Bacon lovers, listen up! These healthy bacon recipes let you enjoy your favorite food guilt-free.
38 Healthy(ish) Ways to Eat Bacon
1/38
Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love using fresh vegetables straight from the garden to prepare this salad. If I pick the squash and cucumbers early enough, their skins are so tender that there's no need to remove them! Best yet, the salad is easily adaptable—any fresh veggie from the garden can be put in with delicious results. —Carmell Childs, Orangeville, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 159 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 586mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
2/38
Bacon-Corn Stuffed Peppers
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Filled with corn, salsa, green onions, mozzarella cheese and bacon, these grilled pepper halves are sure to liven up your next cookout. They have a wonderful taste and give a fun twist to the usual corn on the cob. —Mitzi Sentiff, Annapolis, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 130 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 207mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
3/38
Broccoli with Garlic, Bacon & Parmesan
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My approach to this broccoli is to cook it slowly in the seasonings so the garlic blends with smoky bacon. A few simple ingredients make ordinary broccoli irresistible. —Erin Chilcoat, Central Islip, New York
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 155 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 371mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
4/38
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
5/38
Bacon & Swiss Chicken Sandwiches
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this chicken sandwich recipe based on a meal my daughter ordered at a restaurant. She likes to dip her sandwich in the extra honey-mustard sauce. —Marilyn Moberg, Papillion, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 410 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 667mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 2 fat.
6/38
Hash Brown Nests with Portobellos and Eggs
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Hash browns make a fabulous crust for these individual egg quiches, which look fancy yet are actually easy to make. They've been a hit at holiday brunches and other special occasions.—Kate Meyer, Brentwood, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 105 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 118mg cholesterol, 191mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
7/38
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
8/38
Colcannon
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Every Irish family has its own colcannon recipe, since it's a classic potato and cabbage dish. My recipe comes from my father's family in Ireland. It's part of my St. Patrick's Day menu, along with lamb chops, carrots and soda bread. —Marilou Robinson, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 168 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 361mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/38
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
There are lots of ways to personalize this roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe to your own tastes, but it all starts with perfectly roasted sprouts. Oven temps vary, so keep an eye on them to make sure they get crisp but don’t burn. —Karen Keefe, Phoenix, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 227 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 8g protein.
10/38
Kale & Bacon Salad with Honey-Horseradish Vinaigrette
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Totally scrumptious and packed with nutrition, this salad was my response to friends who asked how they could incorporate kale into their diets without sacrificing taste. It is also wonderful made with collard or mustard greens, prepared in the same fashion as the kale, or with a mix of spinach & arugula or watercress. —Elizabeth Warren, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 236 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 248mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 8g protein.
11/38
Mimi’s Lentil Medley
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this one summer evening by putting together what I had on hand. My husband gave it his top rating. —Mary Ann Hazen, Rochester Hills, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups (calculated without bacon): 225 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
12/38
Frittata Florentine
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family is all about brunchy meals like this gorgeous Italian omelet. Lucky for us, it’s loaded with ingredients we tend to have at the ready. —Jenny Flake, Newport Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 176 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 174mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1/2 fat.
13/38
Broccoli Cranberry Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Growing up, I never liked broccoli, but I'm hooked on this salad's light, sweet taste. It gives broccoli a whole new look and personality. —Jessica Conrey, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 121 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 233mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
14/38
Elegant Pork Marsala
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Wine and mushrooms lend elegance to this oh-so-simple pork dish. Use pre-sliced mushrooms and minced garlic to save time. Cleanup is one-pan easy. —Kim Gillis, High Falls, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop with 1/3 cup sauce: 232 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
15/38
Cassoulet for Today
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
French cassoulet is traditionally cooked for hours. This version of the rustic dish offers the same homey taste in less time. It’s easy on the wallet too. —Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 394 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 736mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 8g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
16/38
Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A package of frozen potatoes makes this hash brown egg casserole simple to prepare. Featuring bacon and cheddar cheese, this easy egg bake is tasty breakfast or brunch fare. You can even make it the night before, keep in the fridge and bake the next morning—so convenient! —Cheryl Johnson, Plymouth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 227mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
17/38
Beans ‘n’ Caramelized Onions
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Brown sugar, bacon and cider vinegar season this simple side. I often make it for family and friends, and it never fails to please!—Jill Heatwole, Pittsville, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 146mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
18/38
Roasted Butternut Tossed Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This salad makes an easy and special side dish for Thanksgiving dinner, and it's packed with nutritious veggies, almonds, berries and squash. —Katie Wollgast, Florissant, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 165 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 453mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
19/38
Tzatziki Shrimp Cucumber Rounds
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe with what I had on hand one night, and now it’s one of my husband’s favorites! The bacon-wrapped shrimp, garlicky sauce and burst of cool cuke flavor make this a crowd pleaser. —Shannon Rose Trelease, East Hampton, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 30 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 64mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
20/38
Black-Eyed Peas
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I find that pork is the secret to a good black-eyed peas recipe. A double dose of ham for flavor and slow, gentle cooking creates this perfect side dish. —Emory Doty, Jasper, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 359 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 788mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 14g fiber), 20g protein.
