If you’re a fan of savory, indulgent flavors that take simple dishes up several notches, then this Bacon Butter Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how this flavorful butter adds that perfect smoky, salty punch to everything from toast and baked potatoes to steaks and veggies. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this stuff all the time — because it’s just that delicious and ridiculously easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes to whip up something amazingly flavorful.
- Versatile Flavor Boost: Use it on everything from breakfast favorites to grilled meats and roasted veggies.
- Perfect Balance: Bacon’s smoky richness combines perfectly with creamy butter and a hint of mustard for depth.
- Great for Leftovers: Keeps well in the fridge and even freezes nicely, so you always have a batch ready to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Bacon Butter Recipe, I stick to a few simple ingredients that play off each other beautifully. The key, of course, is good-quality bacon for that rich, smoky flavor, plus creamy butter that blends everything into deliciousness. And a dash of Dijon mustard kicks it up just right without overpowering.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works wonders here — it crisps up nicely and adds fantastic texture and flavor.
- Salted Butter: Room temperature butter helps everything mix smoothly, bringing that luscious, creamy base.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness, but feel free to omit it if you prefer.
- Fresh Cracked Pepper: Adds a subtle spice and complexity that balances the bacon’s saltiness perfectly.
Variations
I love how flexible this Bacon Butter Recipe is. You can tweak it to match your mood or the occasion — it’s kind of like a flavor canvas for you to play with. Here are a few ways I’ve customized it that you might want to try yourself.
- Honey-Glazed Version: I once skipped the mustard and pepper and added a drizzle of honey instead — it gives this butter a subtle sweetness that’s amazing on morning pancakes or warm muffins.
- Spicy Kick: Sometimes I throw in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for an extra punch, especially when I’m using it on grilled meats.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh chopped herbs like thyme or chives folded in add a lovely fresh note and color, perfect for spring or summer dishes.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a high-quality plant-based butter substitute along with crispy turkey bacon for a lighter, dairy-free twist.
How to Make Bacon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook bacon until crispy
Start by frying your bacon over medium heat until it’s beautifully crisp — not burnt, but with that perfect crunch. I usually cook mine in a cast-iron skillet because it helps the bacon render its fat evenly. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Pro tip: Don’t toss the bacon grease! You’ll need a tablespoon of it for the butter mixture, and it’s pure flavor gold.
Step 2: Soften and mix the butter with bacon grease
Place your room-temperature salted butter in a small mixing bowl. Add one tablespoon of the warm bacon grease from the pan. This is what makes the bacon butter so richly decadent — that smoky fat infuses every bite. Stir them together gently to combine before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Crumble bacon finely and combine
Now it’s time to crumble your crispy bacon into small, fine pieces. I like doing this by hand because it’s quick and lets me control the chunk size — but using a food processor works great if you want it really finely minced or are making a larger batch. Then add the bacon crumbles to your butter mixture, along with the Dijon mustard and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything well — or pulse gently in your processor — until fully combined.
Step 4: Chill and store until ready
Spoon your bacon butter into a small dish or container and cover it tightly. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so it can firm up and the flavors meld. When it’s ready, scoop it liberally onto your favorite foods and enjoy the savory magic.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Butter Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Bacon: I learned the hard way that burnt bacon ruins the butter’s flavor — aim for crisp but still golden brown.
- Use Room Temperature Butter: It mixes easier and gives you a smooth, spreadable texture instead of lumpy chunks.
- Reserve Bacon Grease Wisely: Adding that tablespoon of bacon grease is a game changer — it deepens the smoky taste dramatically.
- Customize Gradually: Add mustard and pepper slowly, taste as you go, so you get a perfect balance that suits your palate.
How to Serve Bacon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
When I’m serving bacon butter, I love pairing it with a sprinkle of fresh chives or finely chopped parsley on top. It adds a fresh pop of color and just a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I also like a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a few flakes of sea salt to elevate the presentation and kick the flavor up a notch.
Side Dishes
I’m a huge fan of dolloping bacon butter onto warm baked potatoes with sour cream on the side, but it’s also fantastic melted over steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. It begs to be smeared on toasted sourdough or swirled into scrambled eggs for brunch. The smoky richness complements so many straightforward dishes, making even the simplest meals feel special.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or special brunches, I like to shape the bacon butter into a small log on parchment paper and chill it. Then I slice rounds to place atop grilled steaks or serve alongside fresh bread as an elegant appetizer. Sometimes, I pack it into small ramekins and serve it with different flavored butters for a fun butter tasting platter—trust me, guests are always impressed and slightly obsessed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store my bacon butter in an airtight container in the fridge, and it lasts wonderfully for up to two weeks. I find keeping it covered tightly is key to preventing it from absorbing other fridge odors. When you’re ready to use it, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften up again.
Freezing
This bacon butter freezes really well — I like to portion it into small freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can last for up to 3 months frozen. When I want to use some, I just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it tastes just as fresh.
Reheating
No need to “reheat” bacon butter — just bring it to room temperature so it’s nice and soft for spreading. If you want to melt it over hot foods, it’ll melt beautifully and add instant richness and smoky flavor. I avoid microwaving it directly since it can separate, so I prefer the slow softening method.
FAQs
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Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon will work just fine, although the flavor will be a bit milder and less smoky than traditional pork bacon. Be sure to cook it until crisp and adjust seasoning to taste if you want a stronger smoky punch.
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Do I have to use Dijon mustard in bacon butter?
Not at all. Dijon mustard adds a lovely tangy depth and helps balance the richness, but if you’re not a mustard fan or prefer a sweeter profile, you can omit it or swap for a little honey or maple syrup for a different twist.
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How long can I keep bacon butter in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, bacon butter will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure it’s well covered to avoid absorbing other odors.
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Can I make this recipe without crackers or food processor?
Yes! You don’t need special equipment. Simply crumble the bacon finely by hand — I usually break it up on a cutting board or with my fingers. Mixing everything by hand in a bowl works perfectly well and you’ll get great texture.
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Butter Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to kitchen hacks for adding big flavor with minimal fuss. I love how just a few ingredients come together to transform everyday meals into something a little bit special. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s perfect for sharing but good enough to keep all to yourself. Give it a try this weekend and see how it changes the way you think about butter forever!
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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
Bacon Butter is a savory, flavorful spread made by combining crispy bacon, creamy butter, and a touch of Dijon mustard and cracked pepper. It’s perfect for adding a rich, smoky twist to bread, vegetables, or even breakfast dishes like pancakes and waffles.
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 to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Combine Butter and Bacon Grease: In a small mixing bowl, add the softened butter along with 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease to impart extra smoky flavor.
- Prepare Bacon Crumbles: Crumble the crispy bacon into very fine pieces. Add these to the butter mixture along with Dijon mustard and cracked pepper. Stir well until fully combined. Alternatively, pulse all ingredients in a food processor until the bacon forms small crumbs and the mixture is evenly blended.
- Refrigerate: Spoon the bacon butter mixture into a serving dish or container, cover it, and refrigerate until firm and ready to use.
Notes
- Dijon mustard enhances the flavor and balances the richness, but it can be omitted if desired.
- For a sweet variation, skip the mustard and pepper, and add a drizzle of honey to serve with pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
