Bacon Bits

I use bacon bits in EVERYTHING, it seems… And those cardboard-tasting preservative-filled ones you can pre-buy are simply a no-go for me.

I mean, seriously, how can you not be happy while cooking when the meal starts w/ the smell of cooking bacon?!?

These lil bits o’ joy have a starring role in a variety of my recipes such as:

• Chicken & Bacon Ranch Casserole
• Spinach & Bacon Salad
• Cheesy Bacon & Broccoli Chicken
• Rutabaga Cheese Soup
• Cobb Salad

Bacon Bits Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 oz thick-cut bacon
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Stovetop Directions

1. Place entire bacon package into the freezer for 15 mins (this is so that it holds together while slicing – don’t go longer than 15 mins or it’s then hard to separate after cutting).
2. After removing 12 oz of bacon from the package, use a sharp knife to cut slices into little strips about 1/4″ wide (see top, right picture above).
3. Separate bacon pieces and place in large saucepan on stovetop. Don’t worry if some don’t separate easily as they’ll come apart while you cook.
4. Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp ground black pepper. I just grind a few turns over the bacon.
5. On stovetop, fry over medium-high heat until crisp, making sure to separate and push around pan occasionally – don’t overcook as it will keep cooking from its own heat for a bit once you remove it from the heat.
6. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels (preferably over a paper plate to minimize clean up).

Instant Pot Directions

1. Place entire bacon package into the freezer for 15 mins (this is so that it holds together while slicing – don’t go longer than 15 mins or it’s then hard to separate after cutting).
2. After removing 12 oz of bacon from the package, use a sharp knife to cut slices into little strips about 1/4″ wide (see top, right picture above).
3. Select Sauté – More function on Instant Pot (IP).
4. Separate bacon pieces and place in IP’s inner pot. Don’t worry if some don’t separate easily as they’ll come apart while you cook.
5. Sprinkle with black pepper, to taste. I just grind a few turns over the bacon.
6. Fry until crisp, making sure to separate and push around pot occasionally – don’t overcook as it will keep cooking from its own heat for a bit once you remove it from the heat.
7. Remove from pot with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels (preferably over a paper plate to minimize clean up).

NUTRITION FACTS
Servings	26
Amount Per Serving	1 Tbsp (0.25 oz | 7 g)
Calories	30
		% Daily Value*
Total Fat	2.5 g	3%
Saturated Fat	0.8 g	4%
Trans Fat	0 g
Monounsaturated Fat	1.1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0.2 g
Cholesterol	7 mg	2%
Sodium	120 mg	5%
Total Carbohydrate	0 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
Total Sugars	0 g
Added Sugars	0 g
Sugar Alcohols	0 g
Protein	2.5 g
Vitamin D	0 mcg	0%
Calcium	2 mg	0%
Iron	0 mg	0%
Potassium	45 mg	1%
Vitamin A	0 mcg	0%
Vitamin C	0 mg	0%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

#Keto #LowCarb #LowFat #LowSodium #InstantPot