Beyond Breakfast: Delicious Recipes Featuring Kirkland Signature Bacon

Kirkland Signature bacon. The name itself conjures images of crispy, savory strips sizzling in a pan, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. But this bacon, a staple in many Costco households, is far more versatile than just a breakfast side. It’s a flavor powerhouse that can elevate countless dishes from ordinary to extraordinary. This article dives deep into the world of Kirkland Signature bacon, exploring its origins, what makes it so beloved, and, most importantly, providing you with a plethora of delicious recipes to unleash its full potential.

## The Allure of Kirkland Signature Bacon: A Brand Deep Dive

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate the brand behind this coveted bacon. Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand, known for offering high-quality products at competitive prices. While Costco doesn’t publicly disclose the exact suppliers for all Kirkland Signature products, industry experts and seasoned Costco shoppers often speculate and share insights. Several sources point to Hormel Foods Corporation as a potential major supplier for Kirkland Signature bacon, especially the pre-cooked varieties. Hormel has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality pork products, and their facilities and expertise align with the volume and consistency required for Costco’s massive distribution network. Other potential suppliers may include smaller, regional bacon producers, depending on location and specific product variations.

The specific cuts of pork used and the curing process contribute significantly to the bacon’s flavor and texture. Kirkland Signature bacon generally uses a traditional curing method involving salt, sugar, and nitrates (or nitrites). This curing process not only preserves the bacon but also enhances its flavor and gives it that characteristic pink hue. The bacon is then smoked, often with hickory or applewood, further intensifying the smoky flavor profile. The thickness of the slices also plays a crucial role; Kirkland Signature bacon tends to be thicker than many other brands, providing a meatier, more satisfying bite.

One of the main reasons why Kirkland Signature bacon is so popular is its consistency. Regardless of which Costco location you purchase it from, you can generally expect a similar level of quality and flavor. This reliability, combined with the bulk packaging and competitive pricing, makes it a smart choice for families, bacon enthusiasts, and anyone looking to elevate their culinary creations.

## Getting the Most Out of Your Kirkland Signature Bacon: Preparation Tips

Before we unleash the bacon’s potential in various recipes, let’s cover some essential preparation tips:

* **Storage:** Store your unopened package of Kirkland Signature bacon in the refrigerator until the expiration date. Once opened, tightly wrap the remaining bacon in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, opened bacon should last for about a week.
* **Cooking Methods:** Bacon can be cooked using several methods, each offering a slightly different result:
* **Pan-Frying:** This is the classic method. Place bacon strips in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium. This allows the fat to render slowly, resulting in crispy bacon. Cook until desired crispness, flipping occasionally. Drain excess grease on a paper towel-lined plate.
* **Baking:** Baking bacon is a hands-off method that minimizes splattering and produces uniformly cooked bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until desired crispness.
* **Microwaving:** This is the quickest method, but it can sometimes result in unevenly cooked bacon. Place bacon strips between layers of paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes per slice, or until desired crispness. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
* **Air Fryer:** Air frying yields crispy bacon with less fat. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, or until desired crispness.
* **Rendering Bacon Fat:** Don’t discard that precious bacon fat! It’s a culinary goldmine. Strain the rendered fat through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof jar. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a month. Use it to sauté vegetables, add depth to sauces, or even bake cookies.

## Recipe Extravaganza: Unleashing the Versatility of Kirkland Signature Bacon

Now, for the main event: a collection of delicious recipes that showcase the versatility of Kirkland Signature bacon. Get ready to be inspired!

### 1. Bacon-Wrapped Dates with Balsamic Glaze

These sweet and savory appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser. The salty bacon perfectly complements the sweetness of the dates, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy touch.

**Ingredients:**

* 12 Medjool dates, pitted
* 6 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cut in half
* ½ cup balsamic vinegar
* Toothpicks

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Wrap each date with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place bacon-wrapped dates on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bacon is crispy.
5. While the dates are baking, prepare the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced by half and thickened into a glaze.
6. Remove dates from oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.

