How to Puree Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can add smoky, savory flavor to all kinds of dishes. But have you considered pureeing bacon to unlock even more culinary potential? Pureed bacon can be used as a flavor enhancer in soups, sauces, dips, and more.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about pureeing bacon, from the benefits and uses to step-by-step instructions for different methods. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, pureeing bacon is an easy way to add deep, smoky flavor to your food.

Why Puree Bacon?

There are several advantages to pureeing bacon rather than using it in its original form

• Flavor infusion: Pureed bacon seamlessly incorporates into liquids and mixes, infusing them with smoky, salty, savory notes. This can enhance the flavor of soups, sauces, dressings, dips, and more.

• Smooth consistency Finely pureeing bacon gives it a smooth creamy texture that evenly distributes throughout recipes. This makes it great for individuals with difficulty chewing or swallowing.

• Versatility: Pureed bacon can be incorporated into both sweet and savory dishes in ways that crunchy bacon bits cannot. From frostings to potato puree, the possibilities are endless.

• Visual appeal: Pureed bacon can be piped or molded into garnishes and decorative elements, taking presentation to the next level.

• Convenience: Pre-made pureed bacon products eliminate the need to cook and puree bacon yourself. They’re ready to use straight from the package.

What You’ll Need

Pureeing bacon is simple to do at home with just a few basic tools:

• Bacon – Use good quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results. Stay away from overly thin or cheap bacon which tends to produce a greasy puree.

• Cooking method – You can cook the bacon in a skillet, oven or air fryer. The key is to cook it until nice and crispy.

• Appliance for pureeing – This includes a food processor, blender, food mill or grinder. The appliance you use determines the texture.

• Liquid (optional) – For a smoother consistency, you may need to add a bit of liquid like broth, milk, or oil while pureeing.

• Storage containers – Pureed bacon will keep for 4-5 days refrigerated or 2 months frozen. Be sure to store it in an airtight container.

Pureeing Methods

There are a few different ways to go about pureeing bacon depending on the tools you have and the consistency you want.

Food Processor or Blender

For the smoothest puree, a food processor or blender is the best option.

1. Cook at least 6 slices of bacon until very crispy. Let cool slightly.
2. Crumble the bacon into the bowl of a food processor or blender.
3. Pulse several times, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Stream in 2-3 tablespoons of liquid if needed to reach a smooth, paste-like consistency.
5. Puree until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
6. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Hand Mixer

A hand mixer or immersion blender can also be used for a slightly chunkier puree.

1. Cook 4-5 slices of bacon until very crispy. Let cool and chop into smaller pieces.
2. Place the chopped bacon in a mixing bowl.
3. Use a hand mixer on medium speed to break up the bacon into very fine crumbs. Don’t overmix.
4. Add 1-2 tablespoons of broth or oil if the bacon seems dry. Mix to combine.
5. Refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to use.

Food Mill or Grinder

For a chunky, rustic puree texture, use a food mill or grinder.

1. Cook bacon until very crispy, at least 5-6 slices. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Working in batches, place the bacon into the food mill or grinder.
3. Grind or mill the bacon using a medium disc or plate.
4. Transfer the coarse puree to an airtight container and refrigerate until needed.

Recipe Ideas

Pureed bacon is extremely versatile in both sweet and savory recipes. Here are just a few ideas for how to use it:

• Whisk into pan sauces, gravies, or soups as a flavor booster.

• Mix into dips like spinach artichoke or buffalo chicken to add savory depth.

• Swirl into cheesecake batter before baking for a sweet-salty twist.

• Add to frostings, buttercreams or glazes for cakes and cupcakes.

• Spread onto crostini or bruschetta and top with cheese for an appetizer.

• Fill an omelette or scrambled eggs for a bacon flavor bomb.

• Mix into mashed potatoes or cauliflower puree.

• Use as a topping for baked potatoes, pizza or flatbreads.

• Make candied bacon by coating puree strips with brown sugar or maple syrup before baking.

Bacon Puree Recipes

Ready to get cooking? Here are a couple of delicious recipes using pureed bacon:

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and pureed
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons green onion, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk and broth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add the potatoes and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and puree the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
5. Return to low heat. Stir in 3/4 of the pureed bacon and all the cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Top servings with remaining bacon puree, green onions and extra cheddar cheese.

Triple Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

Yield: 1 dozen cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 1⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup pureed bacon
• 1⁄2 cup chocolate chips

For Frosting:

• 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1⁄4 cup pureed bacon
• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 12 count muffin tin with liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a stand mixer, beat together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the milk, vanilla and bacon puree.
5. Add in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Bake 18-20 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Allow cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
8. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, salt, bacon puree and cocoa powder. Beat on high speed until light and fluffy.
9. Frost cupcakes and top with extra bacon bits if desired.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips to ensure you end up with a high quality bacon puree every time:

• Choose a thick, good quality bacon that will render fat and crisp up well. Stay away from thin or overly lean bacon.

• Cook the bacon very crispy before pureeing. This gives the best texture and flavor.

• Work in small batches for the smoothest consistency and to avoid overloading your processor.

• Add liquid gradually as you blend until you reach the desired smoothness. Broth, milk, or oil all work well.

• Puree in short pulses to prevent overmixing, which can make the puree greasy.

• Store pureed bacon in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer. Consume within 4-5 days if refrigerated.