What Are Bacon Ends & How to Cook Them

We’ll let you in on a secret... there are huge savings to be had for bacon lovers, and they come in the form of bacon ends. Bacon ends are the hidden gems of the pork world - often overshadowed by the neatly cut strips we’re all used to. But here’s the best part: they’re not just an affordable option, they’re also more flavorful. 

At Acabonac Farms, our pastured bacon ends offer a higher-quality, sustainable option than what you'll find at most grocery stores – and they’re incredibly versatile.

In this guide, you’ll learn all about what bacon ends are, and the best ways to cook them for mouthwatering results.

Key Takeaways

• Bacon ends are the irregularly shaped pieces that come from trimming bacon slabs into strips.
• They offer a richer flavor and versatility at a lower price than regular bacon.
• Bacon ends can be pan-fried, oven-baked, slow-cooked, or grilled to suit a variety of dishes and cooking styles.

What Are Bacon Ends?

Bacon ends are the irregular shaped pieces of meat left over during the bacon-making process. 

When bacon is made, pork belly slabs are cured, smoked, and sliced into the familiar strips we all know. This leaves behind some delicious pieces of meat: bacon ends.

Bacon ends shine when it comes to taste and texture. The higher fat content brings out a smoky, umami flavor profile. This fat renders during cooking and creates a balance between crispness and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness that you really have to try for yourself!

What is the Difference Between Bacon Ends and Bacon?

Bacon ends differ from regular bacon in several key ways:

1. Cost: Bacon ends are more affordable than traditional strips due to their irregular shape.
2. Shape: Unlike uniform bacon strips, bacon ends come in various sizes and shapes, usually blocky and rectangular chunks.
3. Fat Content: Bacon ends often have a higher fat content, making them richer and more flavorful.
4. Uses: While regular bacon is perfect for frying and eating on its own, bacon ends are ideal for adding flavor to dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles.

Are Bacon Ends Healthier Than Regular Bacon?

Bacon ends have more fat than regular strips, which adds richness but also extra calories. 

However, choosing pastured bacon ends from farms like Acabonac Farms offers health advantages. Pigs raised on pasture and fed an all-natural diet produce bacon with higher omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients while being 100% free from harmful additives or fillers compared to conventional store-bought options.

What Do You Use Bacon Ends For?

Now that you know what they are, it’s time to decide how best to get them onto your plate! 

Bacon ends are a versatile ingredient that offer an easy way to flavor-up a variety of dishes. Toss bacon ends into soups, stews, or chili for extra depth, sprinkle them on casseroles, or use them in sandwiches. 

You can also render the fat for cooking or crisp them up to make homemade bacon bits. Just like bacon, they’re delicious all on their own too.

How to Cook Bacon Ends and Pieces

Start by prepping the bacon ends. Trim any large chunks of excess fat if necessary, and cut the pieces into smaller, uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. While the higher fat content gives bacon ends their rich flavor, too much fat can cause uneven cooking.

Bacon Ends Cooking Methods

Pan-frying bacon ends

This is a straightforward way to make crispy bacon bits for adding to salads, scrambled eggs, or sandwiches. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon ends, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. As the fat renders, the bacon will crisp up. Cook until the bacon reaches your desired crispiness, then drain on a paper towel.

Oven-baking bacon ends

Great for preparing large batches for casseroles, breakfast dishes, or adding to pasta. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the bacon ends on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method is great for hands-off cooking and yields evenly crispy results.

Slow-cooking bacon ends

This is the best method for soups, stews, chili, or beans, where the bacon can render and infuse rich flavor over time. Add bacon ends directly into slow-cooked dishes like soups, stews, or beans. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for several hours. 

Grilling bacon ends

Best for a smoky addition to grilled dishes like burgers, salads, or roasted vegetables. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the bacon ends directly on the grill or use a grill basket. Turn them frequently to avoid flare-ups from the fat. Grill for about 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and smoky.

