Easy Heart-Shaped Bacon

By
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
Leah Maroney
A recipe developer and food photographer, Leah Maroney is an ardent home cook and food blogger who has written over 300 recipes for The Spruce Eats.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 09/10/21
Bacon shaped like hearts on tray.
Leah Maroney
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Total: 20 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
148 Calories
11g Fat
0g Carbs
11g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Amount per serving
Calories 148
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g 14%
Saturated Fat 4g 19%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 473mg 21%
Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
Protein 11g
Calcium 3mg 0%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Start off Valentine's Day with a unique breakfast treat that says "I love you" in a sweet but actually salty way. For this recipe, there's no need to spend time cutting out heart-shaped food; these hearts made out of bacon are quick and easy to assemble. Just cut bacon strips in half, form them into hearts, and bake them until nice and crispy. They're perfect alongside scrambled eggs and toast, and dress up even the simplest breakfast in bed.

But these bacon hearts don't have to be saved for just the morning meal or even reserved for Valentine's Day. Add a bit of love to a BLT or a chicken sandwich (maybe served open-face) at lunchtime. Or place on top of a grilled steak for a fun surprise at the dinner table. These bacon hearts can also add a special touch to a baked potato or even pizza. For a unique dessert, drizzle the hearts with chocolate. As we know, bacon makes everything better, especially when it's in the shape of a heart.

You can use any type of bacon you prefer, from applewood smoked to maple to mesquite. If you use turkey bacon, be sure to adjust the cooking time as it is leaner than pork and will cook quicker. A parchment-lined baking sheet makes for easier cleanup and prevents the bacon from sticking. Feel free to make a large batch to keep in the fridge for when you want to show someone a little bit of bacon love.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon

Steps to Make It

  1. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. 

  2. Cut the bacon strips in half width-wise.

  3. Form two halves together into a heart shape, making sure they overlap generously as the bacon will shrink upon baking. 

  4. Bake the bacon for about 10 minutes or until slightly brown and crispy. 

  5. Lift off the bacon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to drain.

  6. Serve along with some eggs and toast and enjoy.

How to Store

If you know you are going to store the bacon hearts ahead of time, cook them until they are not quite at the level you prefer; this way, when you reheat them they will not become too crunchy and overdone. Cooked bacon hearts can be stored once they are drained and cooled. To store in the refrigerator, place the bacon hearts in a zip-top bag; they will keep for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap the bacon hearts individually in paper towel, place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to six weeks. Serve at room temperature or gently heat in the microwave.