Slow cooker 5-ingredient Amish bacon fat noodles are the kind of practical, deeply savory dish that comes from a thrift-minded farmhouse kitchen where nothing flavorful goes to waste. Bacon drippings add richness to simple egg noodles, and the slow cooker keeps the whole dish easy and hands-off while the noodles soak up broth and smoky bits of bacon. It is a humble recipe, but that straightforward combination of pantry staples creates comfort food with far more depth than its short ingredient list suggests.
Serve these noodles alongside simple cooked green beans, buttered peas, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance their richness. They also work well as a side for roast chicken, pork chops, ham, or sausage, though they are hearty enough to stand on their own for a simple supper. A spoonful of applesauce on the side would also fit the old-fashioned character of the dish nicely.
Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Bacon Fat Noodles
Servings: 6
Ingredients
8 slices bacon, chopped
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then reserve 3 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened and lightly golden.
3. Add the egg noodles, softened onion, chicken broth, and half of the cooked bacon to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice if your slow cooker runs hot, until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Stir in the remaining bacon just before serving, taste for seasoning, and serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Variations & Tips
Add parsley: If you want a little color and freshness, stir in a tablespoon of chopped parsley at the end. It does not change the farmhouse character of the dish, but it brightens the flavor.
Use homemade stock: Because this recipe has so few ingredients, good chicken stock makes a noticeable difference. Homemade stock or a rich store-bought broth will give the noodles more depth.
Watch the liquid level: Slow cookers vary quite a bit, so start checking the noodles early. If they seem dry before they are tender, add a small splash of extra broth; if they seem too loose at the end, let them sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
Make it heartier: For a more substantial one-pot meal, stir in cooked shredded chicken at the end. It fits naturally with the bacon and broth without overpowering the noodles.
