If you take a peek into our apartment about half an hour before company is supposed to arrive you might be a little alarmed. It is a hot bed of fast and furious activity. Mr NQN will be half naked and wearing a towel and polishing the cutlery. I will be busy taking photos of food while my hair and makeup is half done and running around in my underwear.
And that’s why when people are coming over, I desperately pray that they don’t arrive early!
My mother has some relatives that always arrive early-fifteen minutes to be precise and my mother will cluck her disapproval. They need to be entertained and given a drink all while she is busy cooking because of course most family gatherings are about the food and food that is served past its prime is to be avoided. Thankfully most of my friends will err on the side of the late than the early and that allows me a little time for a breather and to get my makeup just right (or as right as I can make it).
Sometimes shortcuts help when entertaining. One thing that I have used when time poor is bacon salt. It provides a hit of flavour and seasoning but keeps in a jar so that you all have to do is dip into it with a spoon and voila, it’s like magical fairy dust for food-except bacon flavoured. Because bacon makes everything taste better.
I came across this recipe on Chopinandmysaucepan and bookmarked it immediately. It didn’t have a great deal of salt in it (well for a salt product) and I was curious to see how I could use it. The first thought was sprinkled on pasta, salad or soups for an added flavour hit but really once you think about it the possibilities are endless and you will count yourself lucky. Especially when people arrive early and that 5 minutes you saved making a seasoning meant that you could actually answer the door fully dressed and not wearing a towel 
So tell me Dear Reader, are you calm and prepared for early drop ins or are you busy right up until the very last minute before company arrives?
Bacon Salt
Adapted from Chopinandmysaucepan originally from The Wannabe Chef and the Food Network.
- 500g/1 pound bacon
- 1.5 tablespoons good quality sea salt
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
2. Cool slightly and then place the bacon, salt and pepper in a food processor and blitz until fine (or as fine as you want). Store in the fridge in an airtight container and extend the life of this by using a clean spoon every time you use it.
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81 Comments | Add your own
This is so clever! And only 1.5 tablespoon of salt who would have thought! I thought there would have been at least half a cup
I’m definitely making this soon~ YUM! Mr Bao is going to be one happy man
And i’m definitely like you hahaha i’m always running late and so so so stressed about having people over~
Hmmm, I wonder where this could be good on..?
Everything!!
I can think of a couple of recipes I can use this in right away, Lorraine. Lovely. I’m getting the feeling you must LOVE bacon!
Speaking of arriving early, yes, in fact, our Vegetarian Valentine Dinner, they arrived about 15 minutes early, but we’ve actually had a couple arrive an hour early (I was still in the shower). It was a very strange way to start the evening.
Yum! You’re so right about bacon making everything taste better. Butter shares the same fantastic property.
How long would this store in the fridge? It’s salty so it should last a while, right?
What a great idea, made me think of your bacon jam but not quite as unusual. This could be used in so many things.
Mmmhhh, terrific!
Cheers,
Rosa
This is so clever! Tricks like this are so handy in time poor situations and I love knowing about them. It’s great if your guest arrive a bit on the late side but the control freak in me is prepared for their timely arrival most of the time….well 8 out of 10 times sort of.
Whoa, what an idea! Lorraine, this is so creative and I bet so versatile. I can see sprinkling it on everything from salads to baked goods. Thanks for sharing! You have a beautiful blog and I’m glad to have found it.
We’re usually pretty busy right up until the second people come. If someone’s early, then we fold them into the action. Why not keep them busy? ha You could put that bacon salt on anything!
Hahaha!! I love the sound of your apartment before guests. Bacon salt….. Mmm.
Sounds like a fabulous idea
I love your random baconated products!
This looks so amazing and it’s now on the top of my list of things to make. While I don’t typically open the door wearing a towel when expecting visitors, I am never ready when they arrive. However, I am close to being ready, having delegated many last minute things to my husband who can’t bear the last minute panic and will do anything to make sure it doesn’t happen. I am usually still preparing something when guests arrive, which is why I love our open plan kitchen.
We must be on the same wave length – I made virtual bacon dust the other day! Only difference with mine is no bacon was harmed in the production of the dust!
What an amazing idea! Bacon makes everything taste better…yum, yum!
You’re so right, bacon does make everything taste better! Awesome recipe indeed. I just read about Maple Bacon flavoured Coffee Beans over at ThinkGeek this morning, and it made me think of your bacon obsession.
we’re usually frantic a couple of hours earlier, but I try to be ready about an hour before just in case !
