40 AIP Bacon Recipes You Can’t Live Without
Bacon often gets a bad rap…which is a shame, because it’s a great and versatile ingredient that not only tastes good but is easy to cook, as well. While the AIP world may calm you down on the saturated fat and cholesterol issues, there are some other issues with bacon you should be aware of on AIP. Follow these 3 tips to make sure the product you are choosing is AIP-friendly!
5 Tips For Buying AIP Bacon (PLUS where to buy it)
- Watch out for nightshades.
Some bacon (and deli meats) contain nightshades in the form of spices (like pepper, paprika). So always read the ingredients list to double check. - Watch out for preservatives and additives.
Most brands of bacon contain additives like sodium phosphates, sodium erythorbate, or sodium ascorbate. While these are considered “safe” for consumption by the FDA, for strict AIP, you’ll want to avoid them. - Go for bacon that uses natural forms of nitrates/nitrites like celery juice.
What are nitrates and nitrites?
This is one of the most common reasons that many AIP folks worry about their bacon consumption. Nitrates and nitrites are basically preservatives and they can be artificial (cured) or natural (in the form of sea salt or celery juice, most commonly) (uncured). However, whether artificial or natural, it’s the same thing, but if you want to be extra careful, then go for bacon that uses natural forms like celery juice. - Go for bacon that’s free from added antibiotics and hormones and from pigs raised in a humane manner.
This is the critique that carries the most weight. Most of the varieties you buy in your local supermarket comes from hogs that were raised in conditions that would make you shudder, and they were likely fed an abundance of grains and soy (and who knows what else) and were injected frequently with antibiotics and hormones. Unlike cows, pigs don’t eat just grass, but neither should they be raised on the food that they’re fed in most factory farms. - Go for bacon that’s dextrose-free.
Most varieties found in grocery stores contain added sugar (often in the form of dextrose), but you can find brands that are cured with honey or maple syrup instead, and these are allowed on AIP.
Where To Buy AIP Bacon
Ideally, you want to find bacon that only contains the following ingredients – pork, water, salt, celery juice and other AIP seasoning. In the US, there are 3 websites to buy AIP bacon:
Here are just a few of the AIP Bacon Recipes we’ve included:
- AIP Bacon-Wrapped Salmon
- Chicken, Bacon, And Apple Mini Meatloaves
- Paleo Chicken and Bacon Sausages
- AIP Stuffed Zucchini Boats
- Slow Cooker Bacon and Chicken
- Lemon Asparagus Saute with Bacon
- Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
If you click or tap any of the links above, it will instantly take you to the recipe below. Or download the entire list by clicking on the green button below.
Bacon Wrapped Recipes
AIP Bacon-Wrapped Salmon
– Healing Autoimmune
Ingredients: salmon filets, bacon, olive oil, tarragon, lemon wedges.
Even though this is a quick and easy recipe, it would be impressive enough to be served to guests at a dinner party or used as an AIP alternative for Thanksgiving or Christmas as an alternative to turkey. This is a really low carb dish that is perfect for AIP people and makes a tasty meal any time. The pork brings out the sweetness of the salmon and cuts through any fattiness in the fish.
Garlic Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: chicken breast, bacon, garlic powder.
These delicious little chicken bites look great and would make the perfect party food, especially with your favorite paleo dip or salsa. The recipe is easy to prepare and you will be amazed at how many you can make from just one chicken breast! These also go down really well for kid’s parties or as a tasty treat on a summer picnic. You could even jazz it up even more by adding some ginger powder to the chicken coating.
Bacon and Beef Heart Appetizer Rolls
– The Nourished Caveman
Photo Credit: Vivica from The Nourished Caveman
Ingredients: beef heart meat, bacon slices, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried chili flakes (omit), Celtic sea salt.
Beef heart meat is a great source of omega 3 and several minerals that can help you to keep your body healthy, but it can sometimes put people off because of what it is. This recipe is a great way to introduce the family to heart meat as the other ingredients help to mask the unusual texture. These little rolls can be served with a dip and the seasoning can be made as spicy as you like.
Oven Baked Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
– Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: kosher salt, cayenne pepper (omit), paprika (omit), garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, chicken tenders, no sugar bacon.
If you are having friends over for a party or are having a family film night, these deliciously spiced chicken tenders would be the ideal dish to serve, either on their own or with a dip of your choice. The seasonings used here can be altered to suit your palate, for example, you can miss out the cayenne if you don’t like the heat, but however, you eat them just enjoy these low carb treats!
