If you love bacon as much as I do, wait until you try this fan-freaking-tastic Bacon Butter Recipe. It’s the ultimate flavor upgrade for everything from toast to steamed veggies, and I promise you’ll be making it on repeat once you see how simple and delicious it is. This recipe is my little secret weapon for turning ordinary dishes into something downright indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with creamy butter, creating a rich taste bomb.
- Easy to Make: Just a few ingredients and simple steps, perfect for any skill level in the kitchen.
- Versatile Use: Spread on toast, melt over veggies, or dollop on baked potatoes for instant wow-factor.
- Keeps Well: You can prepare it ahead and store it, making your next meal prep that much easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Bacon Butter Recipe is chosen for its role in balancing smoky, savory, and creamy flavors. Using good-quality bacon and softened butter really elevates the end result.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut for more chew and flavor, or regular slices if you prefer crispiness throughout.
- Salted Butter: Using salted butter helps season the mix perfectly; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness—feel free to omit it if you prefer a pure bacon-butter flavor.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity; freshly cracked is always best for noticeable flavor.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Bacon Butter Recipe depending on the mood and meal. Feel free to make it your own by adjusting the flavors or adding your favorite twists—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
- Sweet Variation: I once skipped the dijon and cracked pepper, then drizzled a touch of honey into the mix. It was divine on pancakes and morning muffins—so good for breakfast treats!
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder gives it a warm, smoky heat that’s a total game changer.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap the butter for a high-quality plant-based spread, and you can still achieve that lush texture with all the bacon goodness.
How to Make Bacon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Bacon Just Right
Start by frying your bacon in a skillet over medium heat. You want it crispy but not burnt because those golden crispy bits add so much flavor and texture to your butter. As the bacon cooks, it releases that beautiful smoky grease that we’ll use next—just trust me on this. Once crispy, place the bacon on paper towels to drain the excess fat, then save about a tablespoon of that bacon grease for the butter.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a small bowl, combine the softened salted butter with the reserved bacon grease—you’ll notice how it adds extra richness and that unmistakable bacon essence. Now crumble your cooled bacon into very fine bits; I like to go small because it mixes better and the texture is more enjoyable when spread. Stir in the Dijon mustard and fresh cracked pepper. If you’re feeling fancy or want an ultra-smooth texture, pop everything into a food processor for a few pulses until well combined but still a little chunky. This step is optional but worth it if you prefer a uniform spread.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Spoon your bacon butter mixture into a small dish or ramekin. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until it’s firm enough to spread. This usually takes about an hour, but you can speed it up if you like. The flavor melds wonderfully when it chills, so don’t skip this step. When ready, bring it to room temperature for easier spreading—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Butter Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Bacon: I learned that slightly under-crisped bacon melts better into the butter and tastes better since it doesn’t get too dry.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: Soft butter blends easily with bacon bits and grease, making for a smooth, spreadable butter.
- Crush Bacon Finely: The finer you crumble the bacon, the smoother your butter will be and the easier it spreads.
- Balance Saltiness: Because bacon is salty and you’re using salted butter, taste before adding more salt—often, you won’t need extra.
How to Serve Bacon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I often top my bacon butter with a sprinkle of fresh chives or a little cracked black pepper for a pop of color and extra zing. Sometimes, I add a tiny pinch of smoked paprika as a garnish to hint at smoky depth, which makes the presentation look as good as the taste.
Side Dishes
This butter is a dream on warm, crusty bread or toasted English muffins. I also love melting it over roasted potatoes or steamed green beans for a mouthwatering twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it on grilled corn or even dolloped on scrambled eggs—it never disappoints.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve the bacon butter in little ramekins surrounded by crusty artisan breads and vegetable crudités. Wrapping it into small logs chilled in plastic wrap makes gift-worthy butter that friends and family rave about. You can even pipe it onto baked potatoes or steak for a professional-looking finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover bacon butter in a tightly sealed container in the fridge. It usually lasts a good week, and having it ready means you can add instant flavor hits to any meal. Just always make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for best spreadability.
Freezing
Freezing bacon butter works wonderfully if you want to make a big batch. I portion it into small containers or roll it into logs in plastic wrap, then freeze for up to two months. When thawed, the texture and flavor are just as good as fresh, which saved me on busy weeknights!
Reheating
Since this is a butter-based recipe, reheating isn’t really necessary—just let it soften at room temperature. If you need it softened fast, microwave in very short bursts (5-7 seconds) to avoid melting it completely. It’s best spreadable, not melted into liquid.
FAQs
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Can I make bacon butter without Dijon mustard?
Absolutely! The Dijon mustard adds a nice tang and depth, but you can leave it out if you prefer a simpler bacon butter flavor. Some people even like to add a dash of honey instead for a sweet twist.
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How long does bacon butter last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, bacon butter usually stays fresh for about one week. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before use.
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Can I use unsalted butter for this recipe?
You can, but since bacon is naturally salty, I recommend starting with less added salt or skipping extra salt entirely to avoid the butter becoming too salty.
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Is bacon butter suitable for spreading on bread?
Definitely! It’s fantastic on warm bread, toast, bagels, or biscuits. The bacon butter adds flavor and richness that takes your simple carb to the next level.
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Can I make bacon butter in advance?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead prep. Once mixed, just store it in the fridge and use it whenever you want to add some bacon magic to your meals.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bacon Butter Recipe transforms everyday meals into something memorable. When I first tried making it, I was surprised by how simple it was and how big an impact the flavor had. Whether you’re spreading it on toast for breakfast or melting it over steamed veggies, it brings a little bit of joy to your plate. So go ahead, give it a try—you’ll be hooked, and your kitchen (and taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Bacon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Bacon Butter recipe combines crispy bacon, creamy salted butter, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a flavorful spread perfect for morning toast, muffins, or savory dishes. The butter is enriched with bacon grease and finely crumbled bacon pieces, creating a rich and indulgent condiment that enhances any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- Prepare the butter mixture: In a small mixing bowl, add the room temperature butter along with 1 tablespoon of the hot bacon grease reserved from the skillet. This adds rich bacon flavor to the butter.
- Combine bacon and seasonings: Crumble the cooked bacon into very small, fine pieces and add them to the butter mixture. Then add the Dijon mustard and fresh cracked pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Alternatively, place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the bacon is finely crumbled and the mixture is well blended.
- Chill and serve: Spoon the bacon butter into a serving dish, cover, and refrigerate until firm and ready to use. Serve on toast, muffins, pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to savory recipes.
Notes
- The Dijon mustard adds a lovely depth of flavor and helps balance the richness of the butter; it can be omitted if preferred.
- For a sweet variation, skip the mustard and pepper, and add a drizzle of honey instead. This makes the butter delicious on pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
- Use room temperature butter to ensure easier mixing and a smooth consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 0.1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
