Maple Bacon Butter Spread

This maple bacon butter transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with just a simple spread. The combination of sweet maple syrup and salty bacon creates a flavor explosion that elevates everything from toast to vegetables to steaks.

I discovered this recipe during a pancake breakfast experiment, and now my family requests it for everything from corn on the cob to dinner rolls. The sweet and savory combination has become our secret weapon for impressing dinner guests.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Quality matters here. Use the best you can afford as it forms the base of your compound butter. Room temperature is crucial for proper mixing.
• Crisp bacon: Choose thick cut bacon for the best flavor and texture. The crispier the better for incorporating into the butter.
• Pure maple syrup: Skip the pancake syrup and invest in real maple syrup. The authentic flavor makes all the difference.
• Bacon grease: This adds depth and intensifies the bacon flavor throughout the butter. Save it when cooking your bacon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the bacon:

Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until completely crisp. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally. The bacon needs to be crisp enough to crumble easily but not burnt. Drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon of the bacon grease for later use.

Crumble the bacon:

Once cooled, chop the bacon into very small pieces or crumble with your fingers. The smaller the pieces, the more evenly distributed the bacon flavor will be throughout your butter.

Combine ingredients:

Place room temperature butter in a medium bowl. Add the crumbled bacon, reserved bacon grease, and maple syrup. The room temperature butter is essential here as cold butter won't incorporate the ingredients properly.

Mix thoroughly:

Use a spoon to beat the mixture until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes of vigorous stirring. You want to ensure the maple syrup is fully incorporated with no separation.

Transfer and store:

Spoon the finished butter into a small container with a lid or shape it into a log using plastic wrap. Cover tightly and refrigerate. The butter needs at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.

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The bacon is truly the star of this recipe. I accidentally discovered that saving a tablespoon of the bacon grease adds an incredible depth that takes this butter from good to unforgettable. My husband now requests this butter for special occasion steak dinners.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile compound butter works beautifully across breakfast, lunch and dinner applications. For breakfast, try melting it over pancakes or waffles instead of regular butter and syrup. The combination creates a decadent morning treat with layers of flavor. At lunch, spread it on grilled cheese sandwiches before cooking for an elevated twist on the classic. For dinner, nothing beats a pat of maple bacon butter melting over a hot steak, baked potato, or freshly steamed vegetables. The butter slowly melts, creating a rich sauce that transforms ordinary sides into something special.

Creative Variations

While this basic recipe is perfect, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. For a spicy version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely minced jalapeño. The heat contrasts beautifully with the sweet maple. For a holiday version, add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg along with some finely chopped pecans. This creates a festive butter perfect for holiday rolls or sweet potatoes. If you enjoy herbs, try adding some finely chopped fresh thyme or rosemary, which pairs wonderfully with the bacon and complements meats.

Gifting Ideas

This compound butter makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and neighbors. To present it beautifully, roll the butter into a log using parchment paper, twist the ends, and tie with twine or ribbon. You can also pack it into small decorative jars with labels. Be sure to include serving suggestions and storage instructions. For holiday gifting, pair a container of maple bacon butter with fresh baked goods or a small bread board for a complete package that will delight anyone on your list.

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This recipe elevates everyday meals into gourmet delights with minimal effort. It's a keeper!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What is the best way to crisp bacon for this butter?

To achieve the best texture, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and crisp. Drain excess grease before chopping.

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but be mindful that the added sodium in salted butter may alter the balance of flavors. Adjust the amount of bacon grease for a less salty taste.

→ How should I store the maple bacon butter?

Transfer the butter to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep fresh for up to one week.

→ Can I use an electric mixer instead of a spoon?

Absolutely! An electric mixer on low speed will work perfectly to blend the butter and ingredients into a light, fluffy texture.

→ What dishes pair well with maple bacon butter?

Try spreading it on warm bread, pancakes, waffles, or even melting it over roasted vegetables or grilled meats for added flavor.