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
– Autoimmune Wellness
Photo Credit: Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: avocado oil, coconut aminos, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, asparagus, bacon.
With notes of Asian cooking in this AIP recipe thanks to the ginger, garlic and coconut aminos, these delicious asparagus spears would be a great side to serve at your next Asian inspired meal. I often enjoy this dish as a light lunch on its own or as a great appetizer. Prosciutto can be used instead if you have difficulty sourcing healthy brands.
Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Stuffed with Guacamole and Greens
– The Curious Coconut
Photo Credit: The Curious Coconut
Ingredients: chicken breasts, avocados, lime juice, salt, garlic, cilantro, shallot, collard leaves, extra virgin olive oil, bacon.
It can be a really good idea to serve stuffed meats as they make your food look amazing and can encourage everyone to dig in! When you cut into the chicken breasts you get a lovely green spiral from the spinach and guacamole, and wrapping it helps to keep the meat moist and juicy. This would be the ideal AIP entrée for ST. Patrick’s Day!
Bacon-Wrapped Spiced Pumpkin
– The Paleo Mom
Photo Credit: Sarah from The Paleo Mom
Ingredients: pumpkin or butternut squash, ground ginger, cinnamon, fresh rosemary, olive oil, walnuts (omit), bacon.
As soon as I saw this great recipe, I thought how good these little bites would be for Halloween parties, with all the flavors of the fall from the pumpkin and spices. These are so easy to eat and are low in carbs too. Although this recipe is not strictly compliant with AIP, all you need to do is omit the walnuts and its good to go!
Bacon Wrapped Dates
– AIP Sisterhood
Ingredients: dates (pitted), bacon.
This dish makes a great snack or appetizer, but they also make very sophisticated party food! There is a lovely combination of flavors and textures, giving you delicious food for even your non-AIP friends. If you have tried these before, why not ramp up the flavor by drizzling over some balsamic vinegar!
Bacon Breakfast Recipes
Chicken, Bacon, And Apple Mini Meatloaves
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: apples, chicken breasts, bacon, olive oil or avocado oil, salt.
Sometimes meatloaf can be a bit dry, but not these little beauties! The chopped apples add an extra texture and flavor and a bit of freshness. These mini Paleo loaves make a great dish for breakfast or to pack in your lunchbox for work. These also go down well with the kids and are a great way to get them to eat healthy without realizing!
Paleo Chicken and Bacon Sausages
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: chicken breasts, bacon, egg (omit), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper (omit).
These little Paleo patties look so good that you will want to make them again and again. Using the seasonings listed here makes the flavor of these sausages absolutely delicious and they will surely become a family favorite. One idea would be to make them into strips and serve with a dip of your choice as party food.
Keto Breakfast Stack
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: bacon, ground pork, ground chicken, Italian seasoning, egg (omit), salt, black pepper (omit), mushrooms (portobello), avocado.
Here is a lovely meaty breakfast you can enjoy instead of your usual AIP cereals or dairy-free pancakes. It is made with a mushroom base and piled high with strips of crispy bacon and meat patties contrasting with slices of smooth and creamy avocado. This recipe is not strictly AIP-compliant, but the omissions are clearly stated for ease of understanding.
Bacon Plantain Fritters
– A Girl Worth Saving
Photo Credit: Kelly from A Girl Worth Saving
Ingredients: bacon, plantains, ground cinnamon powder, sea salt.
Here is a great AIP-friendly recipe for fritters that you can have for breakfast through the week, and they are so easy to make that they are ideal for busy days. If you decide to add the cinnamon, you will find it gives a lovely spice to the plantain, but without any heat. You can even serve these as a side with meat or fish to give your meal a bit of a change.
Breakfast Salad with Garlic Sweet Potatoes and Bacon
– Meatified
Photo Credit: Rach from Meatified
Ingredients: white sweet potatoes, avocado oil, garlic powder, bacon, mixed salad greens (baby kale, chard & spinach), red onion, black olives, extra virgin olive oil, avocado,
When you first start out on the autoimmune protocol, breakfast can be something you struggle with, especially if you aren’t used to eating meat and veg for breakfast! But believe it or not, breakfast salads can be the turn around you need. They can be full of flavor, look really pretty and can be a good source of nutrients first thing in the morning. Serve this with some avocado slices and enjoy!
