Bacon. The mere mention of the word conjures images of crispy, savory goodness. Its smoky aroma, salty taste, and satisfying crunch make it a beloved ingredient around the world. But beyond a simple breakfast side, bacon’s versatility allows it to elevate countless dishes. So, what exactly can you eat with bacon? Let’s dive into the delicious possibilities, exploring the myriad ways to incorporate this magical ingredient into your meals.
Bacon for Breakfast: The Classic Pairing
The most iconic association with bacon is undoubtedly breakfast. But even within this realm, there’s a world of flavor combinations to explore.
Eggs and Bacon: A Match Made in Heaven
The cornerstone of many breakfasts, the pairing of eggs and bacon is a timeless classic. Whether you prefer scrambled, fried, poached, or even in an omelet, bacon adds a salty, smoky counterpoint to the richness of the eggs.
Pro Tip: Cook your bacon first, then use the rendered fat to cook your eggs for an extra layer of bacon flavor.
Pancakes, Waffles, and Bacon: Sweet and Savory Delight
The contrast between sweet and savory is a culinary triumph, and pancakes or waffles with bacon perfectly exemplify this. The sweetness of the syrup complements the saltiness of the bacon, creating a truly irresistible combination.
Consider adding crumbled bacon directly into your pancake or waffle batter for an even more intense bacon flavor.
Breakfast Sandwiches: Bacon as the Star
Breakfast sandwiches are another excellent way to enjoy bacon. Combine it with eggs, cheese, and your favorite toppings on a bagel, English muffin, or croissant for a satisfying and portable meal.
Experiment with different cheese varieties: sharp cheddar, creamy Havarti, or spicy pepper jack all work well with bacon.
Bacon in Lunch: Adding Flavor to the Midday Meal
Bacon isn’t just for breakfast; it’s a fantastic addition to many lunch options, adding depth and flavor to sandwiches, salads, and more.
Bacon Sandwiches: Beyond the BLT
While the BLT (Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato) is a classic for a reason, the world of bacon sandwiches extends far beyond this beloved option.
Try adding bacon to a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Combine bacon with avocado, turkey, and a spicy aioli for a truly satisfying sandwich.
Consider a bacon and brie sandwich with fig jam for a sweet and savory delight.
Salads with Bacon: A Crispy Crunch
Adding crispy bacon to a salad is a simple way to elevate it from ordinary to extraordinary. The saltiness and smoky flavor of the bacon contrast beautifully with the fresh, crisp vegetables.
Spinach salads with bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a warm vinaigrette are a classic combination.
Add crumbled bacon to a Caesar salad for an extra layer of flavor.
Combine bacon with avocado, grilled chicken, and a creamy ranch dressing for a hearty and satisfying salad.
Soups and Chowders: A Smoky Accent
Bacon can add a wonderful smoky flavor to soups and chowders. Whether you use it as a garnish or incorporate it directly into the soup, bacon elevates the flavor profile and adds a touch of richness.
Potato soup with crumbled bacon and chives is a classic comfort food.
Corn chowder with bacon adds a smoky and savory element to the creamy sweetness of the corn.
Add bacon to lentil soup for a hearty and flavorful meal.
Bacon for Dinner: From Appetizers to Main Courses
Bacon’s versatility truly shines in dinner dishes, where it can be used in appetizers, side dishes, and even as the star of the main course.
Appetizers: Bacon-Wrapped Delights
Bacon-wrapped appetizers are always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of crispy bacon and flavorful fillings is irresistible.
Bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese are a sweet and savory delight.
Bacon-wrapped scallops are an elegant and flavorful appetizer.
Wrap asparagus spears in bacon for a simple and delicious side dish or appetizer.
Side Dishes: Bacon as a Flavor Enhancer
Bacon can elevate even the simplest side dishes, adding a touch of smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze are a popular and delicious combination.
Green beans with bacon and shallots are a simple and flavorful side dish.
Add bacon to mashed potatoes for an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Main Courses: Bacon Takes Center Stage
Bacon can be the star of the show in many main course dishes. Its smoky flavor and crispy texture add depth and complexity to any meal.
Carbonara pasta with bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese is a classic Italian dish.
Bacon-wrapped meatloaf is a hearty and comforting meal.
Bacon cheeseburgers are a classic for a reason, the crispy bacon adding a layer of flavor and texture to the juicy burger.
Bacon Beyond the Ordinary: Unexpected Pairings
Beyond the traditional pairings, bacon can be used in unexpected ways to create truly unique and delicious dishes.
Desserts with Bacon: Sweet and Salty Surprises
The combination of sweet and salty is a culinary trend that has taken the world by storm, and bacon is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into desserts.
Bacon-infused chocolate is a surprisingly delicious combination. The saltiness of the bacon enhances the richness of the chocolate.
Add crumbled bacon to maple-glazed donuts for a sweet and savory treat.
Bacon ice cream may sound strange, but the combination of smoky bacon and creamy ice cream is surprisingly addictive.
Drinks with Bacon: A Smoky Twist
Bacon can even be used to add a smoky twist to cocktails and other drinks.
Bacon-infused bourbon is a popular ingredient in cocktails like the Old Fashioned.
