Can you use bacon bits in a recipe that calls for fresh cooked chopped bacon?

Question

I found a recipe for a baked potato casserole and it calls for 1 lb.. sliced bacon. I really dont want to use that much bacon and was wondering if I could use bacon bits and get the same flavor.

Plus, I dont have any bacon. :)
All I have is the bacon bits.
How about if I "fry" up the bacon bits?

Answer 1

Yes, you can with the following provisions.

Bacon bits can be real pork or the flavored bits not made from meat - usually texturized vegetable protien (TVP) and soy meal.

If you're going to sprinkle it on top, then you should be fine.

If the recipe calls for you mixing it in and cooking it some more, I'd be mindful of the "fake" bacon bits. They might get soggy on you. If they dissolve completely, then that should be fine where you get the flavor and no soggy chunks of red bits.

Answer 2

Yes absolutely - far less messy than cutting up bits of crispy bacon - you will be finding bits of bacon all around the kitchen for days to come and when you think you have it all cleared up - you will find some more sporting a hairy coat!

Make sure your recipe specifies whether you need smoked or unsmoked bacon. Buy some pancetta bits. Dry fry them frequently draining off the liquid and fat until they are nicely crispy and then drain them on the kitchen paper. Proceed as per recipe instructions.

Good luck and enjoy!

Answer 3

Yes you can. Ever since They came out with Bacon Bits, it is
used in Salads and casseroles. They are real bacon pieces but without the frying and the fat. You put in as much as you want, but first try a small salad with bacon bits. Wendy's has a salad with bacon bits. If you like that, then try a small casserole like cheese and noodles and add the bacon bits to taste.

Answer 4

It wouldn't be the same at all, at probably wouldn't taste too nice.

Chopped bacon gives a really good flavour whereas bacon bits are a bit synthetic tasting and nasty. Probably better to leave out bacon altogether and use something else fresh to change the recipe slightly than use bacon bits.

Answer 5

I have subbed bits b/4. if u have bacon grease add som to casserole to get flavor

Answer 6

you couldn't get the same flavor or the same texture. just cook up the bacon. don't be scared.

Answer 7

You can do that, but there is a vast difference in the taste. It just won't be the same as that made with the real stuff.

Answer 8

Yes, if your bacon bits are real not imatation