Lighter Bacon Recipes

October 07, 2014
Photo: Randy Mayor
You had us at bacon. A welcome addition to an array of hearty dishes, this savory ingredient can take your meal from average to unforgettable in no time. 
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Apple and Bacon Pita Pizzas

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Apple and Bacon Pita Pizzas

Smoky bacon, rich walnuts, and woodsy thyme give depth to these quick personal pizzas.

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BLT Pasta

Photo: Greg Dupree
View Recipe: BLT Pasta

Slab bacon lets you get a thicker dice than presliced bacon that will hold its own in the pasta; if it's hard for you to find, just use thick-cut sliced bacon. Peppery watercress wilts well yet maintains a little crunch. It also adds a nice savory note, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the bacon. Arugula would also work.

3 of 21

Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeños

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Bacon-Stuffed Jalapeños

Take our word for it; filled with garlic, cream cheese, and bacon, these stuffed jalapeños are a must-serve appetizer at your next party.

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Two-Pea Pasta with Bacon Breadcrumbs

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Two-Pea Pasta with Bacon Breadcrumbs

You can use any short pasta in place of the ziti.

5 of 21

Bacon and Shrimp Pasta Toss

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Bacon and Shrimp Pasta Toss

Most people don't think "light" when they see bacon listed as an ingredient, but this quick, one-dish meals boasts only 396 calories per serving and packs a whopping 26 grams of protein.

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Seared Salmon with Sweet Corn and Bacon Sauté

Photo: Colin Clark
View Recipe: Seared Salmon with Sweet Corn and Bacon Sauté

The corn-and-bacon sauté makes a sweet-and-savory bed for the fish. Let the fillets cook undisturbed over medium-high heat for a beautiful sear.

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Bacon and Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Bacon and Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs

Bacon and blue cheese pair well in so many dishes. Applying the combo to deviled eggs makes for a simply delightful treat.

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Mushroom, Gruyère, and Spinach Quiche

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Mushroom, Gruyère, and Spinach Quiche

Our lighter version of a morning-meal favorite is a 317-calorie slice of heaven that's worthy of a starring role on your brunch menu.

 



        

9 of 21

Bacon and Leek Risotto

Photo: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr
View Recipe: Bacon and Leek Risotto

Serve this delightful risotto dish with sautéed Broccolini and a warm French bread baguette, for an irresistable dinner tonight.

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Mushroom and Bacon Casserole

Photo: Jennifer Davick
View Recipe: Mushroom and Bacon Casserole

Very few things embody comfort food as well as this hearty, warming mushroom and bacon casserole.

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Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Serve this savory caramelized onion, Gruyère, and bacon spread with crackers or bread slices. If you can't find Gruyère, substitute raclette, fontina, or Swiss cheese.

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Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

Bacon lends a smoky flavor to this appetizer that will help use your delicious tomato bounty.

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Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza

Instead of having an arugula salad on the side, put it on top of your pizza for fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato and applewood-smoked bacon pizza toppings.

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Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

Photo: John Kernick
View Recipe: Bacon and Egg Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Arugula

This upscale twist on the traditional breakfast sandwich features sweet, tender caramelized onion and peppery arugula. A fresh fruit salad would be a good accompaniment.

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Stewed Okra with Tomatoes and Bacon

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Stewed Okra with Tomatoes and Bacon

This Creole favorite makes the most of fresh produce. Stewing okra with tomatoes produces a saucy side that highlights okra's unique flavor and texture. The dish is tasty as is or ladled over white rice.

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Bacon S'mores

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Bacon S'mores

This adult twist on a childhood favorite will have you reminiscing about nights spent by the campfire with family and friends.

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Seared Scallops With Bacon, Cabbage, and Apple

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Seared Scallops With Bacon, Cabbage, and Apple

Quick but hearty, serve this sweet and savory scallop dish with roasted potatoes.

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Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Orecchiette with Kale, Bacon, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Orecchiette (little ears pasta) is a classic shape that’s ideal for this chunky sauce. You can also substitute short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni. If you can find mild-tasting cavolo nero (black kale), try it here.

 

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Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Bacon and Broccoli Mac and Cheese

This one-dish meal is full of flavor and will win over adults and children alike.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Garlic, bacon, shallots, and just over 15 minutes are all you need to create a Brussels sprouts side dish with intense flavor.

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Bacon and Wild Mushroom Risotto With Baby Spinach

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Bacon and Wild Mushroom Risotto with Baby Spinach

Crisp bacon brings crunchy texture and smoky flavor to this creamy, cheesy risotto dish.

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