Stuffed Bacon: A Restaurant-Quality Dish You Can Make at Home

Stuffed Bacon is a show-stopping dish that combines smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite. This recipe brings the indulgence of restaurant-quality cuisine to your kitchen, making it perfect for impressing your guests or treating yourself to something special. The combination of crisp, smoky bacon wrapped around a rich, cheesy, and vegetable-filled center creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist. With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe takes minimal time to prepare while delivering maximum impact. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find joy in creating and savoring this delicious masterpiece.

Let’s dive into the details of making Stuffed Bacon—because a dish this special deserves to be savored and celebrated!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Bacon:

  • 8 slices of bacon (smoked or unsmoked, based on preference)
  • Salt (optional, depending on the saltiness of the bacon)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder

For the Filling:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
  • 5.3 ounces (150 g) mushrooms, chopped into larger pieces
  • 1 small tomato, finely diced
  • 3.5 ounces (100 g) feta cheese, crumbled or finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

  • 5.3 ounces (150 g) cheese of your choice, finely grated

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
  • 4–5 olives, finely chopped
  • Juice of half a lemon

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4 portions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Bacon

  • Mix the salt (optional), smoked paprika, black pepper, and dried garlic in a small bowl.
  • Rub the seasoning onto both sides of each bacon slice. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion and Mushrooms

  • Heat a pan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
  • Sauté the finely chopped onion until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook until they just begin to change color. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Set the mixture aside to cool.

Step 3: Create the Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the onion and mushroom mixture with diced tomato, crumbled feta cheese, grated garlic, and chopped basil.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything thoroughly until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Stuffed Bacon

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lay four slices of bacon side by side in a baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
  • Spoon the prepared filling onto the bacon slices, ensuring each slice has an even amount.
  • Carefully wrap the bacon slices around the filling, securing them in place. Repeat with the remaining bacon and filling.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

  • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 minutes.
  • While baking, grate the cheese for the topping.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

  • Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese generously over the top of the stuffed bacon.
  • Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped dill, garlic, olives, and lemon juice. Mix well. Adjust the salt to taste if needed.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove the Stuffed Bacon from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Serve warm with the prepared sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Stuffed Bacon is a classic for several reasons. The smoky flavor of bacon paired with the creamy, cheesy filling creates a universally loved combination. It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or appetizer, and it works well for casual gatherings and formal occasions alike. The use of simple, readily available ingredients makes it accessible to cooks of all levels, while the bold flavors ensure it stands out on any menu.

Moreover, the recipe can be adapted to suit personal tastes. Want a spicier filling? Add chili flakes. Prefer a vegetarian version? Swap out the bacon for zucchini or eggplant strips and load up on veggies. This flexibility, combined with its crowd-pleasing appeal, cements Stuffed Bacon as a dish that will never go out of style.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: ~400 kcal
  • Protein: ~20 g
  • Fat: ~30 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8 g
  • Fiber: ~2 g
  • Sodium: ~800 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make Stuffed Bacon ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the bacon and filling in advance, assemble the dish, and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Of course! Cream cheese, goat cheese, or even shredded mozzarella can work beautifully in this recipe.

3. What other vegetables can I use for the filling?
Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini would make excellent additions to the filling.

Tips for Success

  1. Choose the Right Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for wrapping, as it holds the filling securely and doesn’t dry out.
  2. Cool the Filling: Allow the onion and mushroom mixture to cool before combining it with the cheese and other ingredients. This prevents the cheese from melting prematurely.
  3. Secure the Wraps: Use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place if needed, especially if the filling is heaping.
  4. Experiment with Spices: Add chili powder or herbs like thyme to the seasoning mix for extra flavor.
  5. Keep an Eye on the Cheese: When adding the cheese topping, ensure it melts but doesn’t burn by keeping a close watch during the final minutes of baking.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze Stuffed Bacon before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
  • Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to maintain their texture.

Conclusion

Stuffed Bacon is more than just a dish—it’s an experience that blends rich flavors, textures, and aromas into one unforgettable bite. This recipe takes the humble bacon strip and transforms it into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for impressing dinner guests or indulging in a luxurious meal at home. The balance of smoky, creamy, and herby flavors, coupled with the customizable filling, ensures that this dish will always have a place on your table.

It’s timeless because it embodies everything we love about good food: simplicity, creativity, and an explosion of flavors. Whether you serve it for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual gathering with friends, Stuffed Bacon is guaranteed to be a hit. The cheese crust, the hearty filling, and the accompanying tangy sauce all come together to create a dish that is both comforting and indulgent.

In every bite, you’ll taste the care and effort that went into preparing this dish—a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this restaurant-quality recipe. Once you’ve made Stuffed Bacon, you’ll find it’s impossible to resist making it again and again. Let’s cook, share, and savor together—because food this good is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest!