The Quick Answer
You can absolutely dice bacon before cooking it. Dicing bacon ahead of time can make it faster and easier to cook. It allows the bacon to cook more evenly. The main thing to keep in mind is that the diced bacon pieces will render fat and shrink as they cook. So be conservative with how small you dice the bacon to start.
Why Would You Want to Dice Bacon Before Cooking?
There are a few reasons you may want to consider dicing bacon before cooking it:
Cooks More Evenly
When bacon is cooked in whole slices, the thin ends tend to burn while the thicker middle undercooks. Dicing it first allows all the pieces to cook at the same rate for more even doneness.
Saves Time
Chopping up bacon takes effort. Dicing it ahead of time means you can just grab the pre-cut pieces and throw them in the pan when you’re ready to cook.
Easier to Incorporate
Crumbled, cooked bacon is a delicious topping for salads, soups, baked potatoes, and more. Dicing it raw makes it easier to sprinkle and mix throughout a dish.
Better Distribution of Flavor
When bacon is diced small and dispersed throughout a dish, you get little bursts of bacon flavor in every bite rather than just a couple of big chunks.
Works Better for Recipes
Many recipes call for bacon diced and cooked into the dish rather than served in strips on the side. Pre-diced bacon ensures properly sized pieces.
How Small Should You Dice the Bacon?
When dicing bacon before cooking, keep the final shrunken size in mind. Bacon can reduce by as much as 50% in size as the fat renders out.
Here are some dicing guidelines:
For Bits/Crumbles
Dice into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces. These will shrink down to 1/8 to 1/4 inch crumbles.
For Lardons
Cut into 1/2 inch thick batons, then lengthwise into 1/4 inch sticks. These will become about 1/8 inch lardons.
For Chopped
Chop into 1/4 to 1/2 inch chunks to end up with 1/8 to 1/4 inch pieces.
For Stir Fries/Sautéed Dishes
Dice into 3/4 inch pieces to shrink down to around 1/2 inch for easy stirring and eating.
How to Dice Bacon
Dicing bacon is simple with the right technique:
Step 1
Start with thick-cut bacon for easier dicing. Regular sliced bacon works too. Cut each slice crosswise into 1-inch strips.
Step 2
Stack a few strips on top of each other. Keep them lined up neatly.
Step 3
With a large sharp chef’s knife, cut across the strips into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces, depending on the final size desired.
Step 4
Repeat with the remaining strips until all the bacon is diced.
Tips for Dicing Bacon
Follow these tips for safely and efficiently dicing bacon:
– Chill the bacon in the freezer for 10-15 minutes first to firm it up for cleaner cuts. Just don’t let it freeze solid.
– Use a large chef’s knife with a sharp, non-serrated edge. It will cut the bacon cleanly rather than tearing.
– Cut on a dry, stable cutting board. A damp towel underneath can help keep it in place.
– Cut across the bacon grain so it chops cleanly rather than splintering.
– Work in batches for better control and accuracy. Don’t overload the cutting board.
– Keep your knife moving up and down briskly for clean cuts. Don’t saw back and forth.
– Periodically scrape off diced bacon from the board and knife to keep cutting area clear.
How to Cook Diced Bacon
The method for cooking diced bacon is slightly different than cooking whole slices:
In a Skillet
– Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add just enough oil to coat the bottom.
– Add the diced bacon and cook, stirring frequently with a spatula or spoon.
– Cook until crispy and browned all over, 5-10 minutes. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning.
In the Oven
– Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
– Spread diced bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet.
– Bake 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
In the Microwave
– Place diced bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel.
– Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between each, until crisped, 2-5 minutes total.
– Let cool 1-2 minutes before eating to avoid hot grease splatter.
Dishes and Recipes to Use Diced Bacon In
Pre-diced bacon is great for stirring into all kinds of dishes and recipes:
Soups
– Potato soup
– Baked potato soup
– Chili
– Clam chowder
– Broccoli cheese soup
Salads
– Wedge salad
– Spinach salad
– Pasta salad
– Potato salad
– Chicken salad
Vegetables
– Roasted Brussels sprouts
– Roasted broccoli
– Creamed spinach
– Green beans
– Roasted carrots
Grains
– Quinoa salad
– Farro salad
– Fried rice
– Risotto
– Pasta carbonara
Casseroles
– Breakfast strata
– Chicken and rice casserole
– Bacon and egg potato bake
– Mac and cheese
Sautés
– Fettuccine Alfredo with bacon
– Shrimp and grits
– Chicken fresca
– Stir fried rice
Storing and Freezing Diced Bacon
Properly stored, diced raw bacon will last 4-5 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it:
Refrigerating
– Place diced bacon in an airtight container. Glass or plastic work well.
– Store in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back.
– Use within 3-5 days for the best quality.
Freezing
– Spread diced bacon in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
– Place in the freezer until completely frozen, about 2-3 hours.
– Transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Squeeze out excess air.
– Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
– Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
Safety Tips for Handling Raw Bacon
When working with raw bacon, follow these safety guidelines:
– Wash hands, cutting board, utensils, and counters before and after contact.
– Store raw bacon securely wrapped below other foods so juices don’t drip on them.
– Cook bacon thoroughly until crispy to kill bacteria. Leftover pre-cooked bacon should be reheated to 165°F.
– Don’t leave diced raw bacon out at room temp more than 2 hours before cooking.
– Refrigerate unused bacon within 1 hour of dicing or cutting.
– Freeze diced bacon if not using within 4-5 days. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
Conclusion
Dicing bacon before cooking provides several advantages. The pieces cook faster and more evenly. It saves prep time. And it can be easily incorporated into recipes. Follow the guidelines for size, cooking method, storage, and food safety. With the right techniques, pre-diced bacon can add flavor and texture to many dishes.