The holidays are a time to indulge, and there’s no ingredient more suited to the season of comfort and joy than bacon. Its smoky aroma curling through the air is as heartwarming as a crackling fire, instantly drawing everyone to the kitchen. In this collection of bacon-inspired holiday treats, we’ve taken this beloved ingredient and infused it into everything from hearty soups and bold chili to flaky pastries, sweet-and-savory bark, and crowd-pleasing appetizers. Each recipe is a celebration of bacon’s undeniable magic, perfect for creating moments of cozy indulgence and festive cheer. So preheat the oven, fire up the stove, and let’s get the holidays sizzlin’.
Upside Down Holiday Pastries
EntertainingIngredients
| 4 | slices Limited Edition* HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ Flavored Thick Cut Bacon (or your favorite flavor of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Thick Cut Bacon), cooked (*while supplies last) |
| 2 | sheets puff pastry, thawed |
| 3 | tablespoons apple butter |
| ¾ | cup grated aged gouda cheese |
| 1 | egg, lightly beaten |
Directions
Heat oven to 400°F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper with non-stick cooking spray.
Cut cooked bacon slices in thirds to create 12 pieces.
On a lightly floured surface, place 1 sheet puff pastry. Using a 3 to 4-inch gingerbread man cookie cutter, cut 6 shapes from sheet. Repeat with remaining puff pastry sheet. Spread a small amount of apple butter on one side of each gingerbread man shape.
Place 1 tablespoon mounds of cheese in 12 evenly spaced areas on prepared sheet. Top each with 1 piece bacon. Place 1 pastry gingerbread man shape over each mound of ingredients apple butter side down. Brush each with egg.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. Let stand 2 to 3 minutes. Use spatula to remove from parchment paper.
Dark Chocolate Bacon Bark
EntertainingIngredients
| 1 | package (10 to 12 ounces) dark chocolate chips |
| 1 | (12-ounce) package Limited Edition* HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ Flavored Thick Cut Bacon, or HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Maple Bacon cooked and crumbled, divided (*while supplies last) |
| ½ | cup sweetened wheat and rice cereal, crushed |
Directions
Line a 10 x 15-inch baking sheet with parchment; set aside.
In a double boiler or metal bowl over hot water, melt chips until two-thirds are melted. Remove from heat; stir until smooth. Stir in half of the bacon. Spread onto prepared pan; top with remaining bacon. Sprinkle with cereal. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes or until firm. Break or cut into pieces. Store refrigerated.
Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese
EntertainingIngredients
| 8 | slices Limited Edition* HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH™ Flavored Thick Cut Bacon or your favorite variety of HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Thick Cut Bacon (*while supplies last) |
| 16 | large dates |
| 4 | ounces goat cheese |
| Toothpicks |
Directions
Heat oven to 375°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Slice dates lengthwise on one side to create an opening. Remove pit.
Using a spoon, stuff goat cheese into cavity of each date. Press sides together to close.
Cut bacon slices in half. Wrap each date with 1 piece bacon; secure with toothpick.
Arrange evenly on prepared sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Turn dates over. Bake an additional 10 to 12 minutes or until bacon is crisped. Remove to paper towel lined plate.
Loaded Mashed Potato Soup
EntertainingIngredients
| 2 | tablespoons butter |
| ½ | small onion, chopped |
| 1 | tablespoon flour |
| 1 | (14.5-ounce) can chicken broth |
| ½ | cup milk |
| 1 | (20-ounce) package HORMEL® Homestyle Mashed Potatoes |
| 1 | (3-ounce) jar HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits, divided |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | |
| Suggested toppings: remaining HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions and sour cream. |
Directions
In medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion. Cook 2 to 3 minutes or until softened. Stir in flour.
Add broth and milk. Bring to boil. Whisk until thickened. Lower heat to medium. Add potatoes; breaking up with spoon until smooth. Stir in half of the bacon. Simmer 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until thoroughly heated. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Serve soup with suggested toppings.
“The Works” Bacon Chili Soup
EntertainingIngredients
| 1 | pound ground beef |
| 1 | (3.5-ounce) pouch HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Chopped, ¼ cup reserved for garnish |
| 1 | medium red bell pepper, chopped |
| 1 | cup chopped onions |
| 2 | cloves garlic, finely chopped |
| 1 | (28-ounce) can fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained |
| 2 | cups beef broth |
| 1 | (19 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained, rinsed |
| 1 | (4-ounce) can chopped green chiles |
| 1 | cup frozen sweet corn |
| 2 | tablespoons chili powder |
| ½ | teaspoon salt |
| Suggested Toppings; remaining HORMEL® BLACK LABEL® Chopped Bacon, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeno slices |
Directions
In large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown beef. Drain. Stir in chopped bacon, bell pepper, onion and garlic. Cook 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender.
Stir in tomatoes, broth, beans, chilies, corn, chili powder and salt. Bring to simmer. Cover; cook 30 to 40 minutes. Serve with reserved bacon and Suggested Toppings.
Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Soup
EntertainingIngredients
| 2 | tablespoons olive oil |
| 6 | jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced |
| ½ | cup chopped onion |
| 2 | teaspoons garlic, minced |
| ½ | cup flour |
| 6 | cups chicken broth |
| 3 | cups half & half |
| 6 | medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1 inch-pieces (about 6 cups) |
| 8 | ounces cream cheese, cut into pieces |
| 2 | cups shredded cheddar cheese |
| 1 | (3-ounce) jar HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits |
| Salt and pepper, to taste | |
| Suggested Toppings: sliced jalapenos, additional HORMEL® Real Bacon Bits and sliced green onion |
Directions
In large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add jalapenos and onions. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender. Stir garlic. Add flour, stirring to create a paste.
Pour in chicken broth and half & half. Whisk until combined. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to simmer. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.
Remove from heat. Add cream cheese, shredded cheese and bacon. Stir until cheese is melted and combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve garnished with Suggested Toppings.