I sure hope that when you say Mr NQN is sitting in a towel polishing cutlery, that it isn’t with the towel he’s wearing
what an interesting idea!!!
This sounds incredible. I imagine you could sprink it on your pasta or salads, or anything for that matter and it would taste good.
Ok. Now I have seen this twice I have to make it. It’s like this recipe is taunting me with its bacony goodness. I am always late so this is right up my alley
This sounds very good. Love your photos. Calm before a dinner party??? Never!
I can so relate to this post — i am usually scrambling up to the last minute whenever we are expecting guest.
I want to face-plant into that bacon salt. Delish!!!!
What a brilliant idea – and my favourite kind too, simple! You are right, bacon does make everything taste better.
Oh Lorraine…Oh Lorraine… bacon salt?? too much, too much. Far too much greatness here. You’re amazing. I’m so 50/50 – sometimes I’m all calm & prepared, other times I’m rushing!
Heidi xo
Wow – I think I know several people who would appreciate this as a gift. Looks simple enough too! (got a nutritional rating on this? lol)
Dear Lorraine,
This bacon salt is seriously dangerous because I have made a second batch since. This batch is a lot chunkier like yours as I love the crunchy texture. My favourites are onto cauliflower soup, carbonara, creamy mashed potatoes among so many others!
And thank you for the pingback!
No I am usually sitting waiting for the guests, I do things like setting the table earlier in the day, because I hate rushing at the last minute.
OK, this is genius! Bacon in a salt form. How bad can that be?! Oh, yum!
I’m pretty calm when having people around. I like to do as much preparation as possible in advance. Don’t fancy last minute things…
Mmmmm, on scrambled eggs. Who needs bacon and eggs when you can just shake?
Eggcellent idea one could use Bacon salt on scrambled eggs!! I can’t make this though, it would be far too tempting!
One can do wonders in that last half an hour prepping or getting ready, ( mind you I don’t mind that little bit of adrenaline rush before everyone arrives) but certain foods need to be served as close to ready as possible. If guests are that late or later then they miss out on entrees I’m afraid. 
Guests arriving 10 minutes either side of time is ok in my books but I dislike it if it stretches to more than 30 minutes early or late
My hubby would go crazy for this!
Lorraine, the world is bacon obsessed. Wouldn’t this be good sprinkled on a sandwich too? Or potato salad? Deviled Eggs? Ice cream? I time everything down to the last minute, and an early drop in would crush me. We’ll still be mopping a floor and my hair in rollers!
I totally remember this bacon salt from Chopinandmysaucepan! I need to make it soon too. It looks wonderful and I can add a spoon of this to almost anything. Thanks for reminding. I’m always working till last minute before the guest comes. I enjoy having people over, but I tend to be stressed out easily (according to my husband). Teehee.
Smear it on toast. Add an egg and chili jam. Hey presto – an intant hit for a sandwich!
You are so right, bacon does definitely make everything taste better
I’m one of those always prepared persons, so everything has an order and it’s to be maintained that way. Oh No husband! Don’t touch that or else it’s going against my flow, ahhhh. Sorry the kitchen is my domain, you make the teas and coffees.
Can’t believe how easy it is to make. I can think of a few recipes I can use it in, I can’t wait to make bacon salt now
Thanks for sharing Lorraine!
x
I too am surprised that this can be made with the addition of so little salt. I can see it would simplify things on a number of occasions and even make people wonder from where the piquancy arrived! [And this comment from a near-non-salt user!] I was brought up on the ‘academic quarter’ principle: you never arrived at anyone’s place before about five minutes after the time given and you were not later than 15 minutes. That works great, but! Aussies I find, largely keep to this timing anyway, my birth country Estonians ALWAYS arrive 15 minutes before, and, yes, that DOES cause havoc
!
Genius, love it.
I admit I am a little like you usually calm all day just working my way through things to a pretty organised schedule and then the hour before I get all flustered and tend to stress….so I always leave the last few things and go and get ready once I am showered, dressed, made up the rest I can tend to. The best advice my mother has given me is always clean the floor in the morning before you start to cook even if you did it the day before (as OCD people usually do) and set the table -once those two things are done all is a little more fluid. BTW I made rosemary salt the other day just fresh rosemary and maldon in a coffee grinder – perfect for rosemary roast potatoes when you don’t have any fresh rosemary etc.. Wil make this bacon salt tonight. x
Hee hee, your pre-dinner party scene certainly is very visual. I also don’t like it when people arrive early – or worse, just drop in. I like to be prepared or at least clothed and with my face on!
