Few sandwiches are as simple and satisfying as a proper bacon butty. Crispy-edged smoked bacon tucked between slices of soft, buttery bread and finished with your favorite sauce makes an incredibly comforting breakfast, lunch, or late-night snack.
This version uses 6 slices of smoked bacon, giving you a generously filled sandwich with plenty of smoky, savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 slices smoked bacon
- 2 soft white bread rolls or 4 slices thick-cut white bread
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sauce or ketchup
- Freshly ground black pepper, optional
How to Make a Proper Bacon Butty
1. Cook the Bacon
Place a large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the 6 slices of smoked bacon in a single layer. You don’t necessarily need extra oil because bacon releases its own fat as it cooks.
Cook for about 3–5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the bacon and how crispy you like it.
For a traditional bacon butty, aim for bacon that is cooked through with nicely browned edges while remaining slightly juicy rather than completely dry.
2. Butter the Bread
While the bacon is cooking, generously butter the bread or the cut sides of the rolls.
For the classic experience, use soft white bread. The contrast between the soft bread and hot, crisp bacon is part of what makes a bacon butty so satisfying.
3. Add the Sauce
Spread brown sauce over one side of the bread.
You can also use ketchup if you prefer a sweeter tomato flavor.
For a traditional British-style combination, brown sauce is a particularly popular choice.
4. Assemble the Butty
Once the bacon is cooked, place the 6 slices between the buttered bread.
Add a little freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Close the sandwich and gently press it together.
5. Serve Immediately
Serve your bacon butty while the bacon is still hot.
The warmth of the bacon slightly melts the butter and creates that classic comforting texture.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon Butty
Use good-quality bacon: Smoked back bacon gives a classic flavor, while streaky bacon provides more crispness and richness.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the bacon enough room to cook evenly.
Don’t overcook it: Extremely crispy bacon can become dry and brittle. Cook it to your preferred texture.
Don’t skimp on the butter: A proper bacon butty is supposed to be indulgent.
Serve immediately: This sandwich is at its best straight from the pan.
Back Bacon vs. Streaky Bacon
Both work beautifully, but they give different results.
Back bacon: Meatier and leaner, with a substantial bite. It’s commonly associated with a traditional British bacon sandwich.
Streaky bacon: More fatty and often crispier, with a rich, intensely savory flavor.
For this recipe, use whichever type of smoked bacon you enjoy most.
Delicious Variations
Bacon & Egg Butty
Add a fried egg with a soft or slightly runny yolk.
Bacon & Cheese Butty
Add a slice of mature cheddar while the bacon is still hot and allow it to soften.
Bacon & Brown Sauce
Keep it completely traditional with smoked bacon, buttered white bread, and plenty of brown sauce.
Bacon & Ketchup
Replace the brown sauce with tomato ketchup for a sweeter, tangier sandwich.
Ultimate Bacon Butty
Add a fried egg, mature cheddar, and a little brown sauce for a seriously filling breakfast sandwich.
What to Serve With a Bacon Butty
A bacon butty is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Fried eggs
- Hash browns
- Baked beans
- Grilled tomatoes
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Crispy potatoes
- A cup of tea or coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bacon butty?
A bacon butty is a British bacon sandwich traditionally made with cooked bacon served between buttered bread, often with brown sauce or ketchup.
Should I use smoked bacon?
Yes. Smoked bacon gives the sandwich a deeper, more savory flavor, although unsmoked bacon can also be used.
How many slices of bacon should I use?
This recipe uses 6 slices, making a generously filled sandwich. You can divide them between two sandwiches or make one very substantial butty.
Should I butter both slices of bread?
For a classic bacon butty, yes. A generous layer of butter provides richness and helps create the traditional texture.
Final Thoughts
A Proper Bacon Butty doesn’t need complicated ingredients. Six slices of smoked bacon, soft buttered bread, and a spoonful of brown sauce are enough to create an incredibly satisfying sandwich.
Whether you’re making it for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night treat, serve it hot, keep the bread soft, and enjoy it straight away.
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SEO Title: Proper Bacon Butty Recipe – 6 Slices of Smoked Bacon
Meta Description: Make a proper British bacon butty with 6 slices of smoked bacon, soft buttered bread, and brown sauce or ketchup. An easy and comforting classic.
Focus Keyword: proper bacon butty
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Category: Breakfast Recipes
Tags: Bacon Butty, Bacon Sandwich, British Recipes, Smoked Bacon, Easy Breakfast, Breakfast Sandwich, Comfort Food