Whether you love crispy air fryer bacon, a classic bacon sandwich, creamy pasta dishes or slow cooker meals packed with flavour, there are so many ways to cook with bacon.  From easy lunches and meal prep recipes to hearty comfort food, bacon can transform simple ingredients into something truly special. So, grab a pack of bacon and celebrate International Bacon Day by cooking one (or more!) of these tasty bacon recipes.

Bacon is a kitchen staple for good reason. It is affordable, easy to cook and adds incredible flavour to a wide range of dishes. The salty, smoky taste of bacon pairs perfectly with everything from eggs and potatoes to pasta, vegetables and slow-cooked meats. It can be the star of a recipe or a simple ingredient that adds an extra layer of flavour.

Some of the best bacon recipes are also some of the easiest. A few rashers of crispy bacon can turn a simple soup into a comforting meal, make a sandwich more exciting or add richness to a creamy pasta dish. Whether you prefer streaky bacon, back bacon or smoked bacon, there are endless ways to enjoy it.

Looking for inspiration? These bacon recipes are perfect for celebrating International Bacon Day:

Cooking bacon in the air fryer also means less mess compared to frying in a pan, as the fat collects underneath while the bacon cooks evenly. Here’s how to air fry bacon:

• Preheat your air fryer to 180°C.
• Place bacon rashers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Cook for 8–12 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your bacon.
• Flip halfway through cooking if needed.
• Remove and place on kitchen paper to absorb any excess fat.

Tips for air fryer bacon:

• Avoid overcrowding the basket so the bacon cooks evenly.
• Thicker bacon rashers may need a few extra minutes.
• Clean your air fryer afterwards as bacon fat can build up.

Air fryer bacon is perfect for breakfast sandwiches, salads, burgers or adding to your favourite recipes.

Cooking bacon in the oven is a great option when you need to cook a large amount at once. It is ideal for family breakfasts, brunches or meal prepping. Here’s how to cook bacon in the oven:

• Heat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan).
• Line a baking tray with baking paper or foil.
• Place the bacon rashers in a single layer.
• Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
• Transfer to kitchen paper before serving.

The oven method gives you evenly cooked bacon and means you do not have to stand over the hob while it cooks.

Cooking bacon in a frying pan is the traditional method and gives you plenty of control over how crispy you want it. Here’s how to fry bacon:

• Place bacon in a cold frying pan.
• Turn the heat to medium.
• Cook slowly, allowing the fat to render.
• Turn occasionally until cooked to your liking.
• Drain on kitchen paper before serving.

Starting with a cold pan helps the bacon cook more evenly and prevents it from burning before the fat has rendered.

Grilling bacon is quick, easy and creates beautifully crispy edges. Here’s how to grill bacon:

• Heat your grill to medium-high.
• Place bacon on a grill tray.
• Grill for around 3–5 minutes per side.
• Keep an eye on it as bacon can cook quickly.

Grilled bacon is perfect for sandwiches, breakfast plates and adding to burgers.

Yes, bacon can be frozen. If you have extra bacon that you will not use before its use-by date, freezing it is a great way to reduce food waste. For best results:

• Freeze bacon in portions.
• Wrap well or store in an airtight freezer bag.
• Use within around 3 months for the best quality.

Frozen bacon can usually be cooked straight from frozen, although it may take slightly longer.

Cooked bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for around 3–4 days. It is great for meal prep because you can cook a batch ahead and add it to:

• sandwiches
• salads
• pasta dishes
• breakfast wraps
• soups

Simply reheat until piping hot before eating.

Whether you’re celebrating International Bacon Day or simply looking for easy ways to make your meals more delicious, these bacon recipes are full of flavour and perfect for any occasion. From quick lunch ideas and crispy air fryer bacon recipes to comforting slow cooker recipes with bacon, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Bacon is such a versatile ingredient that can transform simple dishes into something special, so why not try a new recipe and enjoy one of life’s tastiest ingredients?

Happy cooking!

Nathan