OH MY GOODNESS!!
This looks amazing! What a fantastic idea…do you know how long it will keep in the fridge? mind you I’m sure it’ll be eaten pretty quickly…but I’d still be interested to know…what do you think?
What a great idea! I could get carried away using bacon salt on so many dishes.
Bacon would be the reason that I could never be vegetarian, even though I only have it occasionally. I am definitely going to try this recipe. I hate people arriving early. I am pretty organized but there’s always the last minute things to be done and you always feel you need to stop and host when the first arrivals get there.
amazing as always!
I absolutely hate the early drop-in. I even hate it when they arrive on time. I just think it’s polite to arrive 15 minutes late because anyone who entertains knows that the host needs those extra few minutes to properly prepare – and get dressed and find that lipstick and turn on the music and light the candles and set up the appetisers etc. I haven’t made bacon salt but I must. xx
That’s hilarious! I am the same way. I remember one Thanksgiving, my husband said his nieces wanted to come by hours earlier than expected to just “hang out.” I promptly said “no” to that. LOL Gads, an audience to deal with while you scurry around like a mad woman getting everything — plus yourself — ready? I don’t think so!
nothing worse than people coming by early unless it is family who will shoo you off to get ready while they do the dishes and clean the house!
that bacon salt is more bacon than salt indeed – I expected a salt flavoured with bacon – I have a smoked salt at home that I love and use quite a bit – but sparingly and I am now keen to buy a lavendar salt I have read about
I think this would be great on caramel ice cream.
That reminds me, I haven’t made your bacon pate for awhile and this sounds just as delicious. Bacon is sublime. Nothing is worse than guests arriving early. We need every available minute and are happy when they arrive 10 – 15 minutes late. Though you know the doctor and the teacher are always spot on time and you have to put in an extra special effort to be ready to relax with a pre dinner drink with them. You, Lorraine are surely with the majority with your sentiments x
Am constantly greeting people in a towel!
That sounds good! Must be a delicious touch on pretty much anything!
YUS! I LOVE BACON! And yes, that totally warranted some caps..
My worst experience was a guest who arrived 3 hours early!
Thanks for the recipe for Bacon Salt. It sounds amazingly flavoursome, and my hubby will love it.
I love the way you lay out your pictures, Lorraine…love the touch with the Scrabble alphabets. And hell yes, BACON SALT!! That would throw all sodium-free diet out the windows!
Think I’ll have to make half quantity of Bacon Salt as I will be sprinkling on everything. Sounds great. Grilled tomatoes on toast with Bacon Salt for breakfast tomorrow I think.
Had a couple once turn up a week early for a birthday dinner party. We all had a laugh about it and went out to the local restaurant.
Bacon Salt? How great is that? What a fabulous idea. I’ll eat it on ice cream.
I’m a work to the last minute kind of hostess…sadly.
—Everything is truly better w/ bacon
Don’t ya think.
Lorraine, when I tell people to come for dinner at 6…I mean 6!!! Not before.
Otherwise, they will catch me in my sweatpants and Amy Winehouse hair. Xx Haaaa
Ooh this makes me think of bacon bits. It would be great to add to hearty casseroles or chili.
I hate people coming early! When I hosted Thanksgiving last year we had a couple arrive 30 mins early (they had the time wrong). For once in my life I was actually organised but my man was still walking around in his underwear. Usually it’s a scene of chaos until the last second.
oh, you had me at bacon! LOL dont invite me over ever as I am an early arriver. I just get so stressed that i’m going to be late wherever I go that i am ALWAYS early!!!
Now, that’s just fantastic!!
I love the mood of your photos here. How did you shoot these? The mood feels very rustic and cottage-y and vintage. Love this mood!! Of course, I love bacon also.
What a wonderful idea. Will definitely have to try making this.
I hate it when guests arrive early too…
I’m going to buy bacon when I next shop so I can make this. I can taste the savory/salty sensation now. I don’t mind guests a little early but hate it when one or two guests are really late for a sit down dinner.
Aha! Definitely not the supermarket style bacon salt that is actually vegetarian!
You can never go wrong with bacon!
I’d like to think of myself as an organised person (though the state of my work desk and my bedroom probably suggests otherwise), but when it comes to drop-ins, I panic like crazy and in the end, I just find it a lot easier to take guests out for dinner at a local restaurant
Hi Daisy-I loved the idea as soon as I saw it! I know, it’s a surprisingly small amount isn’t it!