Tip to prevent burning bacon ends

Whether pan-frying, baking, or grilling, cook over medium heat and stir or turn frequently. This will help render the fat gradually, allowing it to act as a heat shield to prevent burning. 

Popular Recipes Using Bacon Ends and Pieces

Here are some simple and delicious recipes to help you make the most of bacon ends.

Bacon Ends Scrambled Eggs

Dice the bacon ends and cook them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving some fat in the pan. Scramble eggs in the bacon fat and add the crispy bacon back in just before serving. Perfect with toast or avocado.

Hearty Bacon and Bean Soup

Sauté diced bacon ends in a large pot until the fat renders. Add onions, garlic, and carrots, and cook until softened. Stir in beans, chicken broth, and a bay leaf. Let the soup simmer for 1-2 hours, allowing the bacon to infuse its smoky flavor throughout the broth.

Bacon Burnt Ends

A simple but mouthwatering classic. Toss your bacon ends with brown sugar and BBQ rub. Smoke at 250°F for 2 hours, flipping halfway. Toss the bacon ends in BBQ sauce and rib glaze, then smoke for another 20-30 minutes until caramelized. Perfect as a rich, smoky appetizer.

Bacon Carbonara

Cook diced bacon ends until crispy, then set aside. Cook pasta in salted water. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pepper. Toss the hot pasta with the bacon ends and the egg mixture, letting the heat of the pasta cook the eggs to a creamy consistency.

Bacon and Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

Cook bacon ends until crispy, then layer them in a baking dish with cubed bread, shredded cheddar cheese, and sautéed onions. Whisk together eggs, milk, and seasoning, then pour over the bread mixture. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden and set. A perfect make-ahead breakfast.

Where to Buy Bacon Ends

Bacon Ends from Grocery Stores

While some supermarkets may carry bacon ends, store-bought options are often low-grade and harvested from grain-fed pigs, which lack the flavor and quality of other options. Learn more about grain fed vs grass fed and why it matters.

Bacon Ends from Local Butcher Shops

Butchers offer fresher, higher-quality bacon ends and can provide better sourcing information so that you can verify the quality of your meat.

Bacon Ends from Online Farms

Buying bacon ends from online farms can be a great option for convenience and quality. Sources like Acabonac Farms are your best bet to ensure you’re getting the most flavorful, additive-free, and sustainably raised pastured pork.

How to Store and Reserve Bacon Ends

To store bacon ends, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. 

For long-term storage, freeze them in tightly sealed bags or containers, where they can last for up to 6 months. 

Always check for signs of spoilage like an off smell or a slimy texture.

Buy Pastured Bacon Ends Online from Acabonac Farms

If you like bacon, you’ll love bacon ends. They offer incredible value, flavor, and versatility. Whether you're adding them to your morning eggs, using them to make a savory stew, or simply enjoying their rich, smoky taste, they should be on your “must-try” list. 

Choosing pastured bacon ends sold by Acabonac Farms ensures you get a superior product that’s sustainably raised and powered by nature - not industrial feedlots. 

For a delicious and more ethical choice, you can easily buy raw pastured bacon ends online from Acabonac Farms, bringing top-quality bacon straight to your door.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bacon Ends

Can you substitute bacon ends for regular bacon in recipes?

Yes, bacon ends can be used in place of regular bacon in most recipes, especially where chopped bacon is needed.

Do bacon ends need to be cooked differently than regular bacon?

Not really. Just be mindful of the uneven fat distribution and cook them at moderate heat to avoid burning.

Are bacon ends cheaper?

Yes, bacon ends are typically more affordable than regular bacon strips due to their irregular shape.

Is salt pork the same as bacon ends?

No, salt pork is cured differently and lacks the smoky flavor of bacon ends.

What to do with bacon fat ends?

You can render the fat for cooking or use it to add flavor to dishes like sautéed vegetables or fried potatoes.

How do you render fat from bacon ends?

Cook the bacon ends over low heat to slowly melt the fat. Strain the rendered fat and store it for future use.