Whether it’s cooked in the oven, on the stove, or in an air fryer, bacon has a crispy, salty goodness that makes almost everything taste better. Crumble it over salads, sprinkle it atop soups and stews, layer it in wraps and sandwiches, or just munch on it as a snack, and you’ll get to savor a satisfying crunch full of rich, smoky flavor. Bacon is a key ingredient in breakfast sandwiches and bacon-and-egg dishes. But if you’re hoping to use up leftover strips of bacon, we have plenty of delicious ideas that put those extra pieces to good use.
These leftover bacon recipes either call for pre-cooked bacon or they give you the option to cook the strips a day or two before serving the dish. Ahead, you’ll find fun ways to switch up your next pizza night or burger night by using savory, greasy bacon bits as a topping. If you’re looking for bacon-packed bites perfect for potlucks, picnics, or parties, try a potato salad or layered salad tossed with bacon, or kick things off with drool-worthy bacon appetizers like jalapeño poppers or mini BLT bites. There are also lunch ideas featuring bacon, such as stacked sandwiches and fresh salads, that’ll keep you full until dinner.
Wondering what to do with leftover strips of bacon? These ideas are quick, crowd-pleasing, and oh so crispy.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza
Topping pizza slices with bacon is a surefire way to upgrade any freshly baked pie. For an easy weeknight dinner, use leftover bacon strips, plus pre-made chicken and ranch.
Get Ree’s Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza recipe.
Cobb Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
Bacon makes any salad a lot tastier—and this Cobb salad is proof! Since this recipe gives you the option to cook the bacon up to two days ahead of time, you can easily swap in leftover bacon.
Get Ree’s Cobb Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing recipe.
Hot Brown Sandwich
Texas toast is piled high with tender turkey, juicy tomatoes, a creamy sauce, and the ultimate finishing touch: bacon! If you’re adding leftover bacon, first reheat it in a skillet.
Get the Hot Brown Sandwich recipe.
Grilled Potato Salad
Crumbled bacon is an essential component in so many potato salads. For this grilled variety, you can grab leftover bacon from the day before. Just chop it up before assembling!
Get Ree’s Grilled Potato Salad recipe.
Jalapeño Poppers
A sprinkle of pre-cooked bacon is what makes these jalapeño poppers so addicting. Of course, the spicy peppers, creamy filling, and golden breadcrumbs in this easy appetizer seal the deal!
Get the Jalapeño Poppers recipe.
Killer Club Sandwich
Adding bacon to this aptly named sandwich will give the deli meats, pesto varieties, sliced cheeses, and creamy avocado an irresistible crunch.
Get Ree’s Killer Club Sandwich recipe.
Cornbread Salad
Not only does this make a show-stopping centerpiece, but it’s packed with tasty mix-in’s: spicy cornbread, veggies, buttery beans, a smoky dressing, and, of course, salty bacon. To simplify the recipe, opt for thick-cut bacon baked the day beforehand.
Get the Cornbread Salad recipe.
Chocolate-Covered Bacon
This is a match made in flavor heaven! For a rich, indulgent treat, you can coat leftover strips of bacon with melted chocolate and chopped nuts. It’s unbelievably good.
Get Ree’s Chocolate-Covered Bacon recipe.
Smashed Potato Salad
For an ultra crispy potato salad that doesn’t skimp on creamy comfort, mix in smashed potatoes that are roasted until golden and crunchy bacon.
Get Ree’s Smashed Potato Salad recipe.
Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar
Since these turkey burgers call for cooked bacon, it’s the perfect opportunity to use up leftover strips. Top each patty with crisp lettuce and gooey cheddar, served with a side of potato chips, for a flavorful family meal.
Get Ree’s Ranch Turkey Burgers with Bacon and Cheddar recipe.
BLT Bites
BLT bites are a party appetizer almost too cute to eat, yet they’re so easy to make with leftover bacon. To use up all those salty strips that’ve been lying in your fridge for the past two days, pop them in the oven or microwave before adding the other fixings.
Get the BLT Bites recipe.
Potato Skins
Potato skins loaded with all the best baked potato toppings—bacon, cheddar, sour cream, and green onion—is an appetizer no one will be able to pass up. To use up leftover bacon, chop up the strips before sprinkling them over each crispy, cheesy serving.
Get Ree’s Potato Skins recipe.
Layered Salad
Since preparing this potluck-friendly salad a day before helps the flavors meld, it’s a great way to avoid letting leftover bacon go to waste. Just layer it in a glass bowl with the other toppings, and toss it with the silky dressing just before serving.
Get Ree’s Layered Salad recipe.
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip
Individual cups of bacon and cheddar ranch dip is the simplest way to serve a group, especially since the recipe calls for pre-made bacon. You get double the bacon here: crumbled bits mixed into the dip and sprinkled on top!
Get Ree’s Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip recipe.
Whiskey-Maple Sundaes with Bacon
Bacon for dessert? Bet you’ve never tried this one before: Instead of a maraschino cherry, add a slice of bacon as the finishing touch to your sundae. It’s a great sweet-salty combo!
Get Ree’s Whiskey-Maple Sundaes with Bacon recipe.
Easy Recipes That Start With a Jarred Marinara
Alex Calls This the ‘Best Pancake Recipe’ Ever
13 Easy Meal Prep Dinners to Save Busy Weeks
15 Things to Always Have in Your Fridge for School
