Homemade Bacon Salt is perfect for sprinkling on popcorn, rimming a Bloody Mary, or finishing off a steak. Plus, it makes a great gift!
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I’ve recently discovered a magical ingredient that instantly makes almost any recipe it’s added to ten times better – Homemade Bacon Salt. It’s smoky, salty flavor can add a little something extra to just about anything.
What is bacon salt used for?
- Sprinkled over Chocolate Chip Cookies just before baking.
- Bacon rim salt for Bloody Marys.
- As the perfect finishing touch to a Caramel Sundae.
- To top off a perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.
- As a Popcorn seasoning.
- Stirred into Scrambled Eggs.
- Etc., etc., etc….
Why make your own?
Sure, you can buy bacon salt at the store, but let’s be honest, homemade is always better. You control the ingredients and the level of smokiness and saltiness. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just three ingredients and a half hour to make it!
Ingredients needed
- Bacon
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Ingredients: Smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper can all add another layer of flavor.
In order to really make that bacon flavor stand out, I went with a ratio of about three-quarters bacon to one-quarter salt.
The result?
Smoky, salty, buttery and with just a hint of spice from the black pepper. I immediately wanted to sprinkle it on everything…
How to make it
- Cook the bacon: I start by baking an entire package of bacon in a 375 degree oven. The trick to getting crispy bacon this way is to bake it on cookie racks that are placed over baking sheets, allowing the air to circulate around the bacon and get every nook and cranny perfectly browned and cooked.
- Pulse the bacon: Let the bacon cool. Then, roughly chop the bacon. Or, you can transfer it to a food processor or spice grinder for a more fine grind.
- Combine and store: Add the salt and pepper to the ground bacon and stir to combine. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Bacon Salt deserves to be shared. It makes a perfect parting gift for dinner guests or an easy DIY Christmas Gift. Or, just gift it as the perfect way to brighten up someone’s Tuesday!
I like to package it up into decorative glass jars and attach a small salt spoon and decorative label for an extra special touch.
But if you’re not in the sharing mood, this Bacon Salt can also be stored in your refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you’re anything like me, it will be gone long before then…
More bacon recipes
- Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon Bites
- Bacon & Shallot Fried Rice
- Create a DIY Bacon Bar (perfect for brunch entertaining)
- Dates Wrapped in Bacon with Marcona Almonds
Did you try this bacon salt recipe?
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What would be your favorite way to use this bacon flavored salt? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
The BEST Bacon Salt
Ingredients
- 12 ounce package bacon
- ¾ cup coarse kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Arrange bacon slices on a cookie rack placed on a cookie sheet.
- Bake 25-30 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels and allow to cool completely.
- Chop bacon very finely using either a knife or food processor. Mix with salt and pepper.
- Pack into small jars to give as gifts. Keep refrigerated.
This would be awesome on all the things you listed. I especially would love to rim it on a a blood mary! YUM!
Agreed Megan – It’s making me eager for the weekend!
I went to a place which had a bloody mary with bacon infused bourbon and bacon infused salt on the rim with pickled green beens OMG!!!
That sounds amazing!!!
Ooooh, that sounds gooooood!! Great list of places to use it, too! The popcorn and sundae sound amazing! That fried rice with bacon recipe also looks great!
Thanks Suzannah – The popcorn with bacon salt happens in our house at least weekly.
This would be the perfect addition to SO many dishes and drinks, Erin. And I’m totally craving a Bloody Mary now!
I could go for one too – Cheers Ashley!
So simple, but so good. I looove salt so yeah, this is right up my alley haha.
I’m with you Natasha – Totally obsessed with all things salty 🙂
I love bacon salt but have never made it at home. Can’t wait to try this!
I hope you enjoy Marlynn!
Can this be ground? Like put in my salt grinder, then shaker?
Hi Helene – I feel like the fattiness of the bacon may cause issues with the grinder. I haven’t tested this myself however.
Picture this. My Smoked Bloody Marys (made with smoked tomatoes and smoked bacon for garnish), with THIS bacon salt on the rim. Brunch is forever changed for the better! I think we should make that happen!!!
Sounds absolutely amazing Mary – We definitely need to make that one happen!
This is a great idea to add a touch of bacon to your popcorn.
Thanks Carlos – It’s definitely one of my favorite uses for this Bacon Salt!!!
About how much does this recipe make? I’m excited to make this as part of my family’s Christmas gift baskets.
Hi Brianna – This makes about 2 1/2 cups of bacon salt. Happy Holidays!
It is great on baked potatoes with butter and sour cream, stirred in with mashed potatoes with butter, and topping scallopped potatoes. I also use bacon salt on any beef – roasts, steaks, burgers, etc. – instead of regular salt.
Add to Sausage Meat Mixture to add Flavor.
How does it keep? Do you leave it on the counter? Or fridge it?
Hi Dave – You should keep this stored, covered in the refrigerator.
Fine or coarse salt? I’m making this for a rim salt. Thanks
I would use coarse kosher salt Suzanne!
omg my husband and kids resseled me for the jar Erin this recipe is soooo good, come christmas time i will have to make for every one or maybe not 🙂
Ha ha! I’m so happy it was a hit with your family Simone! What did you do with yours?
This is a great version of bacon salt; the proportion is just right. I candied a few pieces of the bacon, for a little twist on flavor. Also, used high quality bacon (Neuske applewood smoked), which makes a huge difference in the bacon-y, smoky goodness. I’m giving this to friends…but only the ones I really, really like. 🙂
Ha – Love it Anne! 🙂
Could you use the prepared bacon crumbles?
Unfortunately I don’t think that it will work very well April. I think that they already cure those crumbles with salt…
This looks amazing, can’t wait to whip some up to savor and share!!
This looks amazing, can’t wait to make it to savor and share.
I love this salt! I put a bit in a pan, top with a cracked egg , top with baby spinach, sprinkle feta cheese. Cover for a few minutes. Voila easy lunch..
Thank you
What a great idea Gil!
Shelf life? 🙂 or better to keep in the refrigerator? I know the salt makes it last but still curious.
Hi Melissa – The Bacon Salt can be stored in your refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Can you put bacon in food processor
Hi Vicki – I think that work work!
I would love to make this for gifts. What quantity does each recipe make? Thanks for any help!
Hi Gayle – This recipe makes about 2 cups of bacon salt.
How long would this keep in the refrigerator
Hi Christopher – The Bacon Salt can also be stored in your refrigerator for up to three weeks. 🙂