Haha cool! 
Yes if people are 15 minutes late, that is perfect 
Hi MyLittleExpatKitchen-Yep pretty much anywhere!
Hi Eva-Oh great!
I do love bacon I have to say 
Oh my, an hour early? Did they get the time wrong completely? It would be quite awkward!
Hi Miss Kimbers-It makes everything better along with butter
Yes I should think that as long as you put it in an airtight container and use a clean spoon every time at least a couple of weeks?
Hi linda-Yes it’s along those lines isn’t it!
Hi Rosa-Thanks Rosa!
Hi Anna-yes and I’m always looking for time saving tricks!
Yes a little bit late is fine by us 
Hi Georgia-you’re right, it can go on practically anything!
thanks so much Georgia, you are too sweet! 
Hi The Duo Dishes-Oh that’s a great idea! Get them into helping!
that way you don’t have to entertain them!
Hi Elly-I’m so glad that people don’t arrive early
|
Hi wil-haha why thank you Wil!
Hi Anne-Oh great! please let me know what you think of it!
haha that sounds hilarious and like you have it all worked out to perfection! 
Hi Cate-Your bacon dust sounds amazing!
Hi Liz-Doesn’t it just!
Hi Rebecca-Great minds think alike!
Ooh that sounds really interesting-perfect for breakfast! haha no not at all! I wouldn’t let him do that-yuk! 
Wow an hour beforehand? That’s amazing!
Hi Lisa-Thanks lisa!
Hi Tina-Yes it can really go with anything salt goes on
Hi Anna-Oh cool! Well maybe with some of your home made bacon too!
Hi Cakelaw-Thanks so much!
Haha sounds just like us!
Hi Kiran-Hehe I’m so glad I’m not the only one
Haha you are too funny!
Hi Amanda-Yes it is SO easy!
Go bacon!
Hi Heidi-Haha!
Well those are really good odds I must say! 
xxx
hi Tina-it’s the perfect thing to give as a gift as it is jar ready
yes it’s rated yum!
Hi Chopinand-haha I’m not surprised! I like the chunky texture too and I can easily see this on top of cauliflower soup and mashed potatoes! You’re welcome and thank you for the idea!
Hi Jenny-Wow, I bow to you!
Hi Michael-Gosh all of you people are great at entertaining. I’m always in a mad panic!
Hi Jay-Oh yes what a great idea for the weekend!
Hi Matilda-Oh maybe a lil jar?
Oh yes 30 minutes late is very late without a phone call or anything. Aha now that’s good motivation to have everyone turn up on time!
Hi Andi-Oh fabulous! Sorry I should have had it up for Valentines day
Hi angela-Oh yes I’ve put this in hubby’s sandwiches
Haha you’re just like me!
Hi Nami-that’s what Mr NQN says too
But I enjoy the excitement too! 
Hi Granville-Mmm i could go for some of that right now!
Hi Antonietta-Isn’t it great stuff!
Haha I wish I were like that! 
Hi Steph-Yes it’s so simple and versatile!
You’re very welcome and I hope you like it! x
Hi Eha-Yes I was expecting a lot more salt in it! YOu don’t use salt? Interesting! I wish everyone kept to that time but alas my friends don’t
I’ll keep that in mind if I ever entertain in Estonia!
Hi jules-Thanks!
Hi Stefania-yes I try and do as much as I can beforehand but sometimes there are things that need to be done last minute and then photographed! Oh great idea to make it a rosemary salt! I always need it but don’t have it on hand!
x
Hi Bronnie-It happens every time :lol what is the definition of insanity again?
Oh no drop ins are the worst! My friends know not to do that!
Hi NomesFog-I wish I had thought of it!
I think it will keep for a couple of weeks in an airtight jar and use a clean spoon 
But we don’t have much left! 
Hi Monica-Yes the possibilities are endless!
Hi Ann-I know, me too as well as cheeseburgers! Yes there are always little things that you just don’t think of (well I don’t
). Yes and we have a small place so there is nowhere else to go! 
Hi cherrypic-thanks so much!
Hi Charlie-Yes the number of times I’ve answered the door without lipgloss! I just wish everyone would arrive at once, where is my drawing room?
Hi Carolyn-Haha yes they can’t do that? There’s so much to do and kids need attention paid to them! You did right!
Hi JohannaGGG-Oh my family don’t do that! I wish they did!
