If you love bacon and butter separately, wait until you try this Bacon Butter Recipe—it’s like your favorite savory flavors had the best baby ever. I promise you, once you whip up this rich, crispy, smoky blend, you’ll find yourself reaching for it on everything from toast to steamed veggies. It’s ridiculously easy, packed with flavor, and honestly, a total game changer in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The crispy bacon infused into creamy butter adds a smoky, savory kick you didn’t know butter needed.
- Super Versatile: You can spread it, melt it, dollop it—which means endless uses from breakfast through dinner.
- Quick & Easy: Only a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes, yet it feels gourmet and indulgent.
- Makes Any Dish Special: Add a little to your veggies, steaks, or even popcorn for instant upgrade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bacon Butter Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients working their best together. I always recommend using good-quality bacon and real butter at room temperature to let the flavors blend seamlessly and the texture stay silky. The small touch of dijon mustard really wakes things up, balancing out the richness.
- Bacon: Opt for thick-cut if you want ample crispy bits and a robust smoky flavor.
- Salted butter: Bring it to room temp so it mixes easily and you get that creamy spread.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang that cuts through the fat wonderfully; feel free to skip if you’re sensitive to mustard’s kick.
- Fresh cracked pepper: Adds just the right warming spice without overpowering the bacon.
Variations
I love playing with this recipe depending on what mood I’m in or what I have on hand. You can easily make it sweeter or spicier to fit your cravings. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — that’s part of the fun!
- Honey Drizzle Variation: I discovered this trick when I wanted to put Bacon Butter on my morning waffles—skip the mustard and pepper and swap in a little honey for sweet-savory magic.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like your butter with a little heat; I did this once for tacos and it was a huge hit at the dinner table.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor that brightens up the bacon richness.
How to Make Bacon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Bacon to Crispy Perfection
Start by frying your bacon over medium heat—this takes about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want it nice and crispy because that texture contrasts so well in the butter. Don’t rush here, because crispy bacon is the key to the best flavor. Once cooked, transfer it to a paper towel lined plate to soak up the excess grease.
Step 2: Collect That Bacon Grease
Leave about a tablespoon of golden bacon grease in the skillet or pour it into a small bowl. This is where a big part of the flavor lives. Adding it to the butter gives that smoky, meaty note without overwhelming the spread.
Step 3: Mix Butter, Bacon, and Flavorings
In a small mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter with the bacon grease and dijon mustard. Next, crumble your bacon into very fine pieces—this is important so you don’t get giant chunks, which can throw off the spreadability. Add the bacon and freshly cracked pepper, then stir until everything is beautifully combined. If you have a food processor, pulse it just a couple of times for an even texture, but I usually just mix by hand for control.
Step 4: Chill and Enjoy
Spoon the mixture into a small dish or ramekin, cover, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the butter firm back up. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Butter Recipe
- Use Room Temp Butter: I used to try mixing cold butter and bacon, but it never blended as smooth—soft butter makes the magic happen.
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Grease: That tablespoon adds layers of smoky flavor you can’t replicate with bacon bits alone.
- Fine Crumble is Key: Crumbling the bacon into tiny pieces helps the butter spread evenly and gives you a consistent bacon bite.
- Adjust Mustard to Taste: Start with a quarter teaspoon and add more if you like; I find a little goes a long way to balance richness without overpowering.
How to Serve Bacon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a little extra cracked black pepper or some chopped fresh chives on top when serving—it adds a touch of freshness and a pop of color. Sometimes a light dusting of smoked paprika or a few flakes of sea salt brings out even more depth.
Side Dishes
This bacon butter is insanely good melted over warm, crusty bread, roasted potatoes, or steamed green beans. My family goes crazy for it spooned onto grilled steaks or even stirred into creamy mashed potatoes—those are my go-to combos.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to roll the chilled bacon butter into little logs using parchment paper, then slice into rounds for an elegant butter “pinwheel” on the plate. It’s a lovely surprise on a brunch board or served alongside fancy dinner rolls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my Bacon Butter tightly covered in the fridge for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen over time, so sometimes I make it ahead for a party and it’s even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, I like to freeze portions in small silicone molds or ice cube trays. You can pop out a cube or two whenever you want, and it defrosts quickly on the countertop or with a quick zap in the microwave.
Reheating
Personally, I often use Bacon Butter cold as a spread, but for melting, just set it on warm food or give it a few seconds in the microwave—it melts beautifully and evenly because of the bacon fat content. Avoid overheating so it doesn’t separate.
FAQs
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Can I use unsalted butter for this Bacon Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer unsalted butter, just add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors. Keep in mind bacon also adds some saltiness, so taste as you go to avoid over-salting.
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Is it necessary to use dijon mustard in this recipe?
Not at all. Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth that cuts the butter’s richness, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan or want to make a sweeter version. Honey is a great swap for a sweet twist.
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How long will Bacon Butter stay fresh in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your Bacon Butter will stay fresh for about two weeks. Always check for any signs of spoilage, but the salt and fat help preserve it nicely.
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Can I make this Bacon Butter Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! It actually tastes even better if you make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bring it out shortly before serving.
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What’s the best way to use leftover Bacon Butter?
Leftovers are fantastic on burgers, scrambled eggs, roasted veggies, or just spread on warm bread. It’s truly a versatile flavor booster.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Bacon Butter Recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavorful powerhouse, and I know you’ll enjoy it just as much. It’s one of those kitchen staples that makes everyday meals feel special and indulgent without any fuss. Next time you crave something comforting with a little extra sass, grab some bacon and butter, and make this—you won’t regret 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
Bacon Butter is a savory, creamy spread made by blending crispy bacon, salted butter, dijon mustard, and cracked black pepper. Perfect for adding a delicious smoky flavor to bread, pancakes, waffles, or muffins, this easy-to-make butter combines rich and salty bacon with a hint of tang from mustard, making it an irresistible condiment that elevates simple dishes.
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 done, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool down.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, add the softened salted butter along with 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease from the skillet. This adds an extra depth of flavor to the butter.
- Crumble and Combine: Crumble the cooled bacon into very small, fine pieces and add them to the butter mixture along with the dijon mustard and fresh cracked pepper. Stir well to combine evenly. Alternatively, you can put all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the bacon is finely crumbed and everything is well mixed.
- Store the Bacon Butter: Spoon the finished bacon butter mixture into a dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to use. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- The dijon mustard adds a delicious depth of flavor and helps balance the richness of the butter and bacon. You can omit it if you prefer a purer bacon butter taste.
- For a sweeter variation, skip the dijon mustard and cracked pepper and add a drizzle of honey instead. This version works wonderfully on pancakes, waffles, or muffins for a sweet and savory treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp (approximate)
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
