Are you a bacon lover looking to indulge without sacrificing your diet goals? Look no further! We’ve rounded up 18 delicious and nutritious bacon recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing a boost of protein, fiber, and vitamins. From sweet potato topped with crispy bacon to quinoa bowls packed with spinach and turkey bacon, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some creative ways to incorporate healthy bacon into your meals, from breakfast to dinner and even snacks in between. Say goodbye to the notion that healthy eating means sacrificing flavor – these recipes prove that you can have it all!
Turkey bacon and avocado salad
This refreshing salad combines the smoky flavor of turkey bacon with the creaminess of avocado, all on a bed of crisp greens. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of turkey bacon
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp. of olive oil
– 1 tsp. of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the turkey bacon in a pan until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese (if using).
3. Add the cooked turkey bacon to the salad and toss to combine.
4. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Baked sweet potato with crispy bacon
This classic comfort food recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the smoky, savory flavor of crispy bacon. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this recipe is easy to make and sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes
– 6 slices of bacon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork.
3. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap each sweet potato with 3 slices of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
5. Place the wrapped sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Healthy bacon and egg muffins
Start your day with a protein-packed breakfast that’s easy to make and deliciously satisfying. These healthy bacon and egg muffins are the perfect solution for busy mornings.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 4 slices of whole-grain English muffin, toasted
– 6 slices of cooked turkey bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (reduced-fat)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. Divide the toasted English muffin halves among six muffin cups.
4. Pour in the egg mixture, followed by crumbled turkey bacon and shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the eggs are set and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Quinoa bacon and spinach bowl
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with crispy bacon, wilted spinach, and a hint of lemon, all in one nutritious bowl. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions using water or vegetable broth.
2. In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
5. Combine cooked quinoa, crispy bacon, and wilted spinach in a bowl.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Grilled chicken with bacon and asparagus
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this flavorful and easy-to-make grilled chicken dish, smothered in crispy bacon and paired with tender asparagus.
Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
• 1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together salt and pepper.
3. Season chicken breasts with the salt and pepper mixture.
4. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, wrap bacon slices around asparagus spears, securing with toothpicks if needed.
6. Place asparagus on grill grates and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway.
7. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil during the last minute of cooking.
8. Serve grilled chicken with crispy bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes total
Cauliflower bacon fried rice
This recipe puts a creative spin on traditional fried rice by substituting cauliflower for grains, and adding crispy bacon for added smokiness. The result is a flavorful, low-carb dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g. peas, carrots, corn)
– 2 teaspoons of soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Pulse cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add crumbled bacon and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic; cook for an additional minute.
5. Add mixed vegetables, soy sauce, salt, and pepper; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
6. Add cauliflower “rice” and stir-fry until heated through.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon-wrapped shrimp with garlic butter
Elevate your seafood game with this mouthwatering recipe that combines succulent shrimp, crispy bacon, and aromatic garlic butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. In a small bowl, mix together garlic and butter until well combined.
4. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each piece.
5. Drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Healthy bacon and Brussels sprouts stir-fry
This recipe is a tasty and healthy twist on the classic stir-fry, featuring crispy bacon and tender Brussels sprouts. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a nutritious side dish.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of nitrate-free bacon
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the bacon slices until crispy, flipping halfway through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the olive oil, garlic, and Brussels sprouts. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. Add the cooked bacon back into the pan and stir to combine with the sprouts.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-18 minutes.
Turkey bacon and kale smoothie
Start your day off right with this unique and delicious smoothie that combines the savory flavor of turkey bacon with the nutritional power of kale. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add some extra protein and green goodness to their morning routine.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup frozen kale
– 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/2 banana, sliced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 cup diced turkey bacon (cooked)
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
– Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or thickness as needed.
3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Enjoy your nutritious and tasty Turkey Bacon and Kale Smoothie!
Bacon and lentil soup
This comforting soup combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the nutritious goodness of lentils, perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. With its rich broth and tender legumes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy.
2. Add the onion, garlic, and carrots; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Zucchini noodles with bacon and cherry tomatoes
A simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the savory goodness of bacon, all wrapped up in zucchini noodles.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium zucchinis
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the diced bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for 1 minute.
4. Slice the zucchinis into long noodles using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler.
5. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
6. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they release their juices and start to soften.
7. Return the cooked bacon to the skillet and stir to combine with the zucchini noodles and cherry tomatoes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and mushroom stuffed bell peppers
Satisfy your cravings with this savory recipe that combines the sweetness of bell peppers with the smokiness of bacon and earthiness of mushrooms.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced
– 1/2 cup of cooked rice
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms in olive oil until tender. Add crumbled bacon and cook until combined.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the mushroom-bacon mixture, then top with cooked rice.
5. Place stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bell peppers are tender.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to crisp up the tops (optional: sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top).
8. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Healthy bacon and black bean tacos
Get ready to spice up your taco Tuesday with this deliciously nutritious recipe! This dish combines the smoky flavor of crispy bacon, the creaminess of black beans, and the crunch of fresh veggies, all wrapped up in a whole-grain tortilla.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 pound lean bacon (look for nitrate-free options)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 whole-grain tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, salsa, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and cook bacon for 15-20 minutes or until crispy.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add black beans to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Warm tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
6. Assemble tacos by placing cooked bacon, black bean mixture, and desired toppings onto the warmed tortillas.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Bacon and spinach stuffed chicken breast
A flavorful twist on traditional chicken breast, this recipe combines the savory goodness of bacon with the earthy taste of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled bacon, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the bacon-spinach mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
6. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Bacon and sweet corn chowder
This comforting soup combines the sweetness of corn with the smokiness of bacon, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cups of sweet corn kernels
– 1 cup of chicken broth
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the sweet corn kernels and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado bacon and egg toast
A twist on a classic breakfast dish, this recipe combines the creamy richness of avocado with the smoky savory flavor of bacon and the runny yolkiness of eggs.
Ingredients:
– 4 slices of bread (whole wheat or white)
– 2 ripe avocados
– 6 slices of cooked bacon (thick-cut or thin-cut)
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro, or lemon wedges for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Toast the bread until lightly browned.
2. In a small bowl, mash one avocado half with a fork until mostly smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Fry an egg in the same pan (no need to clean it) until the whites are set and yolks are still runny.
5. Assemble the toast by spreading the mashed avocado on top of the toasted bread, followed by a few strips of bacon, and finally the fried egg.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Bacon and butternut squash hash
A sweet and savory twist on a classic dish, this bacon and butternut squash hash is perfect for brunch or breakfast. The combination of crispy bacon, roasted squash, and fluffy potatoes makes for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 2 large Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Cook diced potatoes for about 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
5. Combine roasted squash, cooked potatoes, and crispy bacon in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking time: approximately 45-50 minutes
Healthy bacon and chickpea salad
A deliciously simple salad that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the creamy texture of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a refreshing mix of greens and herbs.
Ingredients:
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 can of chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 4 cups of mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup of chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled bacon, chickpeas, mixed greens, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in some deliciously healthy recipes featuring the savory flavor of bacon! From sweet potato to smoothies, these 18 mouth-watering dishes showcase the versatility of nutritious bacon. Enjoy a refreshing turkey bacon and avocado salad or go for something heartier like quinoa bowls with crispy bacon. You’ll also find tasty twists on classic breakfast dishes, such as healthy bacon and egg muffins. And don’t miss out on unique creations like cauliflower bacon fried rice or bacon-wrapped shrimp with garlic butter. Treat yourself to a flavorful and nutritious meal with these 18 recipes!
