How to Cook Diced Bacon for Maximum Flavor and Crispiness

Diced bacon is a versatile ingredient that adds smoky, salty flavor to all kinds of savory dishes. When cooked properly, the little cubes of bacon become crispy, crunchy bits of absolute deliciousness But cooking diced bacon requires some special considerations compared to cooking full bacon strips.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to fry diced bacon in a skillet for maximum crispiness and flavor. With the right techniques, you’ll have perfectly cooked bacon bits every time to top salads, eggs, soups, potatoes and more!

Benefits of Cooking Diced Bacon

Cooking diced bacon instead of strips provides a few advantages:

• Small pieces cook faster and more evenly
• Bits mix in easily to other ingredients
• Greater surface area means more crispy texture
• Easy to cook just the amount you need
• Convenient shelf-stable packaged bacon bits

Tips for Buying and Dicing Bacon

To ensure your diced bacon cooks properly start with high-quality bacon and dice it evenly

• Choose thick-cut bacon with good marbling for the best texture

• Make uniform 1/4 to 1/2 inch dice for even cooking

• Use a sharp knife and cut chilled bacon for clean cuts

• Work quickly so the diced bacon doesn’t warm and stick together

• Buy pre-diced bacon from the butcher or precubed packets for convenience

How to Cook Diced Bacon Perfectly

Follow these tips for crispy, flavorful diced bacon every time:

Use a Cast Iron or Nonstick Skillet

The smooth surface prevents sticking. Cast iron heats evenly and retains heat well.

Cook Over Medium to Medium Low Heat

The lower heat renders the fat slowly for tender, not burnt, bacon.

Add Diced Bacon to a Cold Pan

Starting in a cold pan prevents sticking as the fat renders.

Cook in Smaller Batches

Cook just a few ounces at a time so the bits brown evenly.

Stir Frequently

Stirring prevents sticking and facilitates even browning.

Cook Until Crispy

Fry until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispness.

Drain on Paper Towels

The towels soak up excess grease for crisper bacon bits.

Handy Cooking Tips

• Begin with a cold pan and stir often for best results

• Adjust heat as needed to avoid scorching or undercooking

• Fry in 2-3 oz batches for even cooking of all the bits

• Pour off excess bacon grease between batches

• Cook a little less for softer texture or longer for crunchier bits

• Use metal tongs to avoid piercing and losing diced pieces

Serving Suggestions for Diced Bacon

The smoky flavor and crispy texture of cooked diced bacon complements both sweet and savory dishes. Some tasty ways to use your cooked bacon bits:

• Garnish for soups and salads

• Mix into fried rice or pasta dishes

• Sprinkle over baked potatoes or pizza

• Fold into dips like beer cheese or spinach artichoke

• Top deviled eggs or stuffed mushrooms

• Skewer onto shrimp or chicken for bacon wrapped bites

• Toss with roasted Brussels sprouts and nuts

• Add crunch to mac and cheese or potato casseroles

• Use in place of bacon strips on burgers and sandwiches

Storing and Reheating Bacon Bits

To keep cooked bacon bits on hand:

• Let cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Refrigerate for short term storage or freeze for up to 3 months.

• To reheat, spread in a skillet over low heat until warmed through and crispy.

Try Making Your Own Bacon Bits

You can easily DIY your own delicious bacon bits at home. Here’s how:

• Slice bacon strips into 1/4-inch pieces.

• Fry over medium-low heat, stirring often, until crisp.

• Drain on paper towels and let cool completely.

• Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Making your own allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Adjust the seasoning or use specialty bacon like applewood smoked or peppered.

Get Creative with Diced Bacon

Now that you know the tricks for cooking diced bacon, get creative with ways to enjoy it! Try the bacon bits in these recipes:

• BLT Salad with Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bits and Pecans

• Twice Baked Potatoes with Bacon, Sour Cream and Chives

• Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sliders

• Bacon Jam to Spread on Biscuits or Burgers