on hand, so it's easy to make this quick breakfast toast for my husband and me. It's really tasty! —Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Loaded Red Potato Casserole

This potato casserole has the same flavor of the potato skins you can order as a restaurant appetizer. It's an ideal dish for tailgating and potlucks. —Charlane Gathy, Lexington, Kentucky

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Elegant Pork Marsala

Wine and mushrooms lend elegance to this oh-so-simple pork dish. Use pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to save time. Cleanup is one-pan easy. —Kim Gillis, High Falls, New York

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, chopped

Cassoulet for Today

French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, crumbled

Slow-Cooked Sunday Chicken

Here’s a hearty dish for two that satisfies the biggest appetites. It’s loaded with good old-fashioned flavor. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda

I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Spanish Noodles & Ground Beef

Bacon adds crunch to this comforting stovetop supper my mom used to make when I was a kid. Now I prepare it for my own family. —Kelli Jones, Perris, California

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Creamy Cavatappi & Cheese

Dive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that’s delectable with the smoky topping. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, crumbled

Maple-Glazed Green Beans

After I picked my first green beans one year, I wanted to make a savory dish that was unique, quick and packed with flavor. I loved this so much I couldn't stop eating it. The next day I picked more beans and made this delicious side dish again. —Merry Graham, Newhall, California

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Skinny Cobb Salad

This "skinny" version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and do all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Tex-Mex Breakfast Haystacks

I love haystacks and wanted to make a fun Tex-Mex recipe for my family. Adding panko crumbs and cheese to the hash browns before cooking gives them a wonderful golden brown color and crisp texture. —Donna-Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Potato Clam Chowder

I ran across this recipe in one of my antique cookbooks. It's a timeless classic I like to prepare for friends and family throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. —Betty Ann Morgan, Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, chopped

Ranch Potato Casserole

We operate a busy fruit farm. I cook every day for my family, so I appreciate this dish for another reason—I can put it together a day ahead and bake it just before we're ready to eat. —Lydia Schnitzler, Kingsburg, California

Amount of bacon needed: 1/4 cup, crumbled

Slow-Cooker Creamed Corn with Bacon

Every time I take this super rich corn to a holiday potluck or work party, I leave with an empty slow cooker. It's decadent, homey and so worth the splurge. —Melissa Pelkey Hass, Waleska, Georgia

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Pork Chops with Tomato-Bacon Topping

My husband and I collaborated on these pork chops with sun-dried tomatoes, bacon and rosemary. They’re easy enough for any day and fancy enough for special events. —Trisha Klempel, Sidney, Montana

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Hash Brown Quiche Cups

Quiche cups are my showstopper potluck dish. Hash browns and Asiago cheese make up the crusts. Eggs, spinach and bacon do the rest. —Nicole Stone, Gilbertville, Iowa

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

New World Stuffed Cabbage

European immigrants brought their favorite stuffed cabbage recipes to the New World in the late 19th century. Here's my take on tradition. —Katherine Stefanovich, Desert Hot Springs, California

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, chopped

Broccoli and Apple Salad

Even my picky daughter loves this one! My yogurt dressing on crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Chicken & Broccoli Rabe Soup with Tortellini

With chicken, pasta and a bold tomato broth, this hearty and inviting soup is like a big comforting hug in a bowl! —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Curry Cheese Spread

I made this creamy spread with my students and it was a big success. It is easy to make and the flavor contrasts make it interesting. Toasty bread slices are the perfect compliment. Paula Englert, Louisville, Kentucky

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Deluxe Hash Brown Casserole

My son-in-law gave me the recipe for this hash brown casserole, which my kids say is addictive. It's an amazing make-ahead dish.—Amy Oswalt, Burr, Nebraska

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Hot Dog Roll-Ups

Not only do my grandchildren love these cheese-filled hot dogs, they enjoy helping put the meal together, too. It's the perfect solution when you need a last-minute lunch. —Lyletta Searle, Morgan, Utah

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Meat Shell Potato Pie

Guests always comment on the presentation and flavor of this delightfully different dish. —Julie Sterchi, Flora, Illinois

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Turkey Dumpling Stew

My mom made this stew when I was young, and it was always a hit. Since it's not time-consuming to make I can fix it on a weekend for our children, who love the tender dumplings. —Becky Mohr, Appleton, Wisconsin

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Chicken Amandine

With colorful green beans and pimientos, this attractive casserole is terrific for the holidays. This is true comfort food at its finest. —Kat Woolbright, Wichita Falls, Texas

Amount of bacon needed: 1 strip, crumbled

Frittata Florentine

My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, chopped

Kielbasa Hot Potato Slaw

I like the challenge of cooking lighter meals that pack big flavor. This one, which came from a dear friend, fits the bill. My son rated it a 10 out of 10! —Beverly Batty, Forest Lake, Minnesota

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Caramelized Onion Mashed Potatoes

Caramelized onions give a sweet and savory taste to this side dish from our Test Kitchen. Prepared with red potatoes, reduced-fat cheese and bacon, it makes a heartwarming accompaniment to any main course.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches

I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Mimi's Lentil Medley

I made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Brunch Egg Casserole

There aren't many foods that do a better job of combining two meals - in this case, breakfast and lunch - than cheese and eggs. This dish satisfies a mouthful of taste buds and both hearty and light eaters. —Lelia Brown, Annandale, Virginia

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, chopped

Brisket 'n' Bean Burritos

This easy recipe is stuffed with not one, but two kinds of meat: smoky bacon and tender beef brisket. —Ruth Weatherford, Huntington Beach, California

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, chopped

Bacon Pea Salad

My husband absolutely loves peas. My middle son isn't the biggest fan, but he loves bacon. So, I combined the two, and it was perfect! This pea salad is an awesome side dish, especially for barbecue. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Sunday Chicken Supper

I make this slow-cooked sensation with chicken, vegetables and seasonings. It's a hearty, homespun dish that satisfies the biggest appetites. —Ruthann Martin, Louisville, Ohio

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled

Stuffed Hash Browns

Ever since we met, my husband has made me hash browns with bacon, pepper jack and sour cream. We share it when we have guests, too. —Annie Ciszak Pazar, Anchorage, Alaska

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Light Linguine Carbonara

When we have to rush off at night, I make this speedy pasta with veggies and bacon. Serve with breadsticks or garlic toast, and dinner's done. —Mary Jo Miller, Mansfield, Ohio

Amount of bacon needed: 2 strips, crumbled

Lima Bean Soup

A yearly Lima Bean Festival in nearby West Cape May honors the many growers there and showcases different recipes using their crops. This comforting chowder was a contest winner at the festival several years ago. —Kathleen Olsack, North Cape May, New Jersey

Amount of bacon needed: 3 strips, crumbled

Stuffed Baby Red Potatoes

This recipe just says "party!" The ingredients are basic, but the finished appetizer looks like you worked a lot harder than you did. —Carol Bess White, Portland, Oregon

Amount of bacon needed: 1/2 cup, crumbled

Cabbage Roll Casserole

I layer cabbage with tomato sauce and ground beef lasagna-style to create a hearty casserole that tastes like cabbage rolls but without all the work. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia

Amount of bacon needed: 4 strips, crumbled