Bacon taco shells are a surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious way to enjoy your favorite taco fillings while keeping things low-carb. If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful alternative to traditional tortillas, this recipe using ingredients you might already have in your fridge food supply is a must-try.
What are Bacon Taco Shells?
Bacon taco shells are exactly what they sound like: taco shells made entirely out of crispy, savory bacon! This ingenious creation takes the concept of a taco and turns it into a protein-packed, grain-free delight. Perfect for keto, low-carb diets, or anyone who simply loves bacon, these shells add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to your taco experience. They are easier to make than you might think and require only one ingredient: bacon. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up bacon you have in your fridge food and create a memorable meal.
Simple Ingredient for Bacon Shells
- Bacon
That’s it! Yes, you only need bacon to create these amazing taco shells. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the transformative power of bacon. Make sure you have enough bacon strips to form the shells – about 3-4 strips per shell is a good starting point, depending on the size of your desired taco shell. Check your fridge food now; you might be just minutes away from enjoying bacon taco shells!
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Bacon Taco Shells
Making bacon taco shells is quick, especially if you use the microwave method, perfect for a fast meal when checking your fridge food for inspiration. Here’s how to do it:
-
Prepare the Bacon: Lay out strips of bacon on a paper towel-lined microwave-safe plate. Ensure that each strip slightly overlaps the next. This overlapping is crucial as it allows the bacon to fuse together as it cooks and shrinks, forming a solid shell.
A close up view shows raw bacon strips slightly overlapping on a paper towel before being microwaved to make bacon taco shells.
-
Microwave the Bacon: Microwave the bacon for approximately 3 minutes. Cooking times may vary depending on your microwave’s power, so it’s best to check it every minute to prevent burning or overcooking. You want the bacon to be cooked but still pliable enough to mold.
-
Shape the Shells: Once microwaved, carefully remove the bacon from the microwave. While it’s still warm and moldable, gently fold the bacon sheet over to create a taco shell shape. To help it hold its form while cooling and hardening, place something in the middle to create the inside curve of the shell. A baking sheet propped on its side between two sturdy objects works perfectly. Just be sure to protect the objects from any bacon grease!
-
Cool and Harden: Let the bacon shells sit for a few minutes. As they cool, the bacon will harden and solidify into the taco shell shape.
-
Fill and Enjoy: Once the bacon shells are firm, they are ready to be filled with your favorite taco ingredients. From classic ground beef and cheese to chicken, carnitas, or even vegetarian fillings, the possibilities are endless.
Serving Suggestions for Bacon Taco Shells
Bacon taco shells are incredibly versatile. For a truly indulgent bacon experience, consider fillings like:
- Classic Taco Fillings: Ground beef or turkey, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
- Pulled Pork or Chicken: Add a smoky BBQ flavor that complements the bacon perfectly.
- Spicy Shrimp or Fish: For a surf and turf twist.
- Avocado and Salsa: Keep it fresh and vibrant with creamy avocado and zesty salsa.
- Breakfast Tacos: Scrambled eggs, cheese, and salsa for a bacon-lover’s breakfast treat.
These bacon taco shells are not just a novelty; they are a delicious and practical way to enjoy tacos while minimizing carbs and maximizing flavor. Next time you’re wondering what to make with ingredients from your fridge food, remember this simple yet satisfying bacon taco shell recipe!
