15 bacon-forward recipes that don’t hold back

If you believe bacon should be bold and never an afterthought, this collection is for you. I put together these recipes for cooks who want big flavor, easy wins, and meals that feel filling without extra effort. They're the kind of dishes I reach for when I want something comforting, reliable, and unapologetically rich.

A plate of broccoli salad with bits of bacon, served on a white oval dish alongside a wooden spoon. — Broccoli Salad with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

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BLT Dip

A platter with a bowl of dip topped with bacon bits, surrounded by celery sticks, baby carrots, cherry tomatoes, and tortilla chips. — BLT Dip. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dip is built for people who want strong, smoky flavor without holding back. It comes together quickly, making it ideal for parties or casual get-togethers. The texture is rich and filling, working well with chips, crackers, or vegetables. Bacon plays a clear leading role and keeps the dip from feeling flat.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip

Bacon Green Beans

Close-up of a plate with sautéed green beans and bacon pieces, with a fork spearing a few beans. — Bacon Green Beans. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Green beans take on a heartier role in this side thanks to generous use of bacon. It's quick to prepare and fits easily into a weeknight dinner. The dish works well alongside roasted or grilled mains. Bacon ensures the flavor stays bold and noticeable.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Green Beans

Spinach Bacon Salad

A fork holds a bite of spinach salad with chopped eggs, bacon, and cheese over a wooden bowl filled with the same salad. Two blurred bowls are in the background. — Spinach Bacon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This salad feels substantial rather than light, making it suitable for lunch or dinner. Prep time is short, which helps on busy days. It pairs easily with other dishes or stands on its own. Bacon adds weight and depth that keeps the salad grounded.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad

Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Sheet pan with cooked eggs, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, and bacon. — Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Designed for ease, this dish cooks all at once and limits cleanup. It works well for breakfast, brunch, or a simple dinner option. The portions are filling without being heavy. Bacon provides the backbone that makes it feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Each ring is fully wrapped, making this an appetizer with a strong presence. Prep is straightforward and cook time stays manageable. These fit naturally into game-day spreads or casual gatherings. Bacon keeps the flavor front and center.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Onion Rings

Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

These small bites work well when you want something filling without a long cook time. They're easy to portion and serve as an appetizer or light meal. The balance feels intentional rather than overdone. Bacon adds richness that carries each bite.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

A bowl of salad with sliced red onions, lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheese, ground beef, bacon, and dressing; a fork holds a bite above the bowl. — Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This bowl is built to feel like a full meal rather than a side. Assembly is simple, making it practical for lunch or dinner. It holds together well without extra components. Bacon gives the dish the boldness expected from a hearty bowl.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Three bacon-wrapped pieces of chicken on a white plate with a sprig of parsley and a red and white checkered cloth on the side. — Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These bites are designed to feel substantial despite their size. They cook quickly and work well for busy evenings. The dish fits easily into appetizer spreads or weeknight meals. Bacon ensures each piece carries a strong flavor.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This salad works well as a make-ahead option for gatherings or meal prep. It stays filling and balanced rather than feeling light. The texture holds up over time. Bacon provides the depth that keeps the salad interesting.
Get the Recipe: Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Cabbage and bacon in white serving bowl. — Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This dish feels rooted and filling, making it suitable for family-style dinners. Cooking time is reasonable and doesn't require much attention. It pairs well with simple mains. Bacon gives the cabbage a bold, smoky foundation.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon

Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

A bowl of bacon-wrapped cocktail sausages served on a bed of fresh green herbs. — Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

These are designed for easy serving and quick cooking. They work especially well for parties and potlucks. Portions are simple to manage and don't require extra prep. Bacon makes sure each bite feels rich and complete.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies

Chicken Corn Chowder

This chowder is filling enough to work as a full meal. It suits cooler days or when something comforting is needed. Prep is approachable and doesn't feel complicated. Bacon adds depth that supports the rest of the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Corn Chowder

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Built for convenience, this casserole works well for busy schedules. It's easy to portion and reheat, making it useful for meal planning. The dish feels hearty without being overwhelming. Bacon gives it structure and staying power.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

The air fryer keeps this side quick and easy to manage. It works well alongside simple proteins for dinner. Cleanup stays minimal, which helps on busy nights. Bacon gives the cabbage a strong, smoky edge.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Air Fryer Cabbage

Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer

Bacon wrapped pineapple on a white plate. — Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

This recipe works well as an appetizer or snack option. Cook time is short and easy to manage in the air fryer. The contrast keeps it from feeling one-note. Bacon provides the bold flavor that ties everything together.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple in Air Fryer