Bacon Bits Recipe
Make Bacon Bits Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Bacon
Optional sweet glaze
Finishing & storage
Method
Bacon
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and set a wire rack on the sheet. If you don't have a rack, use the foil/parchment directly but drain off fat halfway through baking.
- 2
Season bacon
Lay bacon slices in a single layer on the rack so they don't overlap. Evenly sprinkle the 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and 0.5 tsp smoked paprika over the bacon strips.
- 3
Bake until crisp
Place the baking sheet on the middle oven rack and bake 18–22 minutes, rotating the pan once halfway through. Bake toward the shorter time for chewier pieces and longer for very crisp bits. Keep an eye near the end to avoid burning.
Optional sweet glaze
- 4
Make glaze
While the bacon starts baking, whisk together 2 tbs light brown sugar, 1 tbs maple syrup and 1/8 tsp cayenne in a small bowl until smooth.
- 5
Glaze application (optional)
If using the glaze, brush a thin, even layer onto each bacon strip after about 12–14 minutes of baking (when fat has rendered and bacon is pliable). Return to the oven and bake an additional 3–6 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and slightly caramelized. Remove promptly to prevent burning. If you prefer plain salty bacon bits, skip this glaze step and continue baking until desired crispness is reached.
Finishing & storage
- 6
Drain and cool
Transfer cooked bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate or baking sheet to blot excess fat. Let cool 5–8 minutes until it firms but is still warm (this makes chopping easier).
- 7
Chop or pulse
Chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces with a sharp knife for coarse bits. For finer 'bits', place cooled bacon in a food processor and pulse 2–4 short times—stop frequently and check texture to avoid turning it into paste. You should end up with roughly 1.5–2 cups of bacon bits depending on thickness and how finely you chop.
- 8
Final seasoning
Taste a bit of the chopped bacon and, if desired, sprinkle up to 1/4 tsp flaky sea salt over the bits and toss lightly (be cautious—bacon is already salty).
- 9
Storage and reheating
Store cooled bacon bits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag up to 3 months. To re-crisp refrigerated or frozen bits: spread on a baking sheet and heat 4–6 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until crisp.
