20 Bacon Recipes That Are the Secret to Weeknight Wins

These bacon recipes are so good, they might just change your dinner plans! Each one shows off bacon’s incredible flavor and versatility. Whether you want to try something new or just need an easy, delicious meal, these recipes have you covered. Give them a try—you might find yourself rethinking dinner more often!

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Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

These bacon-wrapped shrimp are simple to make and packed with bold flavors. With just three ingredients, they’re a perfect snack or appetizer. The crispy bacon adds a smoky crunch to the tender shrimp, making them a hit at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Carne en su Jugo (Meat in its Juices)

Close-up of a spoon holding a spoonful of stew with chunks of meat, beans, herbs, and a golden broth. In the background, more of the same stew with visible beans and herbs can be seen in a bowl. This hearty dish is one of those recipes with bacon that adds an extra layer of smoky flavor. — Carne en su Jugo. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

Carne En Su Jugo is a rich, flavorful beef soup from Jalisco. It’s cooked in a savory tomatillo broth, giving you a true taste of Mexican comfort food in every spoonful.
Get Recipe: Carne en su Jugo

Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Two croissants filled with scrambled eggs and ham are placed on a wooden board. The croissants are golden brown and split to showcase the stuffing. A yellow cup with "rise and shine" written on it is in the background. The scene suggests a breakfast setting. — Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant Recipe. Photo credit: Marcellina in Cucina.

Start your day with this delicious breakfast croissant, filled with crispy bacon, eggs, and melted cheese. It’s easy to make and perfect for a weekend brunch. The bacon’s savory taste pairs perfectly with the buttery croissant.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Egg and Cheese Croissant Recipe

Alambre de Res

Alambre de Res is a flavor-packed dish with grilled beef, crispy bacon, colorful bell peppers, and melted cheese. It’s like bringing the taste of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen—and it’s easier to make than you’d think!
Get Recipe: Alambre de Res

Instant Pot Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Close-up of asparagus spears wrapped in crispy bacon on a dark, glossy plate. The dish is garnished with dried herbs and a few purple flower petals, adding a touch of color. The asparagus is vibrant green, and the bacon is golden and slightly caramelized. — Instant Pot Bacon Wrapped Asparagus. Photo credit: Corrie Cooks.

This Instant Pot recipe combines fresh asparagus and crispy bacon for a quick, tasty side dish. The bacon’s rich flavor goes perfectly with the bright, fresh asparagus. It’s a simple and delicious option for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros)

A blue and white ceramic bowl filled with a hearty Frijoles Charros stew topped with sliced jalapeños is placed on a wooden surface. Fresh cilantro is visible to the side, and a spoon rests nearby, making it one of the most irresistible bacon recipes for any meal. — Frijoles Charros. Photo by Mama Maggie’s Kitchen.

This Charro Beans recipe is a hearty stew made with bacon, hot dogs, and other meats. It’s a filling, flavorful dish that’s perfect when you’re craving something warm and comforting.
Get Recipe: Frijoles Charros

BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing

A vibrant salad on a blue and white patterned plate featuring crispy bacon strips, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, torn pieces of bread, and fresh greens. Inspired by pesto recipes, a small bunch of fresh basil sits in the center of the salad. — BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing. Photo credit: The Virtual Caterer.

If you love BLT sandwiches, you’ll enjoy this salad version. It mixes crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all tossed with a creamy pesto ranch dressing. It’s a refreshing, easy dinner—especially when tomatoes are in season.
Get the Recipe: BLT Salad with Creamy Pesto Ranch Dressing

Easy Pea Salad with Bacon

A white oval dish filled with a creamy pea salad topped with crispy bacon pieces sits on a wooden table. The salad contains green peas, chopped red onions, and shredded cheese, all coated in a creamy dressing. A small portion is served in a nearby bowl. — Easy Pea Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: She’s Not Cookin.

This pea salad is a quick and easy side dish that mixes sweet peas with a creamy dressing and crispy bacon. The salty, smoky bacon balances out the sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pea Salad with Bacon

Creamy Bacon French Bread Pizza Recipe

Three crusty baguette halves topped with melted cheese, bacon bits, and fresh chives are arranged on a wooden cutting board. The toasted bread edges are crispy and browned, contrasting with the gooey melted cheese and savory toppings. — Creamy Bacon French Bread Pizza Recipe. Photo credit: Masala Herb.