21/38
Grilled Steak Pinwheels
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been serving this recipe to family and friends for 20 years and very seldom do I have any leftovers. We try to keep the house cool, so we grill out often. —Mary Hills, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
2 pinwheels: 224 calories, 12g fat (5g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat.
22/38
Makeover Stuffed Potato Appetizers
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
40 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
We barely noticed the difference in this lightened-up version of our favorite dish. We tried it with friends and loved it. —Sonya Labbe, West Hollywood, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed potato half: 35 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
23/38
Hot Spinach Apple Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With a light sweet-tangy dressing, the spinach doesn’t wilt and the apples retain their crunch. We serve this salad with homemade bread. —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 117 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 135mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
24/38
Carrot and Kale Vegetable Saute
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Thanks to fresh veggie dishes like this one, I almost forget I'm wheat- and gluten-free. Bacon adds another layer of flavor and depth to this gorgeous side dish. —Darla Andrews, Schertz, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 101 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
25/38
California Club Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You can use your favorite store-bought pizza dough or make your own for this West Coast-inspired pie topped with tomato, avocado and sprouts. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
2 slices: 372 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 634mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 11g fiber), 16g protein.
26/38
Hearty Vegetable Lentil Soup
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
6 servings (1-1/2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
My mother has diabetes, so I often prepare this dish for her. I wanted a hearty soup that hits the spot on cold autumn nights, so I paired the lentils with turkey bacon and a handful of spices. —Nicole Hopping, Pinole, California.
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 314 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 17g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 starch, 2 lean meat.
27/38
Skinny Cobb Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 324 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 646mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 9g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
28/38
Rustic Vegetable Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love that this veggie-loaded frittata combines seriously nutritious ingredients into a filling dish I can serve as breakfast, lunch or dinner—and is still delicious even as leftovers! —Deborah Jamison, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 259 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 340mg cholesterol, 448mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 starch.
29/38
Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate "tastes like summer" salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
30/38
Stuffed Sweet Onions with Bacon
Total Time
4 hours 45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This unexpected side dish is perfect to serve alongside grilled steak or pork chops. Even if you're not an onion fan, the low heat and long cooking time of this dish mellows and sweetens the sometimes sharp raw onion flavors that many dislike.—Erin Chilcoat, Smithtown, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed onion: 284 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 5g fiber), 11g protein.
31/38
Clam Chowder
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is the best clam chowder recipe ever! In the Pacific Northwest, we dig our own razor clams and I grind them for the chowder. Since these aren't readily available everywhere, the canned clams are perfectly acceptable. —Sandy Larson, Port Angeles, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 280 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 805mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch, 1 lean meat.
32/38
Shrimp with Warm German-Style Coleslaw
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We love anything that is tangy or has bacon. With fennel and tarragon, this is a super savory dish. I use the medley from Minute Rice if I don't have time to make my own. —Ann Sheehy, Lawrence, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 472 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 156mg cholesterol, 546mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
33/38
Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta
Total Time
45 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I always loved Brussels sprouts growing up, so I decided as an adult to bring them home to our family table. I've been making them ever since.—Brenda Washnock, Negaunee, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 253 calories, 18g fat (3g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 407mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
34/38
Beans, Bacon & Tomato Bake
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Bacon, tomatoes and lima beans combine for a nutrient-packed side dish that makes the perfect accompaniment to turkey. —Karen Kumpulainen, Forest City, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 230 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 666mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
35/38
Broccoli Apple Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even my picky daughter loves this fast-to-make salad! My yogurt dressing on a crunchy veggie salad makes a cool and creamy side dish. —Lynn Cluff, Littlefield, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 124 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/38
Steak Pinwheels
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I wow family and friends with this impressive-looking dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. Even those who don't like spinach seem to like this dish! —Mary Ann Marino, West Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 each: 320 calories, 16g fat (8g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 271mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 37g protein.
37/38
Red, White & Blue Potato Salad
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
Tossing the cooked potatoes with stock and wine right after you drain them infuses them with flavor. The liquid absorbs like magic. —George Levinthal, Goleta, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 221 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
38/38
Spinach, Apple & Pecan Salad
Total Time
15 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One day, company was on the way, and I forgot to buy salad fixings. Scavenging the fridge for ingredients, I pulled these together and invented a salad superstar. —Kelly Walsh, Aviston, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 109 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 116mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.