We will talk about some ways to soften bacon bits and make them taste better in this article.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make your bacon bits softer and more delicious!
Bacon bits are a popular way to add flavor and texture to salads, soups, pastas and more But sometimes these crispy tidbits can turn out disappointingly hard and crunchy if they get overcooked Luckily, there are some simple tricks you can use to soften up those bacon bits and bring back their delicious flavor.
Why Bacon Bits Get Hard and Crunchy
Real bacon bits are made from small, crumbled up pieces of bacon that are cooked until very crispy. When overcooked, they can lose their soft, chewy bacon texture and become tooth-breakingly hard instead.
This happens for two main reasons
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Excessive frying – Frying for too long at high heat removes moisture and fat, leaving just crisp bacon bits behind.
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Improper storage – Bits left uncovered or stored in hot spots can dry out over time, becoming tough.
While packaged fake bacon bits don’t have actual bacon in them, they can also dry out if left open or stored improperly.
Softening Methods to Try
If you’ve found yourself with a batch of overly crunchy bacon bits, don’t toss them out! You can revive them with these simple tricks:
Rehydrate in Liquid
Soaking crunchy bacon bits in water or broth allows them to reabsorb moisture.
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For water, soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain excess after.
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For broth, soak for 5-10 minutes to infuse flavor.
Steam Them
Steaming over boiling water for 2-3 minutes introduces gentle moisture to soften the bits.
Microwave
Microwaving uncovered for 15-30 seconds can rehydrate bacon bits without overcooking them.
Sauté in Oil
Sautéing crunchy bacon bits briefly in olive oil or butter helps soften them up.
Bake with Moisture
Baking uncovered at 300°F for 3-5 minutes with a small dish of water in the oven reintroduces moisture.
Blend into Dressings
Blending into oil and vinegar dressing softens overly crispy bits over time. Let sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
Cook into Casseroles
Folding bacon bits into moist casseroles or egg bakes as they cook gently softens them up.
Add to Omelets
Cooking the bits into omelets, frittatas or scrambled eggs allows the eggs to rehydrate them.
Toss with Pasta
Tossing hard bacon bits with hot pasta and sauce for 2-3 minutes during final cooking can reintroduce moisture and soften them.
Sprinkle on Baked Potatoes
Topping baked potatoes and allowing the steam to rise up softens up any crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top.
Use in Soups
Allowing crunchy bacon bits to simmer in soups or stews for 10+ minutes softens them up in the broth.
Cover in Cheese
Sprinkling bacon bits on items before melting cheese on top traps moisture and helps rehydrate.
Wrap in Bread
Letting bacon bits steam and soften in warm sandwiches or bread wraps helps reverse crispiness.
Add to Mashed Potatoes
Folding crunchy bacon bits into hot mashed potatoes introduces moisture as you mix everything together.
Sprinkle on Pizza
Piling bacon bits onto pizza, then letting them sit under melty cheese softens them up.
Pro Tips for Keeping Bits Soft
Follow these tips to help prevent your bacon bits from overcooking in the first place:
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Fry bacon bits in moderation if making from scratch.
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Allow bacon bits to cool fully before storage.
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Store opened packages of bacon bits in sealed containers or bags.
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Avoid storing bacon bits in hot spots like near oven vents.
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Use foil or plastic wrap to cover any unused bacon bits before refrigerating.
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Consume opened packages of bacon bits within 1-2 weeks for best texture.
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Add bacon bits at the end of cooking for dishes like casseroles or egg bakes.
With these simple tricks, you can breathe new life into any bag of hardened bacon bits. Say goodbye to tooth-breaking crunch, and restore delicious soft texture and flavor instead!
Oven Method For Softening Bacon Bits
If you prefer a softer texture for your bacon bits, the oven method can be a great option. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and put the bacon bits on it. Make sure they are all in one layer and don’t touch. This will allow them to cook evenly and prevent clumping.
Bake the bacon bits for 5-7 minutes, or until they reach your desired texture. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as they can go from soft to crispy quickly. Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
You can add a little water or bacon fat to the baking sheet before putting it in the oven if the bacon bits are still too crispy after baking. This will create steam and help soften the bacon bits as they cook.
Let the bacon bits cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven when they’re done to your liking. You can then store them in an airtight container or ziplock bag for later use.
Soaking Bacon Bits In Water
One method of softening bacon bits is by soaking them in water. This technique can be especially useful if your bacon bits are particularly hard or dry. To start, place your bacon bits in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the water to penetrate the bacon bits and soften them up. The time is up. Pour off any extra liquid and use a paper towel to dry the bacon bits. After that, you can put them in a salad, put them on top of a baked potato, or use them as a garnish for your favorite dish. Remember that letting your bacon bits soak in water might make them taste a little less good, so you might need to add more seasoning or spices to make up for it.
Buying Bacon Bits and Pieces and Coffee Gravy to soften Sausage.
How do you make homemade bacon bits?
Here’s How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits, with both stovetop and oven instructions! Prep: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the 8 strips of bacon flat on the parchment paper, evenly spaced so they aren’t touching. Bake: Place the baking sheet into a COLD oven, THEN turn the oven to 375F degrees.
How do you make bacon bits from frozen Bacon?
How to make bacon bits from frozen bacon in just 5 minutes. Allow package of frozen bacon to thaw on the counter for ~10 minutes. Remove bacon from package, keeping the frozen slices stacked like they were in the package. Slice entire pack of bacon horizontally into long, thin strips—about ¼ inch wide. Heat a pan over medium heat.
Can bacon bits be frozen?
Remove homemade bacon bits from pan with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Allow crispy bacon bits to cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar or container and store in the fridge for up to a week. Or, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. How much bacon bits equal a slice of bacon?
Are bacon bits good for sprinkling?
This Bacon Bits recipe is quick, easy, and makes crispy bacon bits that add loads of flavor to so many different dishes. Bacon Bits are perfect for sprinkling over eggs, salads, soups, baked potatoes, casseroles, and so much more. As if you needed any more reasons to make bacon bits, you’ll also be left with bacon grease to use for later.
How long do you cook bacon bits?
To make the bacon bits, you’ll want to use approximately seven thick slices of bacon and arrange them evenly on a baking sheet that has been lined with foil. Cook your bacon for 15-20 minutes, or just long enough for it to become cooked and crispy.
Can you cut raw bacon into bits?
In my experience, the easiest way to cut raw bacon into bits is to chop frozen bacon. If you have a packet of fresh bacon, I recommend freezing it first—it’ll be much easier to chop! Simply allow the frozen bacon to thaw 10 minutes at room temperature, then remove the whole stack from the package.