Breakfast Fries with Bacon-Chive Crumble
– Autoimmune Wellness
Photo Credit: Autoimmune Wellness
Ingredients: white sweet potato, avocado oil, sea salt, bacon, zucchini, kale, chives, lemon zest, garlic, lemon juice.
Now we all have days when fries for breakfast sound like a great idea, even if it’s quite impractical, but now you can have them without breaking the AIP rules! Sweet potato makes great fries and you can add in whatever greens you like – if you don’t like kale, try chard instead – just play about with the ingredients till it suits your taste. However you make it, the crumble will lift the flavors really well.
Bacon & Kale Breakfast Skillet
– Grazed & Enthused
Photo Credit: Grazed & Enthused
Ingredients: bacon, Lacinato kale, coconut milk, garlic, truffle salt.
In this dish the kale takes on the flavor of the meat, making the earthy flavor of the greens a bit more subtle. This would be a warming and satisfying healthy breakfast, but it could be made even more filling by adding in some breakfast sausage as well. This skillet can also be served as an AIP side dish and goes really well with pork chops or chicken.
Beef Bacon Plantain Hash
– Fed and Fulfilled
Photo Credit: Fed and Fulfilled
Ingredients: bacon, yellow plantains, onion, garlic, grass-fed ground beef, brussels sprouts, kale, dried oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, cilantro, lime juice.
No matter what eating plan you are following, a breakfast hash can be a filling and satisfying dish to enjoy, especially on chilly days. It is ideal for busy people since it is ready in less than thirty minutes and is a great way to use up leftovers. This AIP recipe uses gives you plenty of taste and a good combination of textures. After all, if your food is exciting, you will be encouraged to eat healthily!
Blueberry Bacon Breakfast Burgers
– Adventures in Partaking
Photo Credit: Adventures in Partaking
Ingredients: beef, onion, garlic, parsley, dried rosemary, maple, bacon, blueberries.
In these delicious breakfast sausage patties you have the flavors of the herbs and the sweetness of the blueberries giving you a wonderful way to start the day! You can fry these or cook them in the oven, but either way, the blueberries are there to keep the burgers moist and juicy. If you can’t eat blueberries, this AIP recipe also works with cherries.
Egg-free Bacon Herb Muffins
– The Curious Coconut
Photo Credit: The Curious Coconut
Ingredients: coconut flour, baking soda, salt, dried rosemary, garlic, coconut oil, gelatin, filtered water, apple cider vinegar, crumbled bacon.
This is a great egg free recipe for those of you who prefer savory to sweet for breakfast, with a good source of protein to get you started in the morning. They also have rosemary which sets off the flavor really well, but thyme would also work well here. Don’t worry about the batter looking too runny – just keep stirring and it will come together and thicken.
Bacon Entree Recipes
AIP Stuffed Zucchini Boats
– Healing Autoimmune
Ingredients: olive oil, bacon, onion, white button mushrooms, ground beef, turmeric, zucchinis, salt, parsley.
This is a great recipe for people with autoimmune disorders as it is nightshade free and dairy free but is a tasty and filling meal. I love using hollowed out vegetables as serving dishes because they look very impressive and also cut down on the washing up! These stuffed zucchini boats could become a family favorite in your house as they are in mine!
Slow Cooker Bacon & Chicken
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: chicken breasts, bacon, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried rosemary, olive oil, salt.
This is a really easy Paleo recipe to use and the end result tastes amazing! Shredded chicken and bacon with the addition of the herbs are great ingredients for a light lunch with salad, or why not serve it in a bowl with some lettuce wraps and let the family make their own?
Paleo Bacon Shrimp and Grits
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: bacon, mushrooms, garlic, shrimp, lemon, salt, ground black pepper (omit), coconut cream, desiccated coconut, almonds (omit), green onion.
This is a really clever Paleo recipe that uses coconut cream and shredded coconut to form the ‘grits’, allowing you to enjoy this staple without the corn. This is a low carb dish that would be ideal for lunch as it takes fifteen minutes to make but is full of flavor. Shrimp is also a great source of protein.
Beef Bacon Acorn Squash Mash Bowl
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: a pack of Wellness Meats Sugar-Free Beef Bacon Tips, collard greens, acorn squash, navel orange.