### 2. Bacon and Gruyere Quiche

A classic quiche elevated with the smoky flavor of Kirkland Signature bacon and the nutty richness of Gruyere cheese. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pre-made pie crust
* 6 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
* 4 large eggs
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ cup milk
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of nutmeg

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place pie crust in a pie dish.
3. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and Gruyere cheese evenly over the bottom of the crust.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5. Pour the egg mixture over the bacon and cheese.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
7. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

### 3. Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Stuffed with Cream Cheese and Jalapeños

This recipe is a flavor explosion in every bite. The creamy, spicy filling contrasts beautifully with the smoky bacon and tender chicken.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 8 slices Kirkland Signature bacon
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* ¼ teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cut a slit lengthwise into each chicken breast, creating a pocket.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, jalapeños, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture.
5. Wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
6. Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy. Remove toothpicks before serving.

### 4. Bacon Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a comfort food classic, and adding bacon takes it to the next level. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the cheesy sauce perfectly.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb elbow macaroni
* 8 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and crumbled
* ¼ cup butter
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

**Instructions:**

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Stir in cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon.
8. Serve immediately.

### 5. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Maple Vinaigrette

This salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures. The roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon are tossed with a tangy maple vinaigrette.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 6 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and crumbled
* ½ cup dried cranberries
* ½ cup chopped pecans

**For the Maple Vinaigrette:**

* ¼ cup maple syrup
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned.
4. While Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the maple vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine roasted Brussels sprouts, crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, and pecans.
6. Drizzle with maple vinaigrette and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately.

### 6. Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus

A simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The salty bacon complements the slightly bitter asparagus.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
* 8 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cut in half
* Olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Wrap each asparagus spear with a half slice of bacon.
4. Place bacon-wrapped asparagus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and asparagus is tender.
6. Serve immediately.

### 7. Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

This creamy, cheesy dip is loaded with bacon, ground beef, and all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Perfect for game day or any party.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 lb ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* ¼ cup ketchup
* 1 tablespoon mustard
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Tortilla chips, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in crumbled bacon, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is bubbly and heated through.
7. Serve hot with tortilla chips.

### 8. Creamy Bacon and Tomato Pasta

A quick and easy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor. The creamy tomato sauce is infused with the smoky flavor of bacon.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb pasta (such as penne or spaghetti)
* 6 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and chopped
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 cup heavy cream
* ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
* ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta is cooking, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Stir in cooked pasta and chopped bacon.
7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.

### 9. Bacon and Egg Breakfast Pizza

A fun and flavorful twist on a classic breakfast. The crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and melted cheese are spread over a pizza crust.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pre-made pizza crust
* 6 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 6 large eggs
* ¼ cup milk
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
* ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Chopped green onions, for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place pizza crust on a baking sheet.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour egg mixture onto the pizza crust.
5. Sprinkle with crumbled bacon, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the eggs are set.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

### 10. Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts

Another classic appetizer that’s always a hit. The crunchy water chestnuts are wrapped in bacon and glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, drained
* 8 slices Kirkland Signature bacon, cut in half
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup soy sauce
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wrap each water chestnut with a half slice of bacon and secure with a toothpick.
3. Place bacon-wrapped water chestnuts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.
5. Brush the bacon-wrapped water chestnuts with the sauce.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and the sauce is caramelized. Remove toothpicks before serving.

## Beyond the Recipes: Creative Uses for Kirkland Signature Bacon

These recipes are just the beginning. Here are some more creative ways to incorporate Kirkland Signature bacon into your cooking:

* **Bacon Bits:** Crumble cooked bacon and use it as a topping for salads, soups, baked potatoes, and deviled eggs.
* **Bacon Jam:** A sweet and savory condiment that’s perfect on sandwiches, burgers, and cheese boards.
* **Bacon-Infused Vodka:** Add cooked bacon to a bottle of vodka and let it infuse for a few days for a smoky twist on your cocktails.
* **Bacon Salt:** Combine cooked bacon with sea salt and grind it in a food processor for a flavorful seasoning.
* **Bacon Croutons:** Toast cubes of bread with bacon fat for extra-flavorful croutons.

## Conclusion: Embrace the Bacon Bliss

Kirkland Signature bacon is more than just a breakfast staple. It’s a versatile ingredient that can add flavor and depth to a wide variety of dishes. From appetizers to main courses to even desserts, the possibilities are endless. So, grab a package of Kirkland Signature bacon from your local Costco and start experimenting in the kitchen. You might just discover your new favorite bacon-infused creation! Remember to adjust cooking times based on your oven and desired crispness. Enjoy the bacon bliss!