If you’re looking to take your breakfast or burgers to a whole new level, you have to try this fan-freaking-tastic Bacon Butter Recipe. I absolutely love how this stuff melts over warm toast or blends into mashed potatoes, adding that irresistible smoky, salty richness. When I first tried making bacon butter at home, I was hooked—not only does it come together quickly, but it also adds a gourmet touch to so many dishes. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it and share tips to get it just right.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Flavorful: The bacon fat infuses the butter with smoky depth, and the dijon mustard adds just the right tang.
- Versatile Use: Slather it on toast, melt it over veggies, or toss it into pasta—you’ll find endless ways to enjoy it.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 15 minutes—perfect for busy mornings or last-minute flavor upgrades.
- Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings or add a bit of honey for sweet applications, making it your own special creation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Bacon Butter Recipe are delightfully simple, but each one plays an important role. Using good quality salted butter at room temperature ensures your mixture blends smoothly. And crispy bacon, of course, is the star that gives this butter its smoky, crunchy punch.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut if you want extra meaty chunks or standard sliced for more crispy bits; either works beautifully.
- Salted Butter: Use room temperature so it blends effortlessly with the bacon and seasonings—unsalted butter is fine, but you may want to add a pinch of salt.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth that balances the richness; if you’re not a mustard fan, you can skip or substitute.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper: Just a little gives a nice bite and complexity without overpowering that bacon flavor.
Variations
I love how flexible this Bacon Butter Recipe is. Depending on the season or what you’re craving, you can easily customize it to suit sweet or savory dishes alike. Don’t be afraid to experiment—that’s what makes it such a fun recipe to keep in your arsenal.
- Add a Drizzle of Honey: For a sweeter spin, especially delicious on pancakes or muffins—my kids go crazy for this twist on weekend mornings.
- Ditch the Mustard and Pepper: If you prefer a straightforward bacon butter, leaving these out lets the bacon flavor shine even more.
- Add Fresh Herbs: I sometimes mix in a bit of finely chopped thyme or chives for a fresh herbal note—great on roasted potatoes.
- Use Smoked Paprika: Swap cracked pepper for smoked paprika for an extra smoky boost that really elevates barbecue dishes.
How to Make Bacon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Fry Your Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by frying your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it reaches a nice crispiness. I like to leave it just a tad chewy, but crispy works best here to add great texture. When it’s done, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess grease. Don’t toss that grease yet—you’ll want about a tablespoon of it for the butter.
Step 2: Mix Butter with Bacon Grease
Take your room temperature butter and transfer it to a small mixing bowl. Stir in one tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease. This adds a fantastic smoky undertone and helps incorporate the flavors. If the butter is too cold, it won’t mix well—patience here pays off.
Step 3: Crumble and Combine
Crumble the cooked bacon into very fine pieces—getting them small ensures your bacon butter spreads nicely and every bite has flavor. Stir the bacon bits into the butter mixture along with the dijon mustard and fresh cracked pepper. You can do this by hand or pop everything into a food processor for a quick blend. Just pulse until the bacon’s evenly distributed and the butter is smooth but still has some texture.
Step 4: Refrigerate Until Ready
Spoon the bacon butter into a small dish or container. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it. Letting it chill helps the flavors meld and the butter firm up to the perfect spreadable consistency. I usually keep mine in the fridge but bring it out a few minutes before serving—makes spreading super easy.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Butter Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon: I learned the hard way that too-burnt bacon can turn your butter bitter, so go for golden crispy, not charcoal.
- Use Room Temp Butter: Giving the butter enough time to soften makes mixing easier and results in a silky texture.
- Finely Crumble Bacon: Smaller pieces help distribute flavor evenly and make the butter spreadable without big chewy chunks.
- Reserve Bacon Grease: That tablespoon of grease adds incredible smoky richness, so don’t skip it!
How to Serve Bacon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh cracked black pepper or some chopped fresh chives on top when serving. It adds a fresh pop of color and flavor that makes the butter even more appealing on the plate.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with bacon butter are rustic sourdough toast, roasted green beans, or buttery mashed potatoes. It’s also incredible dolloped on steamed corn or melted atop a juicy burger—my family literally goes crazy for it!
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like scooping the bacon butter into a small ramekin or rolling it into a log using parchment paper, then slicing into rounds. It looks fancy but is so simple—great for brunch gatherings or dinner parties where presentation matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bacon butter in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 1-2 weeks. I always label mine so I don’t forget, and it stays fresh and flavorful the whole time.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, bacon butter freezes wonderfully. I slice it into small pats, place them on parchment paper on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you need a flavor boost, just pop a pat out and let it thaw or melt directly on hot food.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer gently warming it in a small pan over low heat or just letting it soften at room temperature. Microwave works in a pinch but watch closely to avoid melting it completely—part of the joy is that creamy yet chunky texture.
FAQs
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Can I use unsalted butter for this Bacon Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! If using unsalted butter, just taste your mixture once combined and add a pinch of salt if needed. The bacon itself adds saltiness, so go easy to keep the balance perfect.
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How long does bacon butter last in the fridge?
It typically lasts 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using, but properly stored, it keeps well.
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Is the bacon grease necessary in the recipe?
While not 100% required, that tablespoon of bacon grease adds incredible smoky flavor and helps meld the ingredients together. I highly recommend including it for the most delicious results.
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Can I make this recipe without dijon mustard?
Yes, you can skip the dijon mustard if you prefer a simpler taste or want to make a sweeter version—just keep in mind that the mustard adds a layer of tangy complexity that balances the richness nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Butter Recipe has become one of those kitchen staples I just can’t live without. It’s simple, quick, and so versatile—perfect for brightening up everything from breakfast toast to hearty dinners. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do and find your own special ways to use it. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it!
Print
Bacon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Spread
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This savory Bacon Butter recipe combines crispy bacon, creamy salted butter, Dijon mustard, and fresh cracked pepper to create a flavorful spread perfect for enhancing morning treats or adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
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 it becomes crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the softened butter along with 1 tablespoon of bacon grease reserved from the skillet.
- Prepare Bacon Pieces: Crumble the cooked bacon into very small, fine pieces and add it to the butter mixture along with Dijon mustard and cracked pepper.
- Mix or Process: Stir the ingredients well to combine. Alternatively, place all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the bacon is finely crumbled and the butter mixture is well combined.
- Chill and Store: Spoon the bacon butter mixture into a serving dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to use. It can be served chilled or at room temperature as a flavorful spread.
Notes
- The Dijon mustard adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps cut the richness of the butter.
- If preferred, omit the Dijon mustard and cracked pepper and add a drizzle of honey to create a sweet version perfect for pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
