If you’re anything like me, you know that a little twist on a classic ingredient can turn an ordinary meal into something unforgettable. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Bacon Butter Recipe with you—it’s simple, it’s indulgent, and it brings all the smoky, savory goodness of bacon right to your butter dish. Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast, tossing it with veggies, or using it to jazz up a steak, this bacon butter will quickly become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, smoky flavor: The bacon gives the butter an irresistible depth you won’t want to live without.
- Super simple to make: Just a few ingredients and minutes, with no fancy tools required.
- Versatile kitchen magic: Perfect on everything from breakfast toast to grilled meats.
- Great for impressing guests: A small upgrade that makes any meal feel special and homemade.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully to balance savory bacon richness with a hint of tang and spice, making each bite a flavor bomb. When you pick your bacon, go for thick-cut if you like more chew or regular if you prefer crispier, as I do!
- Bacon: Choose good-quality bacon, preferably smoked, for maximum flavor impact.
- Salted butter: Room temperature butter spreads easily and blends well with the bacon flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle, tangy kick that cuts through the butter’s richness—don’t skip it unless you prefer it simple.
- Fresh cracked pepper: A little pepper brightens the whole mix, giving it just the right amount of spice.
Variations
One of the things I adore about this bacon butter recipe is how easy it is to customize to your tastes. I’ve played around with both savory and sweet versions, and your kitchen should be your playground too!
- Sweet & Savory: I once skipped the dijon and cracked pepper and drizzled a bit of honey into the butter—it was fantastic on morning pancakes and muffins.
- Herb-infused: Adding chopped fresh herbs like chives or thyme gives the butter a fresh twist that works great on grilled veggies.
- Spicy kick: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika if you like things with a little heat—my friends can’t get enough of this version!
How to Make Bacon Butter Recipe
Step 1: Fry your bacon until perfection
I always start by cooking the bacon in a skillet over medium heat so it crisps up nicely without burning. Once it’s golden and crunchy, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up the excess grease—that crispy texture is what you want to capture in your bacon butter.
Step 2: Mix butter with bacon grease
Here comes the magic: scoop your softened butter into a small bowl and add about one tablespoon of that glorious bacon grease left behind in the pan. This addition is what makes your bacon butter next-level rich and smoky. Whisk them together so they become one luscious blend.
Step 3: Crumble and combine everything
Next, crumble the cooled bacon into very fine pieces—trust me, the smaller, the better for even flavor distribution. Toss these bits into the butter along with the dijon mustard and freshly cracked pepper. Stir everything thoroughly until it all comes together. If you prefer, pulse everything briefly in a food processor to get a super smooth and well-blended butter.
Step 4: Chill and enjoy
Once mixed, spoon your bacon butter into a small dish or ramekin, cover it, and pop it into the fridge. It firms up quickly, and that gives you the perfect spreadable texture. I always keep some on hand because it elevates just about any meal effortlessly.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Butter Recipe
- Use room temperature butter: It mixes so much easier with the bacon bits and grease, giving you smooth, consistent texture.
- Don’t skip straining the bacon grease: Pour it carefully so you capture just the golden oil, leaving behind any burnt bits for a clean flavor.
- Fine bacon crumbles make a difference: The smaller the bacon pieces, the better it mixes and the more evenly distributed your flavor will be.
- Store in an airtight container: This helps maintain freshness and keeps the butter from picking up fridge smells.
How to Serve Bacon Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I love to top my bacon butter with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley right before serving—it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that balances the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This butter shines alongside roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or even dolloped onto a juicy grilled steak or chicken breast. It’s also amazing melted over warm corn on the cob or stirred into creamy grits.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to shape the bacon butter into little balls or logs, then roll them in fresh herbs or nuts before chilling—makes for a beautiful, rustic presentation that looks like you went above and beyond.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my leftover bacon butter in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays fresh and ready for up to a week. Just give it a gentle stir before using to get that creamy texture back.
Freezing
This butter freezes beautifully—I portion it into an ice cube tray and once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Defrost individual portions in the fridge overnight or on the counter for quick use.
Reheating
Since it’s butter-based, I recommend letting it thaw naturally or warming gently at room temperature. Avoid microwaving as it can separate the fat and affect texture.
FAQs
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Can I make bacon butter without dijon mustard?
Absolutely! The dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances richness, but you can leave it out if you prefer the butter simply smoky and savory. Some people even like to swap it for a drizzle of honey for sweetness.
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What type of bacon works best for bacon butter?
Thick-cut smoked bacon is my favorite because it offers a nice smoky punch and holds up well when crumbled. But regular bacon works too—the key is cooking it until crispy and finely crumbling it.
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How long does bacon butter keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, bacon butter stays fresh in the fridge for about 5 to 7 days. Always check for any off smells or textures before use.
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Can I use bacon butter for cooking as well as a spread?
Yes! This bacon butter melts beautifully in a pan and makes an amazing flavor base for sautéing vegetables or finishing grilled meats. Just use it as a flavorful substitute for regular butter or oil.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I absolutely love how this Bacon Butter Recipe turns a simple ingredient like butter into something decadent and full of personality. Making it is quick and rewarding, and once you’ve tasted it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. I hope you’ll try this recipe soon—it’s the kind of homemade goodness that feels like a hug on a plate, perfect for everyday meals or when you want to impress without extra fuss.
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Bacon Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Butter is a savory, rich spread made by blending crispy bacon with creamy salted butter, Dijon mustard, and freshly cracked pepper. Perfect to enhance the flavor of toast, biscuits, or vegetables, this flavorful butter combines the smoky essence of bacon with a smooth, tangy twist.
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 slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on thickness. Once crispy, transfer the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Prepare the Butter Mixture: In a small mixing bowl, add the room temperature salted butter along with 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease reserved from the skillet. This adds extra smoky flavor to the butter.
- Crumble Bacon and Combine: Crumble the crispy bacon into very small, fine pieces by hand and add to the butter mixture. Then add the Dijon mustard and freshly cracked pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure an even combination of flavors. Alternatively, you can place all the ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the bacon is finely crumbed and the butter mixture is well combined.
- Chill the Bacon Butter: Spoon the well-mixed bacon butter into a serving dish or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate the mixture until firm and ready to serve. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Notes
- The Dijon mustard adds a delicious depth of flavor to the butter and balances the richness nicely, but you can omit it if preferred.
- For a sweet twist, skip the Dijon mustard and cracked pepper, and add a drizzle of honey to use the bacon butter on pancakes, waffles, or muffins.
- Store bacon butter refrigerated and use within 1 week for the best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
