Bacon has earned its reputation as one of the most crave-worthy foods there is. And while it built its fame by turning breakfast into one of the highlights of the day, there’s no reason to restrict yourself to a couple slices in the morning alongside an egg.

That’s because bacon’s renowned deliciousness is rivaled only by its versatility. It lends a burst of smoky, meaty flavor to anything it’s added to—and with a pinch of imagination and a dash of curiosity, that “anything” can be just about “everything”.

Whether you’re seeking fresh ways to use up those last few slices of bacon in your fridge, or digging into a brand-new package, the universe of bacon-enhanced delectables is vast and ready to be explored. 

It’s time to get adventurous with these 22 unexpected bacon cooking ideas.

Be Creative with Bacon

Seeking inspiration for an upcoming dinner party? Add instant fanciness to any gathering by wrapping the appetizers in bacon. You can’t go wrong with classics like bacon-wrapped asparagus or bacon-wrapped dates with goat cheese. 

For something new, try beef bacon wrapped caesar salad bites or sweet and savory bundles of cheese, almonds, marmalade, and dried apricots encased in Godshall’s crispy turkey bacon.

You’re hosting a Hawaiian-inspired backyard party? Tropical turkey bacon wrapped shrimp. How about a Tex-Mex BBQ? Maple bacon jalapeño poppers with pimento cheese. Looking to curate a romantic evening? Bacon-wrapped exotic fruits.

All of this experimentation leads to one undeniable truth: there are very few foods you can’t improve by wrapping them in bacon.

Bacon as a Dessert Ingredient

There’s something about the combination of sweet and salty that’s absolutely irresistible. Try your hand at some mouthwatering bacon-forward dessert ideas, like bacon ice cream recipes. This maple bacon crunch ice cream jazzes up a smooth maple ice cream with crispy bacon brittle and just a touch of chipotle. Or, enjoy a diner-style treat like a decadent maple bacon milkshake.

Bacon Cocktails and Beverages

We’ve established how bacon excels as a food. But bacon’s naturally smoky flavors also make it a great addition to savory cocktails, like this maple turkey bacon Bloody Mary, and pairs beautifully with a whisky-based drink, like this bacon bourbon maple Old Fashioned. 

Bacon isn’t just an adult-beverage enhancer, as bacon-flavored tea brings new zip to a timeless classic. Or, you can refine your bacon and coffee brewing techniques with a maple bacon latte.

Crafting Bacon-Infused Condiments

Sometimes you just want to reach into your fridge to bless your meal with bacon’s patented goodness without having to get out the frying pan. For those moments, there are bacon-infused condiments.

Bacon jam is a spectacular addition to any cheese and charcuterie board, and takes a grilled cheese sandwich to the next level. For something you can make in advance to enjoy at your leisure, bacon and parmesan compound butter can be melted over steak or vegetables for a tasty keto dinner.

Bacon as a Garnish

Who doesn’t love bacon crumbled over their meal? Bacon bits in unconventional salads are always fun—try kale bacon salad with maple candied walnuts, endive with bacon and buttermilk ranch dressing, or bacon jalapeño corn salad. 

Bacon fried up with a little garlic and Panko makes fantastic bacon breadcrumbs, too, as seen in these baked tomatoes with bacon breadcrumbs or these green beans with bacon breadcrumbs. 

For a magical topping that can be used to enhance everything from steak and scrambled eggs to popcorn and chocolate chip cookies, try crafting your own bacon salt. With just three ingredients, it’s incredibly easy to make and doubles as a thoughtful gift—if you don’t eat it all first.

Bacon for All Occasions

With so many options, there’s no need to ever wonder what to do with bacon. We’ve seen how there’s no shortage of exciting bacon cooking ideas available. But if you really want to explore the outer reaches of bacon’s galaxy, you can skip right past food to things like DIY bacon candles and even step-by-step guides for bacon bouquets—there’s really no limit to the possibilities.

Whether your bacon is destined for your plate, your cocktail glass, or your mantlepiece, find the retailer closest to you stocking Godshall’s real wood smoked bacon products here. You can choose from quality cuts of American grown beef bacon, turkey bacon, and a whole lot more.