French bread pizza gets an upgrade with gooey cheese, garlic, and crispy bacon. It’s a quick and easy dish that works great for dinner or a snack. The bacon adds a crunchy, savory kick to every bite.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Bacon French Bread Pizza Recipe

Red, White, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon

A colorful potato salad with a creamy dressing is served in a large, blue-rimmed platter with a wooden spoon. The platter sits on a woven placemat, surrounded by small bowls of salad, a blue cloth napkin, and two forks resting on a white napkin. — Red, White, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

This potato salad stands out with bold flavors from blue cheese and crispy bacon. It’s a great side for summer cookouts and tastes even better the next day. The smoky bacon adds the perfect crunch to the creamy potatoes and tangy cheese.
Get the Recipe: Red, White, and Blue Cheese Potato Salad with Bacon

Potato Soup with Bacon & Thyme

A bowl of creamy potato soup with visible chunks of potato, carrot, and herbs, garnished with a drizzle of oil. The soup is served in a white bowl with a blue rim, placed on a white table. A piece of bread is partially visible at the bottom left corner. — Potato Soup with Bacon & Thyme. Photo credit: Chef’s Pencil.

This creamy potato soup is warm and comforting, with rich flavors of bacon and fresh thyme. It’s perfect for chilly days, and the bacon adds a savory touch that blends perfectly with the creamy broth.
Get the Recipe: Potato Soup with Bacon & Thyme

Burrata Peach Salad Recipe

A colorful salad is served on a white plate with a rustic wooden background. The salad includes lettuce leaves, peach slices, red onion rings, and is topped with a creamy white dressing. Garnishes of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, and fresh basil leaves are visible. — Burrata Peach Salad Recipe. Photo credit: An Edible Mosaic.

Fresh peaches, creamy burrata, and crispy bacon make this summer salad a real treat. The mix of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors makes it a perfect dish for warm weather. The bacon adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the juicy peaches.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Peach Salad Recipe

Bacon Succotash

A close-up shot of a bowl of bright yellow soup garnished with chopped herbs, small bits of red vegetable or seasoning, a sprig of mint, and a drizzle of oil on top. The texture appears creamy, and the colors are vibrant. — Bacon Succotash. Photo credit: Little Black Skillet.

This bacon succotash celebrates fresh summer vegetables like sweet corn, lima beans, and tomatoes. Cooked in a cast-iron skillet, the smoky bacon enhances the natural sweetness of the veggies. It’s a tasty side dish the whole family will love.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Succotash

Easy Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe

Southern-style collard greens become even better with smoky bacon. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful greens that make a perfect side dish. The bacon adds just the right amount of salty goodness.
Get the Recipe: Easy Collard Greens with Bacon Recipe

Super Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in bacon and coated with a brown sugar spice mix make this dish a winner. As they bake, the bacon caramelizes, creating a sweet and savory flavor that’s sure to impress. It’s an easy, tasty option for any night of the week.
Get the Recipe: Super Easy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breasts

Bacon & Goat Cheese Quiche

This quiche combines crispy bacon, creamy goat cheese, and sweet onions for a delicious meal. It’s easy to make ahead, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. The bacon’s savory flavor goes perfectly with the rich, creamy filling.
Get the Recipe: Bacon & Goat Cheese Quiche

Braised Cabbage with Bacon

Braised cabbage with bacon is a comforting, savory side dish. The cabbage is simmered until tender with crispy bacon, adding rich, smoky flavors that make it a perfect match for any main course.
Get the Recipe: Braised Cabbage with Bacon

Japanese Bacon Asparagus Pasta

This pasta dish combines fresh asparagus with crispy bacon and a light soy sauce-based dressing. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. The bacon’s smoky flavor makes the asparagus taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Japanese Bacon Asparagus Pasta

Smoked Shotgun Shells

Smoked shotgun shells are a fun, tasty appetizer. Pasta tubes are stuffed with a savory filling and wrapped in bacon. As they smoke, the bacon crisps up, giving you a crunchy shell around the tender filling. They’re perfect for parties or special occasions.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Shotgun Shells

Mint & Pea Soup with Bacon

Cool off with this refreshing mint and pea soup, finished with crispy bacon on top. It’s light, easy to make, and perfect for warmer days. The bacon adds a salty bite that pairs perfectly with the sweet peas and fresh mint.
Get the Recipe: Mint & Pea Soup with Bacon