Hormel Premium Real Crumbled Bacon, 20 Oz Pouch

We love this bacon and add it to lots of things, including burgers, salads, omelets, pasta dishes, and casseroles. I tried a different brand from our wholesale club, but it was squishy and seemed undercooked. I ended up having to fry and render it. This one does not need that extra step, as it seems that was already done before packaging. We will continue to purchase this one. Everything is better with bacon!

WHAT YOU GET> There are several listing on Amazon for "Hormel Bacon Bits" or "Hormel Crumbled Bacon", sometimes accompanied with the adjectives or descriptive phrases "Real", "Premium", "with Picnic Ham, "30% less fat", or "50% less fat"; at prices between $11 and over $42 per 20oz bag. Most of the descriptions and photos are of older packaging. In fact, there are no "varieties". There is only one product, "HORMEL REAL CRUMBLED BACON";"50% LESS FAT" You'd think that for $42 you are getting a better product (or a larger package) than for $11, but in fact, it is exactly the same product and size. Be careful not to order the 4.3 oz packages by accident.> This is NOT "crumbled bacon", nor imitation bacon-flavored "bits". Think "chipped dry smoked ham". This stuff is obviously the "sawdust", and small left-over pieces, from slicing quality smoked ham for pre-packaged lunchmeat, etc. The size of the chips varies greatly from package to package. Some packages are mostly big chips, up to 1/2 inch. Some packages are mostly "dust"> Being ham rather than bacon, it is genuinely much "less fat" than bacon.> Oscar Meyer, Kirkland, etc. "bacon bits" are indeed very fatty cooked and crumbled bacon. If that's what you want, this is NOT it. I think the Hormel is far superior, but that is a matter of opinionUSES> I mostly use the chipped ham in omelettes, for which it is wonderful.> If you have a package with large chip you can use it to convert potato soup to "potato and ham soup", or as a very tasty addition to any vegetable soup. Mix a quarter cup of ham chips, half an onion (finely diced), (optionally) half a carrot (diced) and a can of sweet peas, cook on low for a half-hour and you've got great "ham and split pea soup".> You can cook the ham chips with rice for great "ham and rice". You can spread mayo on a slice of bread and add a layer of ham chips for a terrific ham sandwich. Or make a fabulous "grilled-cheese and ham" sandwich. Mix with cream cheese for a great spread, or dilute with a little milk for a great dip.> My Southern grandmother added "seasoning" to all vegetable dishes, from collards to squash to lima beans. What she meant by "seasoning" was a slice of "fat back" (thick mostly-fat bacon). And I must admit, her vegies were wonderful. You can accomplish the same thing (in a much more healthy way) with a teaspoon of ham chips and a couple tablespoons of good olive oil. I often add a tablespoon or so to "stir-fry" dishes---even those which feature chicken or beef---the ham flavor goes unnoticed, but pops up the flavor of everything else.RECOMMENDATIONS AND COMMENTS> The potential uses are almost limitless. Considering that the price of real smoked ham (which isn't half pumped-in water) often exceeds $35 per pound (and is impossible to find in most areas), $16 (the price at the time of this writing) is a good deal for 20oz.> You can sometimes buy it for $9 or $10 at some "big box"/ membership discount stores. If you find it for <$10/bag, consider yourself very lucky, and consider buying alot.> Caution: The ham chips are pretty salty, so always add them BEFORE adding any additional salt.> Since this is dry ham---it keeps very well in the frig, no need to freeze it in normal situations. In my house a 20 oz package never lasts more than 2-3 weeks. Because it keeps so well (and is so tasty that open packages don't last long), there is no need to buy it in the smaller 4 oz packages---except perhaps for camping or emergency food.> Why the confusion about whether this is bacon or ham among so many reviewers? Probably because most folks have no idea what real smoked ham is. Premium dry smoked ham (which can sell for more than $1000/leg) is fabulous stuff. The pumped-full-of water "material" sold in grocery stores should be labeled "imitation ham". Like everyone else, I buy sliced "ham-like material" in the grocery store for sandwiches. Why does almost no-one know that real ham is? Unless sliced paper thin (prosciutto, etc) or prepared by someone who knows how (which typically involves several long soakings in fresh water) real dry smoked ham is hard, salty, and dry---not "ready to eat". So, what most people think is ham is really pork processed to resemble ham, which is pumped full of salty water (because that reduces the cost) and sold as "ham". If you know the difference between "American Cheese" and "American Processed Cheese Product", then you have some idea about the difference between grocery store ham and real ham.> Click on “Stoney” just below the product title to see my other reviews, or leave a comment to ask a question.

These are the best real bacon bits that you can buy. I love using these in so many things. They are so convenient to use, and the size of bits are just right. The texture is good. There is not a lot of fatty pieces in them. They smell fresh. I keep mine in the crisper of the refrigerator and if I buy an extra bag I freeze it until I need it. I have never had any trouble with moldiness.

We cannot find these in our small town or even the closest city, unless they are small pouches and that makes them pricey. These are the best brand we have tried, certainly superior to house brands in stores or clubs. Really good and they last a long time.

These bacon bits have great taste. People said they have large pieces that are hard to eat. This is what I do. When I get them I put about 1/2 cup in each of several zip lock bags. Put them in the freezer. When ready to use I dump the frozen bacon bits into my mini chopper and zap them 2-3 times. They are now uniform in size. Throw some in a frying pan, add hash browns or eggs. Can also be used in pancake mix etc. this is my third purchase. Very easy to add bacon flavor to anything.

Real bacon, not those weird rock like “bits”. I keep it in the freezer so it keeps and I can easily add it to things. For example today I made baked chicken cordon bleus which is something I make fairly often. Decided to also add some bacon before rolling up and baking to make it a little different. Came out great. I also often also add some to veggies. I keep it on hand all the time.

Love this stuff.

Excellent taste and texture plus it’s easy to sprinkle on salads & baked potatoes.