Crispy Bacon Bits: Hacks for Reviving Store-Bought Bits

Crunchy, crispy bacon bits can instantly elevate salads, baked potatoes, casseroles and more But the pre-packaged bacon bits from the store often end up disappointingly soggy and rubbery If you’re tired of lackluster bacon bits, don’t despair. With a few simple tricks, you can transform those soggy store-bought bits into crispy, flavorful bacon deliciousness.

Why Store-Bought Bits Lose Their Crunch

Understanding why pre-packaged bacon bits get soggy in the first place will help you learn how to fix them Here are some reasons behind their unappealing texture

• They are pre-cooked using the microwave which doesn’t allow moisture to evaporate. The bits end up steaming instead of frying to a crisp.

• Preservatives are added to give them a longer shelf life. But this can make the texture rubbery.

• They are often made from lower quality bacon with more fat which doesn’t crisp up as well.

• Storage in sealed containers traps in moisture, causing the bits to get soggy and damp.

The good news is that with the right cooking techniques, you can absolutely revive limp store-bought bacon bits and make them crispy once again.

Best Methods for Crisping Bacon Bits

Here are some simple methods for crisping up those lackluster bacon bits from the store:

Oven Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F.

• Spread bits in single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.

• Bake 10-15 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Check often until crispy and golden brown.

Air Fry

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

• Add handful of bits to air fryer basket.

• Cook 1-2 mins until you can smell bacon.

• Stir or shake basket and check frequently until crispy.

Stovetop Fry

• Heat non-stick skillet over medium heat.

• Add bits and cook 5-7 mins, stirring often.

• Fry until crispy and browned throughout.

The key with all methods is frequent stirring or flipping to ensure the bits brown and crisp evenly without burning. With just 5-15 minutes of cooking, you can revive those sad bacon bits into crunchy deliciousness.

Choosing the Best Bacon Bits

Not all store-bought bacon bits are created equal. When shopping, look for:

• Real bacon without artificial flavors/preservatives

• Thicker, better quality bacon for more flavor and crispness

• Bacon cured using natural smoke flavoring

• Thin cut bits if watching fat/calories

Avoid bacon bits with “bacon flavoring” instead of real bacon. Brands like Hormel Real Bacon Bits or Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits contain quality cured pork that will crisp up beautifully.

Tips for Keeping Bacon Bits Crispy

Once you’ve succeeded in crisping up those bacon bits, follow these tips to keep them crunchy when adding them to dishes:

• Add at the last minute to prevent sogginess

• Sprinkle on top instead of mixing in

• Serve on the side for maximum crunch

• Reheat any leftovers separately from the dish

Proper storage is also key. Keep opened bacon bits no more than 7 days in the fridge in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze bits in single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. With the right tricks, you’ll never have to settle for flabby bacon bits again!