Yes it’s the other way around! Oh is that the Maldon one?
Hi Michelle-It would!
Hi Merryn-Oh yes I’d love to know what you think of it!
haha well observed about doctors and teachers! 
We’re so busy aren’t we jsut before, just trying to get things right! 
x
Hi Mina-Now I feel better to know others do it!
Hi Pola-yes it really does go with everything!
Hi Lucy-haha you’re so funny!
Hi josie-Three hours? That’s terrible!
Why did they do that? You’re very welcome-enjoy! 
Hi sophia-aww thank you Sophia!
Haha yes no low sodium diet here!
Hi Lyn-hehe good idea
Innate portion control there! Haha a week early, now that’s a new one! 
Hi Victoria-I think that’s a brilliant idea-thank you!!
Hi Kim-Isn’t it just!
Haha do you not answer the door? I’ve been tempted to do that 
xxx
Hi Claire-Yes but it’s better than bacon bits I promise (which always seem a bit suspect). I think guests would be so surprised if they came 30 minutes beforehand!
Hi catty-Haha ok well I think you should get a different arrival time!
Hi Jen-Thanks Jen!
They were on the dining table and the light was just right I think 
Hi Skye-Thanks Skye! I hope you like it! hehe I think we all do which makes me feel better. I thought I was the only one
Hi Liz-Oh cool! PLMK what you think of it!
Oh yes really late is very bad! Then the food can be affected!
Hi Hannah-I know, that is scary stuff isn’t it?
Hi Libby-You can’t you’re absolutely right!
that’s a good idea, drop ins are such a no no for me! 
but I will use your idea if they do that!
I hope you had a good V-day!
I would of expected it to contain much more salt. I am already thinking of great ways to use this, a sprinkle here and an sprinkle there.
This is an awesome idea! I’d love to make it with my Mangalitsa bacon!
I was dithering over what to give a friend for his birthday, then I remembered that he’s a serious bacon fan! Definitely making him a jar of these bad-boys.
Mmmmm bacon! I would be happy to eat it out the jar haha
This is the answer to those disgusting, overly liquid smoked, artificial bacon bits that people bu to sprinkle on salads and whatnot! I love that you posted this! I would add it to a grilled cheese sandwich, for sure (an ex’s Mom used to add the artificial stuff to her grilled cheese sandwiches, and I thought it was a great idea – if only it wasn’t so horrid tasting lol)
I love this! (OK I love most things bacon!) Soups, Caesar Salad, so many uses!!!
Hi Blond Duck-I did thank you! I hope you did too!
Hi sara-Yes I would have too and I was surprised that I didn’t need more. Absolutely!
Hi Natasha-Yes good idea!
Hi Midge-Haha great idea!
I’d love to know what he thinks of it! 
Hi Nic-Hehe it’s not quite as edible out of the jar as bacon jam but I know what you mean!
Hi Lisa-Absolutely! I once bought a bottle of that stuff and it was super weird!
I had no idea what it was 
Ooh yes grilled cheese…I could go for some right now 
Hi EatPlayShop-Hehe me too!
I’m a complete bacon lover 
Am SO making this. Thanks Lorraine!
Oh yum…on the list!
Lorraine, I’m in love with this bacon salt! The intense color, the texture, how EASY it is to make – amazing… I have featured this post in today’s Friday Food Fetish roundup. Let me know if you have any objections and thanks for the inspiration
Oh.My.God. This might be the most brilliant idea ever!
-Jenny
this is an excellent idea! as to being prepared for company, i’m still putting things away and trying to organize even after my guests have arrived!
I like the idea of having this in the fridge ready to use. I tend to be an early person. Although now that I know you’re not, I’ll be sure and show up 15 minutes late. xoxo Mum
What a great idea! Bacon goes well with everything!! I’m usually rushing around and being lastminute.com
You do have a love affair with bacon don’t you?!
It does sound good! Love the photography in this post too. You really are multi-skilled
That is heaven in a jar! I am busy up to the last minute, I hate early guests. Then again I also don’t like late guests. To me 15 minutes is just the right amount of tardiness.
I love the scrabble tiles. I may totally steal that idea.
I tend to have the opposite problem: I’ll tell people to arrive at X time so we can all eat together. Maybe 10% of people turn up. Then it’s “how long can I let this sit in a warn over before it dries out?”
Or worse, I’ll assume people will be late, they’ll be on time & I end up stick in the kitchen and then we don’t eat until 9pm.
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