If you’re looking for ways to cook with bacon that go far beyond breakfast, this list has you covered. These bacon-filled meals bring salty, smoky flavor to everything from soups and salads to casseroles and slow cooker favorites. Each recipe highlights how bacon can elevate the texture and taste of meats, vegetables, and pasta. From quick lunches to hearty dinners, these ideas deliver serious satisfaction.

Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

A fork holds a bite of rotini pasta salad with tomatoes, spinach, cheese, and crispy bacon above a bowl of the same salad—perfect for breakfast or as part of your favorite bacon recipes, with more salad and ingredients in the background.
Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

This chilled pasta salad combines tender chicken and crispy bacon with a creamy dressing that clings to every bite. It’s loaded with fresh vegetables for contrast and color. The smoky crunch of the bacon plays well against the smooth pasta and juicy chunks of chicken. It’s an easy make-ahead dish for busy days.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Pasta Salad

Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Sweet and spicy bacon and turkey chili garnished with avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro.
Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

A bold mix of sweet heat and savory bacon makes this chili stand out. Ground turkey keeps it light, while thick-cut bacon adds richness and depth. Beans and tomatoes bring body to the bowl, and a dash of chili powder gives it extra punch. Serve it with cornbread or chips for a complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Bacon and Turkey Chili

Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Plate of salmon with bacon.
Bacon Wrapped Salmon. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

This simple recipe delivers flaky salmon wrapped in a crisp, salty shell. The bacon seals in moisture and infuses the fish with flavor as it roasts. A quick bake in the oven creates a contrast of textures that works well with a light side. It’s a smart way to shake up a seafood night.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Salmon

Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Cauliflower cheddar cheese bacon soup in a pot with a spoon.
Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Creamy, cheesy, and dotted with bacon, this soup is everything you want in a warm bowl. The cauliflower gives it a smooth base while the sharp cheddar packs a punch. Bacon adds a smoky crunch to each spoonful. A sprinkle of green onions on top gives it a fresh finish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Cheddar Cheese Bacon Soup

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs on a white plate with parsley and tooth picks.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

These bite-sized meatballs are coated in bacon and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Juicy inside with a crisp shell, they’re great for snacks or main dishes. A dipping sauce on the side takes them to the next level. Make a batch for game day or quick weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Meatballs

Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken

White platter of cooked bacon wrapped chicken thighs.
Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken. Photo credit: The Foodie Affiar.

Sticky barbecue sauce coats juicy chicken wrapped in strips of bacon. As it bakes, the flavors come together to create a crispy, glazed finish. It’s sweet, smoky, and satisfying in every bite. Serve with roasted vegetables or a simple salad to balance things out.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped BBQ Chicken

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Two skillets filled with chicken and vegetables on a white background.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

A creamy ranch sauce ties together chicken, pasta, cheese, and bacon in this baked dish. The bacon crisps on top while the inside stays rich and cheesy. It’s a comforting option that comes together in one dish. Leftovers heat up well for the next day.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce served on a white plate.
Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi pair with a rich cream sauce loaded with bacon. The sauce coats every bite for a deeply savory finish. A sprinkle of herbs adds a bit of color and freshness. It’s a satisfying dish with minimal ingredients.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Bacon and Cream Sauce

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. Photo credit: Trop Rockin.

This slow cooker recipe delivers tender chicken, bacon, and pasta in a creamy ranch sauce. As it simmers, the flavors meld into a hearty, comforting meal. The bacon stays crisp thanks to a quick pan-fry before adding it in. It’s an easy way to feed a crowd with little effort.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta

Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Meatloaf wrapped in bacon and glazed with ketchup on a white platter.
Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

All the flavor of a bacon cheeseburger is packed into this classic meatloaf. Ground beef is mixed with cheese and spices, then topped with crispy bacon strips. It’s baked until golden and gooey. Slice it thick and serve with fries or mashed potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Meatloaf

Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon

A plate with a cooked steak cut into pieces, accompanied by mashed potatoes and green beans.
Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon. Photo credit: Quick Prep Recipes.

Tender filet mignon is wrapped in bacon and seared for a restaurant-style result. The bacon adds flavor while keeping the meat juicy during cooking. It’s a quick and elegant way to prepare a special cut. Serve with a pat of butter or pan sauce.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Fillet Mignon

Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

Roasted butternut squash with cauliflower and bacon and dollops of sour cream with a spoon.
Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Sweet squash and nutty cauliflower roast together with smoky bacon in this side dish. The vegetables caramelize in the oven, picking up flavor from the bacon drippings. A sprinkle of herbs before serving adds brightness. It works well with roasted meats or poultry.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cubed Butternut Squash with Cauliflower and Bacon

25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

An up-close shot of bacon-avocado ground beef burger on a flat white surface.
25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

This burger comes together fast with rich ground beef, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon. A toasted bun holds everything in place without getting soggy. Add lettuce and tomato for crunch and freshness. It’s a fast option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Get the Recipe: 25-Minute Bacon-Avocado Ground Beef Burger

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans in a white bowl with a fork.
Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

One skillet is all you need to bring together this mix of chicken, bacon, and green beans. The bacon infuses everything with a smoky depth while the chicken stays juicy. Green beans add a fresh, crisp bite to the mix. It’s a balanced meal that cooks in under an hour.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Chicken Thighs, Bacon, and Green Beans

Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Four bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with parsley garnish on white plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

These chicken thighs stay moist thanks to their bacon blanket, which crisps as it bakes. A simple seasoning mix keeps the flavors focused. The bacon renders and bastes the chicken during cooking. It’s great with a side of roasted vegetables.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Thick beef patties are wrapped in bacon and grilled or pan-fried until crisp on the outside. The bacon adds crunch and smoky flavor to every bite. A slice of cheese melts perfectly over the top. Serve with your favorite condiments on a toasted bun.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets

Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filet on a what plate with mashed cauliflower, butter, parsley, pepper, and salt.
Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

This air fryer version delivers tender beef wrapped in crisped bacon without needing a grill. The filets cook evenly and stay juicy inside. A quick seasoning blend adds extra flavor without overpowering the meat. It’s a fast, fuss-free take on a steakhouse favorite.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chuck Tender Filets

Pot Roast with Bacon

A plate of pot roast with bacon and mashed potatoes with gravy.
Pot Roast with Bacon. Photo credit: Keto Cooking Wins.

Slow-cooked pot roast gets an upgrade with bacon mixed into the braising liquid. The bacon adds depth and a slight smokiness to the rich gravy. Vegetables like carrots and potatoes absorb all the flavors as they cook down. It’s a comforting dinner with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Pot Roast with Bacon

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with parsley on a plate with a fork.
Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin. Photo credit: Lara Clevenger.

Pork tenderloin gets a smoky twist from being wrapped in bacon and cooked low and slow. The bacon helps keep the meat moist while adding a crisp outer layer. A dry rub enhances the natural flavor of the pork. Slice and serve with roasted vegetables or a salad.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin

15 Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

Chicken Bacon lettuce and tomatoes wrapped in tortilla.
15 Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap. Photo credit: Call Me PMc.

This fast wrap is loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of ranch. Everything is wrapped in a soft tortilla for an easy handheld meal. Add lettuce or tomato for crunch and color. It’s great for lunch or a quick dinner on the move.
Get the Recipe: 15 Minute Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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