Add a strip of crispy bacon to a Bloody Mary for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Cooking with Bacon
To ensure that your bacon dishes are as delicious as possible, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Cook bacon low and slow: This will allow the fat to render properly, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook bacon in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly.
Save the bacon fat: Bacon fat is a valuable ingredient that can be used to add flavor to other dishes.
Experiment with different types of bacon: From thick-cut to maple-smoked, there are many different types of bacon to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile.
Bacon is truly a versatile and beloved ingredient that can elevate countless dishes. From classic breakfast pairings to unexpected desserts, the possibilities are endless. So, get creative and experiment with bacon in your own cooking. You might be surprised at what delicious combinations you discover. Enjoy the bacon!
What are some classic breakfast pairings with bacon?
Bacon and eggs are arguably the most iconic breakfast duo. The saltiness of the bacon perfectly complements the richness of the eggs, creating a balanced and satisfying meal. Whether scrambled, fried, or poached, eggs and bacon are a timeless pairing that provides protein and flavor to kickstart your day.
Beyond eggs, pancakes or waffles drizzled with maple syrup and accompanied by crispy bacon offer a sweet and savory contrast that tantalizes the taste buds. The smoky flavor of the bacon cuts through the sweetness of the syrup and dough, preventing it from being overly cloying. This combination is a popular choice for those seeking a decadent and comforting breakfast experience.
Can bacon be incorporated into vegetarian dishes?
While bacon is inherently a meat product, there are creative ways to incorporate its essence into vegetarian dishes. Smoked paprika or liquid smoke can be used to mimic the smoky flavor that bacon provides. These seasonings can be added to vegetarian chili, bean soups, or even roasted vegetables to give them a bacon-like depth of flavor.
Additionally, vegetarian “bacon” made from tempeh, tofu, or mushroom can be used to replicate the texture and appearance of bacon. These alternatives can be pan-fried or baked to achieve a crispy texture and then added to salads, sandwiches, or other dishes that would typically include bacon. While not exactly the same, these options offer a satisfying bacon-inspired experience for vegetarians.
What are some unexpected but delicious bacon pairings?
Bacon can surprisingly elevate the flavors of fruits like dates and figs. Wrapping these sweet fruits in bacon and baking them creates a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and smoky flavors. The crispiness of the bacon contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy texture of the fruit, making it a sophisticated and unexpected appetizer.
Another unusual pairing is bacon with chocolate. The salty and savory notes of bacon can enhance the richness and depth of chocolate desserts. Crumbling crispy bacon over brownies, cupcakes, or even adding it to chocolate ice cream creates a unique and addictive flavor profile. This combination appeals to those who enjoy exploring the boundaries of taste.
How does bacon enhance salads?
Bacon adds a salty, smoky, and crunchy element to salads that elevates them from simple greens to a more complex and satisfying dish. Its savory flavor complements the freshness of the vegetables and adds depth to the overall taste. Crispy bacon crumbles are a welcome addition to almost any salad, providing textural contrast and a burst of flavor.
Furthermore, bacon can be used in salad dressings to infuse them with its distinctive flavor. Bacon fat can be rendered and used as a base for vinaigrettes, adding richness and a smoky undertone. This bacon-infused dressing can then be used to dress a variety of salads, from simple green salads to more elaborate composed salads with grilled vegetables or protein.
What cheeses pair well with bacon?
Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic pairing with bacon, as the sharpness of the cheese cuts through the richness of the bacon, creating a balanced flavor profile. This combination is commonly found in sandwiches, omelets, and baked potatoes, where the cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the crispy bacon.
Blue cheese, with its pungent and tangy flavor, also complements bacon remarkably well. The strong flavor of the blue cheese stands up to the boldness of the bacon, creating a complex and intriguing taste experience. This pairing is often used in salads, appetizers, or even on pizzas, adding a sophisticated and savory element.
How can bacon be used in pasta dishes?
Bacon adds a smoky and savory element to pasta dishes, enriching the sauce and providing a satisfying textural contrast. Cooked bacon can be crumbled and added directly to pasta sauces, such as carbonara or amatriciana, to impart its flavor throughout the dish. The bacon fat also contributes to the richness of the sauce.
Alternatively, bacon can be rendered and used to sauté vegetables or garlic before adding other sauce ingredients. This infuses the entire sauce with a subtle bacon flavor. Crispy bacon pieces can also be used as a garnish, adding a crunchy and visually appealing element to the finished pasta dish. From creamy sauces to tomato-based sauces, bacon elevates the flavor profile of many pasta creations.
What drinks pair well with bacon-infused dishes?
A crisp, dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can complement bacon-infused dishes by cutting through the richness and saltiness of the bacon. The acidity of the wine helps to cleanse the palate and refresh the taste buds, allowing you to fully appreciate the flavors of the dish. This pairing is particularly suitable for lighter bacon-based dishes, such as salads or appetizers.
For heartier bacon dishes, such as bacon cheeseburgers or bacon-wrapped meats, a robust beer like an IPA or a smoky Scotch whisky can be a great choice. The bitterness of the IPA or the peaty notes of the Scotch complement the savory and smoky flavors of the bacon, creating a harmonious and satisfying pairing. These beverages can stand up to the boldness of the bacon and enhance the overall dining experience.