This easy Smoky Bacon Butter is one of the best ways to add outstanding smoke flavor to steaks, chops, prime rib, or grilled vegetables like corn. It’s rich, savory, creamy, and undeniably one of our favorite compound butter recipes.

What we love about this bacon butter

It’s super easy to make and a great way to elevate your meals.
This bacon butter takes everything to the next level – even cruciferous vegetables.
Kids love it!
The salty crunch of bacon is hard to resist!

Most of us love bacon, and really who can blame us? It’s delicious and provides a satisfying crunch to breakfast and burgers! Well, that same smoky, salty flavor can be added to butter too. Want to dress up a plate of broccoli or the dreaded brussels sprouts side dish? Top it with this smoky bacon butter. We highly recommend using it on our smoked corn recipe! Store this butter in your refrigerator for up to one week.

Smoky Bacon Butter – Ingredients:

Unsalted butter
Bacon, three strips
Shallot
Smoked paprika
Salt

How to make it:

Cook the bacon in a skillet until browned and crispy. Remove, drain, and let the bacon cool for 15-20 minutes. Chop and set aside.
Place softened butter, bacon, and remaining ingredients into a food processor. Pulse 6-8 times until well combined.
Scoop the butter mixture into a serving bowl and use it immediately.
To serve cold, spoon the butter mixture out onto a large piece of plastic wrap (or parchment paper).
Using the plastic wrap as a guide, roll it into an evenly shaped log. Twist the ends of the plastic and fold it under. Place smoky bacon butter into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before using.
To use, slice off your desired amount and add to smoked or grilled proteins and vegetables. Try this compound butter on Grilled Pork Crown Roast!
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week after preparation.

If you want your bacon butter to last longer, separate the mixture into portions using an ice cube tray and freeze it in an airtight bag or container. This way, you can use it as needed. The butter will keep for 4-6 weeks in the freezer.

FAQs:

What is the best type of bacon to use? Use thin-cut bacon as it cooks quickly and crisps up well. You can also use black pepper bacon or substitute with thin-cut pancetta.
Can I use it on raw meat before cooking? Absolutely! Use this smoky bacon butter as a rub for pork chops or roast. However, I recommend a finer grind in the food processor first. Larger pieces of cooked bacon are more prone to burning.

Bacon Butter Recipe Variations:

Tex-Mex: Add minced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the butter mixture.
Sweet: Infuse sweetness with real maple syrup or honey.
Herbal: Add minced fresh rosemary, thyme, basil, or sage.
Boozy: Use a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum for a deep, earthy flavor.
Adobo: Add 1 tablespoon of minced chilies in adobo sauce to the butter.

Use this Smoky Bacon Butter on:

Try our other Flavored Butters:

Smoky Bacon Butter

This Smoky Bacon Butter is one of the easiest ways to add extra smoke flavor to steaks, chops, prime rib, or vegetables is like corn. This easy bacon butter is decadent and creamy, and will quickly become one of your favorite go to compound butters.

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin

Course: Toppings

Cuisine: American Food

Keyword: bacon butter, compound butter

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 22

Servings: servings

Calories: 110kcal

Author: Derrick Riches and Sabrina Baksh

Ingredients

1 cup softened unsalted butter
3-4 strips cooked bacon, finely chopped or crumbled
2 tablespoons minced shallots
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Cook bacon in skillet until browned and crispy. Remove, drain, and let the bacon cool for 20 minutes. Chop and set aside.
Place softened butter, bacon and remaining ingredients into a food processor. Pulse 6-8 times, until well combined. Scoop out into a serving bowl and use immediately.
To serve cold, spoon butter mixture out onto a large piece of plastic wrap (or parchment paper). Using plastic as a guide, roll into a evenly shaped log. Twist ends of plastic and fold under. Place into refrigerator for 1-2 hours before using. To use, slice off your desired amount and add to your favorite foods.
Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week after preparation.