Nothing says “I love you” like crispy, sizzling bacon—especially when it’s shaped like a heart! Whether you’re impressing your sweetheart, making a festive breakfast, or just looking for an excuse to eat more bacon (no judgment), this guide will teach you how to create heart-shaped bacon like a pro. No fancy chef skills required—just a love for bacon and a willingness to play with your food.
What You’ll Need:
- Bacon (the star of the show!)
- A baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Toothpicks (optional, but helpful)
- Oven or frying pan
- Paper towels for blotting (because, grease!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven (or Prepare Your Pan)
If you’re baking your bacon (recommended for even cooking), preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. If you’re pan-frying, just make sure you have a large, flat pan ready to go.
Step 2: Shape Your Bacon Hearts
Take one strip of bacon and fold it in half, like a very floppy piece of spaghetti. Then, shape it into a heart by curving the ends inward and overlapping them slightly at the bottom. If your bacon is being rebellious and won’t hold its shape, use a toothpick to secure the bottom of the heart. (Just remember to remove it before eating—because dental work is expensive!)
Step 3: Place Bacon Hearts on the Baking Sheet
Gently lay your heart-shaped bacon onto the baking sheet. If you’re making multiple hearts, leave a little space between them—bacon loves to spread out when it cooks.
Step 4: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Pop your bacon hearts into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. Keep an eye on them—burned bacon hearts aren’t exactly romantic. If you’re pan-frying, cook them on medium heat and flip carefully with tongs when needed.
Step 5: Drain & Serve with Love
Once your bacon hearts are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and place them on paper towels to soak up excess grease. If you used toothpicks, remove them carefully. Now, serve your heart-shaped bacon with eggs, pancakes, or just as a delightful stand-alone snack.
Bonus Tips:
- Thicker bacon = sturdier hearts. Thin-cut bacon might be too floppy to hold its shape.
- Get creative! Drizzle with maple syrup or dip the edges in melted chocolate for a sweet & salty treat.
- Add the heart-shaped bacon on top of a heart donut or pastry as in the image! How fun is that?!
- Surprise your valentine! Sneak bacon hearts onto their plate, or make a whole bacon bouquet.
And there you have it—heart-shaped bacon, made with love and a little bit of grease. Happy Valentine’s Day, and may your bacon be crispy and your love be strong!
