Beyond the BLT: 20 Unexpected Ways Bacon Makes Meals Magnificent

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

The humble bacon: a breakfast staple, a burger’s best friend, and so much more! But did you know this crispy, salty wonder can elevate dishes far beyond the ordinary? Buckle up, bacon lovers, because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that proves one thing: everything truly is better with bacon. This list of 20 recipes will have you reaching for the bacon package with newfound inspiration.

Cheese and Bacon Turnovers

These quick and easy turnovers are the perfect appetizer for the whole family. Packed with melty goodness and crispy bacon, they will surely be a hit. Plus, you can whip them up quickly with store-bought puff pastry – no expertise required!

Get The Recipe: Cheese and Bacon Turnovers

Cinnamon Scones with Maple Bacon Glaze

Cinnamon Peanut Butter Scones topped with a maple glaze and bacon. — Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

Forget boring scones! These beauties are a flavor explosion. Imagine warm cinnamon rolls studded with melty peanut butter chips, then showered with crisp, salty bacon. A drizzle of sweet maple glaze ties everything together for a taste bud adventure you won’t forget.

Get The Recipe: Cinnamon Scones with Maple Bacon Glaze

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Imagine juicy pork loin swaddled in a blanket of smoky bacon, creating a symphony of textures. A hint of sweet maple adds another dimension of flavor, transforming this dish into a flavor explosion. This recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite, perfect for a celebratory dinner or an elevated weeknight meal.

Get The Recipe: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with crunchy almonds and served with a dollop of airy whipped blue cheese create the ultimate sweet and savory combination. These bite-sized delights are incredibly easy to prepare, making them the perfect last-minute party appetizer that will leave everyone begging for more!

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates

Amatriciana Sauce

This Italian favorite features crispy bacon and onions in a vibrant tomato sauce. A splash of white wine adds depth, while a fiery spice awakens your senses. It’s an authentic experience that’s easy to make at home.

Get The Recipe: Amatriciana Sauce

Creamy Chicken & Bacon with Mushrooms

Creamy Chicken with Bacon & Mushrooms in a dish packed full of bacon and mushrooms. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Creamy Chicken & Bacon with Mushrooms recipe isn’t afraid to pile on the flavor. Forget bland chicken breasts – here, bone-in thighs are browned to perfection, then bathed in a luxurious sauce brimming with crispy bacon, earthy mushrooms, and a touch of white wine.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Chicken & Bacon with Mushrooms

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

A pan with brussels sprouts and bacon in a cream sauce. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Forget boring Brussels sprouts! This recipe turns them into the star of the show. We’re talking crispy bacon in every bite, mingling with tender Brussels sprouts and fragrant garlic. All topped with a rich and creamy parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and begging for the recipe).

Get The Recipe: Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

Easy Mushroom & Bacon Risotto

Mushroom and Bacon Risotto in a white bowl scattered with fresh herbs. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Easy Mushroom & Bacon Risotto recipe makes cooking risotto a breeze with a 30-minute, no-stir method. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights.

Get The Recipe: Easy Mushroom & Bacon Risotto

Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

This tasty Green Bean Casserole with Bacon recipe is the ultimate side dish, featuring a creamy sauce and a crunchy topping.

Get The Recipe: Green Bean Casserole with Bacon

Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

This simple Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta recipe is a rich and delicious one-pot meal that’s easy to make and ready in just 30 minutes.

Get The Recipe: Creamy Chicken and Bacon Pasta

Bacon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

This Bacon Quinoa Salad recipe, featuring a Lemon Dijon Dressing from Rachel at Savoring Simple, is a fresh, colorful salad that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or stands alone as a meal.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Quinoa Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Yellow Split Pea and Bacon Soup

A bowl of soup, with Bacon and vegetables in it — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

This Yellow Split Pea and Bacon Soup recipe is bursting with flavor and offers a simple twist on the traditional split pea and ham soup.

Get The Recipe: Yellow Split Pea and Bacon Soup

Brie Bites with Bacon

A plate of 4 baked brie bites with a white background. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Who knew Brie and Bacon could be best friends? These Brie Bites are a revelation! Bite-sized puff pastry cups are filled with gooey Brie cheese, a burst of cranberry sweetness, and the salty magic of crispy bacon.

Get The Recipe: Brie Bites

Best Ever Chicken Salad

A bowl of chicken salad garnished with sliced green onions and sliced of bread next to it. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Tender chicken combined with bacon, celery, and green onions, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing—this recipe is bound to become your new favorite.

Get The Recipe: Chicken Salad

Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

Say goodbye to canned baked beans; whip up delicious Homemade BBQ Baked Beans at home—perfect for your next cookout.

Get The Recipe: Homemade BBQ Baked Beans

Maple Bacon Apple Cupcakes

Cupcakes topped with a swirl of frosting and chopped bacon. — Image Credit: Allie Roomberg/Baking A Moment

These fluffy cupcakes capture the essence of pancakes, bursting with buttermilk, juicy apples, and warm cinnamon. But wait, there’s more! A decadent maple Swiss meringue buttercream adds a touch of sophistication and the real showstopper. A sprinkle of crispy, salty bacon takes these cupcakes from delightful to unforgettable.

Get The Recipe: Maple Bacon Apple Cupcakes

Bacon Pasta Salad

A close up image of pasta salad with bacon and green onions in a bowl. — Image Credit: Erren Hart/Erren’s Kitchen

Bacon bliss in 15 minutes! This easy pasta salad is loaded with crispy bacon, refreshing green onions, and cool cucumber for a side dish sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Pasta Salad

Chicken Cobb Salad

An overhead photo of cob salad layered with eggs, bacon, tomatoes lettuce etc — Image Credit: fortyforks

Think you know Cobb Salad? Think again! This version takes the classic to new heights with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and all the usual suspects. But wait, there’s more!

Get The Recipe: Cobb Salad

Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing

Don’t let leftover stuffing go to waste! This recipe creates bite-sized bundles of deliciousness by wrapping juicy sausage in crispy bacon and smothering it in your favorite stuffing. It’s the perfect way to use up leftovers and create a show-stopping dish in minutes.

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Sausage Stuffing

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast

Ditch the boring chicken routine! This recipe takes boneless, skinless breasts to flavor town with a simple bacon weave and everyday spices. Baked to juicy perfection with a caramelized crispy exterior, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with anything!

Get The Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast