Have you been looking for a way to make your go-to dishes even tastier? Say hello to bacon butter! This versatile addition to your kitchen is like a flavor booster, perfect for jazzing up your morning toast, adding a smoky twist to grilled favorites and more — bacon butter does it all.
Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about preparing this savory spread from scratch, including some handy tips to ensure your culinary journey is a success every time.
Elevate your dishes with an easy-to-make bacon butter recipe
If you've never tried bacon butter before, it's precisely as delicious as it sounds — the perfect fusion of crispy bacon and creamy butter. This culinary gem has become a go-to trick for enhancing dishes and has gained popularity in kitchens worldwide thanks to its versatility.
While commonly enjoyed spread on toast, bagels or muffins for a savory breakfast twist, bacon butter goes beyond the ordinary. It's just as delightful melted over steamed veggies, smeared on baked potatoes or brushed onto grilled meats for an added burst of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, adding bacon butter to your cooking repertoire promises to tantalize taste buds and delight your loved ones every time.
How to make a bacon butter recipe at home
Servings: 16
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Ingredients
- 1 pack of Hatfield® Hardwood Smoked Bacon, chopped into ½-inch-sized pieces.
- 1 lb of softened butter, room temperature.
- 1 Tbsp. of garlic, minced.
- ½ cup of onions, diced.
- 1 Tbsp. of fresh chives, chopped.
- 1 Tbsp. of honey.
- ½ tsp. black pepper.
- Salt, to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it turns crispy, or around three to five minutes per side.
- Step 2: Once cooked, place the bacon on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain and set aside. Reserve a few tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet for cooking the garlic and onions.
- Step 3: Add onions to your hot skillet and cook until tender, or around eight minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute or two.
- Step 4: Remove the mixture from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, use a handheld or stand mixer to whip the butter until it's very soft, or about five minutes.
- Step 6: Add the onions, garlic and bacon into the bowl and mix until incorporated. Then, stir in your honey, chives and pepper.
- Step 7: Finally, spoon the compound butter into a small bowl and serve it with your favorite dishes — or refrigerate until you're ready to use it.
If you're ready to dive in, head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
Tips for perfecting this bacon butter recipe
Here are a few simple tips for rich, flavorful bacon butter results every time:
- Let it rest before refrigerating: After mixing your bacon butter, let it sit for about 15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld before the butter firms up in the fridge.
- Use crispy bacon for maximum flavor: Crispy bacon ensures the best flavor and prevents chewy bits in your butter. Cook it until golden brown, then drain well to keep the butter smooth.
- Add brown sugar for a sweet-savory kick: A touch of brown sugar adds caramelized sweetness. Mix it in while the bacon is still warm, or use brown sugar-flavored bacon like Hatfield® Maple Brown Sugar Bacon to enhance the smoky flavor and create a delicious balance.
- Store it properly: Wrap your bacon butter in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months.
- Try recipe variations: There are endless ways to customize bacon butter! Try smoky chipotle garlic, creamy peanut butter bacon, sweet-and-spicy honey bacon or a classic herb compound butter. Whether you like it bold, spicy or subtly sweet, there's a perfect version for every occasion.
Bacon butter recipe FAQs
Consider the following frequently asked questions before getting started:
What extras can I add to this bacon butter recipe?
There are practically limitless recipe variations to consider! Swap honey for maple syrup for extra sweetness, or add smoked paprika or cayenne for a smoky kick. Fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley or basil also enhance the flavor — experiment until you find your perfect blend.
How can I serve bacon butter?
- Spread it on warm toast, bagels, garlic bread or English muffins.
- Add a dollop on top of steamed vegetables or baked potatoes.
- Melt it over grilled steak, seafood or roasted vegetables.
- Incorporate it into pasta dishes.
- Use it as a topping for popcorn.
Can I substitute butter for bacon grease?
You can substitute butter for bacon grease, but this will likely change the flavor profile of your dish. Keep in mind that bacon grease has more saturated fat and cholesterol, while butter contains essential vitamins like A, D and E. Whichever options you choose, moderation is key.
Can I use any type of bacon to make bacon butter?
Absolutely! A thick-cut bacon like Hatfield® Cherrywood Smoked Extra Thick Cut Bacon adds extra richness and texture to your bacon butter. You can also consider a variety of pre-marinated options based on the flavor profile you're trying to create.
How long is bacon butter good for?
Store any remaining bacon butter in an airtight bag or container and place it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, place in the freezer for two to three months. Shelf life may vary, so always check for signs of spoilage before using.
Elevate your bacon butter experience with quality ingredients
Bacon butter offers versatility and flavor to enhance your favorite meals. And when it comes to cooking for your loved ones, the quality of your ingredients matters. Hatfield serves as a trusted pork provider, guaranteeing both deliciousness and food safety. With a variety of bacon options to consider, from Hatfield® Applewood Smoked Bacon to Hatfield® Maple Brown Sugar Bacon Extra Thick Cut Bacon, there's no limit to the recipe variations you can create.
Ready to get started? Head to your local grocery store to pick up your favorite Hatfield® pork products today!
