Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that adds a smoky, salty burst of flavor to everything it touches. But for those with difficulty chewing or swallowing, enjoying crisp bacon can be challenging or even dangerous This is where pureed bacon comes in! With the right techniques, bacon can be transformed into a smooth, spreadable puree that retains all that characteristic bacon goodness.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to make perfect bacon puree, including

• Why puree bacon?
• Choosing the right bacon
• Equipment needed
• Step-by-step pureeing process
• Flavor boosting additions
• Storage and use ideas

By the end, you’ll be a pro at making smooth, flavorful bacon puree to enhance all kinds of dishes! Let’s get cooking.

Why Make Bacon Puree?

There are two main reasons to make bacon into a puree

1. For those with chewing or swallowing difficulties – Pureed bacon allows those with dental issues or conditions like dysphagia to enjoy the bacon flavor safely.

2. As a flavor enhancer – Pureed bacon makes an umami-rich addition to enhance all kinds of dishes, from dips to soups to savory snacks.

No matter your reason for pureeing bacon, the techniques are the same. With the right tools and some simple steps, you can unlock the full potential of bacon in spreadable form.

Selecting the Best Bacon for Pureeing

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to pureeing. Here are a few tips for selecting bacon that will puree smoothly:

• Go thin – Look for thinly sliced bacon, which will puree more easily than thick cut.

• Avoid extras – Stay away from bacon with added seasonings or flavors, which can throw off the final puree.

• Get it crisp – Crispy bacon purees better than chewy or undercooked bacon.

• Watch the fat – Some fat is good for flavor, but overly fatty bacon may not puree well.

I recommend a basic thin sliced bacon for pureeing. Now let’s talk tools!

Essential Equipment for Pureeing Bacon

You don’t need any fancy gadgets to puree bacon, but there are a few basics that make the process easier:

• Cutting board & knife – For chopping cooked bacon prior to pureeing.

• Baking sheet – For crisping the bacon in the oven.

• Food processor – This is the MVP for blending the bacon into a smooth puree.

• Spatulas & spoons – Helpful for scraping down the sides of the processor.

• Storage containers – For storing and freezing portions of puree.

That’s all you need for smooth bacon puree success! Now let’s get to the step-by-step process.

Step-by-Step Bacon Pureeing Process

Follow these simple steps for perfect bacon puree every time:

1. Cook the Bacon

• Arrange bacon slices in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet.

• Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until crispy and browned.

• Drain excess fat from pan and let bacon cool slightly.

2. Chop and Add to Food Processor

• Roughly chop the cooled bacon into smaller pieces.

• Add chopped bacon to the bowl of a food processor.

3. Puree

• Puree in pulses until it reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

• Stop and scrape down sides of bowl as needed.

• Add a spoonful of water or oil if needed to reach desired consistency.

4. Season and Store

• Season puree with salt, pepper, or spices as desired.

• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months.

And that’s it – you now have smooth, spreadable bacon puree! Time to boost that flavor…

Amp Up Your Bacon Puree

Bacon puree is delicious on its own, but you can punch up that flavor with a few simple additions:

• Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami flavor.

• Maple syrup – For sweetness to balance the saltiness.

• Smoked paprika – Brings a touch of smokiness.

• Caramelized onions – Provide sweetness and texture.

• Sour cream – Makes the puree rich, creamy, and tangy.

• Minced garlic – Gives an aromatic kick.

Get creative with different flavor pairings and find your favorite!

Creative Ways to Use Bacon Puree

Now comes the fun part – using your homemade bacon puree! Here are just a few ideas:

• Mix into dips, spreads, mashed potatoes

• Top pureed soups or chowders

• Swirl into macaroni and cheese or scalloped potatoes

• Fold into omelets, quiches, or frittatas

• Spread on sandwiches instead of whole bacon slices

• Use as the base for bacon jam or vinaigrettes

• Flavor and thicken bean dips like hummus

• Mix into burger patties before grilling

The possibilities are endless for this versatile, flavor-packed puree. Get ready to take your cooking up a notch!

Storing and Freezing Bacon Puree

To extend the shelf life of your homemade bacon puree:

• Refrigerate puree in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

• For longer storage, freeze puree in portions for up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen puree overnight in the fridge before using.

With proper storage, you can keep bacon puree on hand whenever that craving strikes.

Conclusion

Get creative with fun add-ins and ways to incorporate the bacon puree into all types of dishes. Pureed bacon is a total game changer! Now get ready to puree your way to maximum bacon flavor.