If you can’t have pork for health or religious reasons, you can still enjoy a similar taste experience by using beef bacon. In this impressive recipe you have the combination of salty meat and sweet squash combined with the citrus hit from the oranges, giving you a really tasty meal that looks amazing served in its own squash bowls!
Paleo Turkey Burgers
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: ground turkey, olive oil, bacon, avocado, tomato (omit), paleo mayo (omit), lettuce, parsley.
Turkey is such a versatile meat that is easier to digest than beef, making this recipe a great one for the whole family. Here you are making the turkey into burgers that you can top with a load of paleo toppings like tomato, onions, and avocado – the choice is yours! Why not serve these on lettuce leaves and put the toppings into bowls, then everyone can build their own burger!
Creamy Shrimp and Bacon Skillet
– The Nourished Caveman
Photo Credit: Vivica from The Nourished Caveman
Ingredients: bacon, mushrooms, smoked salmon, shrimp, coconut cream, Celtic sea salt, ground black pepper (omit).
This lovely dish is packed full of flavor and meatiness from the shrimp and mushrooms, and if you choose to add the salmon, you get a subtle smoky flavor throughout. If you are avoiding dairy then use coconut cream instead for the same effect. If you have this for breakfast it is great just the way it is, or you could pair it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a more substantial dinner.
Roasted Brussels Sprout Soup with Bacon
– Low Carb Yum
Photo Credit: Lisa from Low Carb Yum
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, olive oil, no sugar bacon, onion, chicken bone broth, sea salt.
If you have folks in your family who don’t eat their greens, one way to disguise them and get even the youngsters to enjoy them is to turn them into a delicious and hearty soup. This is a really low carb soup that is rich and thick and would warm you on the coldest day. As the soup has a green tinge to it, this would make an amazing appetizer on St. Patrick’s Day!
Avocado Taco Bowls
– It’s All About AIP
Photo Credit: It’s All About AIP
Ingredients: Brussel sprouts, lime juice, bacon, avocado oil, garlic, red onion, ground beef, sea salt, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, oregano, turmeric, smoked sea salt, cilantro, avocados.
There is no reason why AIP folks have to miss out on taco Tuesdays! Instead of the regular way of serving tacos, make these delicious taco bowls and you never need to miss out again. You have all the flavors of Mexican cuisine, giving you a filling and satisfying dish that you can enjoy anytime, but still keeping to the AIP eating plan.
Crab & Bacon Stuffed Salmon
– Adventures in Partaking
Photo Credit: Adventures in Partaking
Ingredients: salmon fillet, crab meat (canned), parsley, lime juice, bacon, bacon fat.
Stuffed salmon can be a very impressive dish to serve to dinner guests, or just to treat yourself now and then. The stuffing is a lovely complement to the meaty fish. The lime helps to cut through any fattiness from the salmon, giving it a fresh flavor. Seafood is very important on the AIP so why not make it special?!
Other Bacon Recipes
Lemon Asparagus Saute with Bacon
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: asparagus stalks, lemon, bacon bits/pieces, salt, olive oil or bacon fat.
This Paleo side dish is so quick and easy to make, yet with the asparagus becoming ever more popular, it will go down a treat with family and friends. Asparagus has a really fresh taste which goes really well with the salty pork and the citrus hit from the lemon lifts the flavor of the whole dish. This would go well with meat or fish dishes, especially grilled salmon.
Easy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, bacon.
This recipe is compliant with Paleo and AIP eating plans and has become a regular feature at Christmas in many households, but there is no reason not to eat them throughout the year! Adding the salty pork to the sprouts gives them a milder flavor, so even members of the family who are not too keen on the taste might be persuaded. The texture of the sprouts is complemented by a bit of crunch, making this a great side dish for roast meats.
Bacon Zucchini Mushroom Stir-Fry
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: zucchinis, portobello mushrooms, scallions, parsley, bacon, coconut oil.
One of the best things about stir-fry dishes is that they are so quick to make – ideal after a busy day at work! This AIP dish is meaty and satisfying and ready to eat in minutes. It has a lovely combination of flavor and texture. Be sure to save any fat for frying your next meal to add extra flavor.
Broccoli Bacon Salad with Onions and Coconut Cream
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: broccoli florets, red onions, bacon, coconut cream, salt.
This recipe is compliant with the autoimmune protocol diet and would make a substantial side dish or a great meal on its own! You get a wonderful sweetness from the red onions and if you fry them in the fat, they take on the flavor of the pork. If you prefer your broccoli crisper then you don’t need to blanch it first. It is a good idea to taste this salad before you add any salt because of the saltiness of the meat.
Paleo Brussels Sprouts with Lemon, Bacon, and Sweet Potatoes
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, bacon, lemon juice, salt, pepper (omit), coconut oil.
This is a hearty and filling meal that can easily be made AIP-compliant by omitting the eggs. The salty pork helps to give the sprouts a milder flavor and there is a zingy taste from the lemon. It is best to cook the sweet potatoes for ten minutes first as they take longer than the other ingredients.
Make Your Own Bacon Cups
– Paleo Flourish
Ingredients: bacon.
These cups are so easy to make and they give the perfect ‘dish’ in which to serve salad or eggs. They also look good as finger food at a party and are delicious filled with whatever you fancy! Once you have baked a batch of these cups they can be cooled and frozen for future use, although you might find they disappear quite quickly! This recipe is suitable for Paleo and AIP diets.
2-Ingredient Keto Bacon Brussels Sprouts
– Keto Summit
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, bacon.
This recipe has become a regular feature at Christmas in many households, but there is no reason not to eat them throughout the year! Adding the pork to the sprouts gives them a milder flavor, so even members of the family who are not too keen on the taste might be persuaded. The texture of the sprouts is complemented by the crunch of the bacon making this a great Keto side dish for roast meats.
Chicken, Mushroom & Bacon Pâté
– Meatified
Photo Credit: Rach from Meatified
Ingredients: chicken livers, bacon, shallots, garlic, cremini or white mushrooms, bacon fat, dried thyme, dried rosemary, chicken broth, sea salt or Himalayan salt.
Just imagine the look on your friends’ faces when you serve them a homemade pate as an appetizer for your next dinner party! This one contains chicken liver, which is milder than beef liver and is also a great way to encourage the whole family to eat more organ meat. This is an AIP recipe that tastes amazing served with vegetable sticks, or with veggie chips at a party.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Bacon
– Peace, Love and Low Carb
Photo Credit: Kyndra from Peace Love and Low Carb
Ingredients: Brussels sprouts, maple bacon, onion, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, ground black pepper (omit).
If you have already discovered the trick of serving your sprouts with bacon, then you will appreciate this alternative, which gives the sprouts even bigger flavors from the balsamic vinegar. Try to get the best balsamic you can afford as the cheaper ones can be a lot less intense in flavor. To make this recipe totally compliant with the AIP, just omit the ground black pepper.
Paleo Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad
– Empowered Sustenance
Photo Credit: Empowered Sustenance
Ingredients: bacon, sweet potatoes, garlic cloves, coconut oil, lime juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, green onions, fresh dill, red pepper flakes (omit), ground cinnamon, salt, pepper (omit).
Although this wonderful dish is designed to be served as a side for meats or fish, I have been known to enjoy a bowl for lunch, served just the way it is! You have delicious sweet potato chunks with crispy pork and the lovely fresh citrus hit from the lime juice. To keep this dish within the AIP guidelines, omit the black pepper and pepper flakes.
Bacon Date Fennel Salad with Grilled Peaches
– Savory Lotus
Photo Credit: Katja from Savory Lotus
Ingredients: olive oil, bacon fat, apple cider vinegar, bacon, dates, Celtic sea salt, fennel bulb, peaches, mixed salad greens, coconut oil.
Bacon and peaches just seem to go together like a match made in heaven, with the sweetness and saltiness making the perfect partnership. Between that and the aniseed flavor from the fennel, this salad is a sophisticated dish that would brighten any AIP dinner table. If you can’t source dried figs near you, you can use cherries or plums instead.
Broccoli and Bacon Soup
– Cavegirl Cuisine
Photo Credit: Michelle from Cavegirl Cuisine
Ingredients: nitrate-free bacon, onion, parsnip, carrot, celery stalks, garlic cloves, broth of choice, fresh broccoli, ground pepper (omit), sea salt.
Here is another AIP-friendly soup that will satisfy your hunger at lunchtime! It has a fantastic meaty flavor, yet the celery keeps it from being too heavy. You can use whatever broth you have, and of course, you can change the vegetables if you want to – asparagus would be a good substitute for the celery for example. Top with the crispy bacon to give the dish a lovely contrast in texture.
