Bacon. That smoky, salty, crispy strip of pork perfection. For many, it’s synonymous with breakfast, forever linked with eggs in a culinary marriage made in heaven. But to confine bacon to the morning meal is to severely limit its potential. This cured meat marvel deserves a starring role in dishes far beyond the breakfast plate.
Let’s explore a world of savory and sweet combinations, unexpected pairings, and creative culinary applications that will elevate your bacon game. Get ready to discover what else goes with bacon, transforming it from a breakfast sidekick into a versatile ingredient ready to shine in any meal.
The Savory Side of Bacon: Expanding Your Culinary Horizons
Bacon’s intense flavor profile allows it to complement a vast array of savory dishes. Its saltiness and smokiness enhance everything from vegetables to seafood, adding depth and complexity that will tantalize your taste buds.
Bacon and Vegetables: A Flavorful Alliance
Vegetables often get a bad rap, but the addition of bacon can transform even the most reluctant veggie eaters into enthusiasts. The key is to choose vegetables that can stand up to bacon’s strong flavor.
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a classic pairing. Roasting Brussels sprouts with bacon creates a sweet and savory combination, with the bacon’s rendered fat caramelizing the sprouts to perfection. Adding a touch of balsamic vinegar glaze further elevates this dish.
Another winning combination is bacon and green beans. Sautéing green beans with bacon and a bit of garlic creates a simple yet satisfying side dish. The bacon adds a smoky depth that complements the freshness of the green beans.
Consider bacon-wrapped asparagus for a simple yet elegant appetizer. The salty bacon perfectly complements the slightly bitter asparagus.
Bacon also pairs well with potatoes. Whether mashed, roasted, or baked, adding bacon to potatoes adds a smoky, savory element that elevates the dish. Try adding crumbled bacon to mashed potatoes with chives and sour cream for a decadent treat.
Bacon and Seafood: An Unexpected but Delicious Duo
The saltiness and smokiness of bacon create a surprising harmony with the delicate flavors of seafood. Don’t underestimate this unexpected pairing!
Bacon-wrapped scallops are a popular appetizer for good reason. The bacon provides a crispy, salty counterpoint to the sweet, tender scallops. A drizzle of maple syrup or a squeeze of lemon juice adds a final touch of flavor.
Try adding crumbled bacon to clam chowder for a smoky twist on a classic soup. The bacon adds depth and complexity to the creamy broth.
Bacon also pairs well with shrimp. Sauté shrimp with bacon and garlic for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Serve over rice or pasta for a complete dish.
Bacon in Pasta Dishes: A Flavor Explosion
Adding bacon to pasta dishes is a surefire way to enhance their flavor. The bacon infuses the sauce with its smoky, savory goodness, creating a truly memorable meal.
Carbonara is a classic pasta dish that features bacon (typically pancetta or guanciale), eggs, cheese, and black pepper. The bacon adds a salty, savory element that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
Try adding crumbled bacon to mac and cheese for a decadent twist on a childhood favorite. The bacon adds a smoky, salty counterpoint to the cheesy sauce.
Bacon also pairs well with tomato-based pasta sauces. Add crumbled bacon to your favorite tomato sauce for a richer, more flavorful dish.
Bacon in Soups and Salads: Adding Depth and Texture
Bacon adds both flavor and texture to soups and salads. Its salty, crispy goodness elevates these dishes to a whole new level.
Adding crumbled bacon to potato soup is a classic combination. The bacon adds a smoky, savory element that perfectly complements the creamy soup.
Try adding crumbled bacon to a wedge salad for a satisfying and flavorful appetizer. The bacon adds a salty, crispy counterpoint to the creamy dressing and crisp lettuce.
Bacon also pairs well with spinach salads. Add crumbled bacon, hard-boiled eggs, and a vinaigrette dressing for a complete and satisfying salad.
The Sweet Side of Bacon: A Surprising Culinary Adventure
While bacon is often associated with savory dishes, its salty and smoky flavor profile can also complement sweet ingredients in surprising and delicious ways. This unconventional pairing is gaining popularity, and for good reason.
Bacon and Maple Syrup: A Classic Combination Reimagined
The combination of bacon and maple syrup is a classic for a reason. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the sweet, syrupy flavor of maple syrup.
Consider serving bacon with waffles or pancakes and maple syrup for a classic breakfast. The combination of sweet and savory is a perfect way to start the day.
Try adding crumbled bacon to maple-glazed donuts for a decadent treat. The salty bacon adds a surprising counterpoint to the sweet glaze.
Bacon-infused maple syrup is another way to enjoy this classic combination. Simply cook bacon in maple syrup to infuse the syrup with bacon flavor. Use the syrup on pancakes, waffles, or even as a glaze for meats.
Bacon and Chocolate: An Unexpected but Delicious Pairing
The combination of bacon and chocolate may sound strange, but it’s surprisingly delicious. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the rich, sweet flavor of chocolate.
Bacon-covered chocolate is a popular treat. Simply dip cooked bacon in melted chocolate and let it cool. The combination of salty and sweet is irresistible.
Try adding crumbled bacon to chocolate chip cookies for a surprising twist. The bacon adds a smoky, savory element that enhances the flavor of the cookies.
Bacon also pairs well with chocolate cake. Add crumbled bacon to the frosting for a salty-sweet treat.
Bacon and Caramel: A Decadent Combination
The combination of bacon and caramel is another surprisingly delicious pairing. The salty, smoky bacon perfectly complements the sweet, buttery flavor of caramel.
Bacon caramel popcorn is a popular snack. Simply add crumbled bacon to caramel popcorn for a salty-sweet treat.
Try adding crumbled bacon to caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert. The bacon adds a smoky, savory element that enhances the flavor of the ice cream.
Bacon also pairs well with caramel apples. Add crumbled bacon to caramel apples for a salty-sweet treat.
Beyond the Obvious: Creative Uses for Bacon
Now that we’ve explored some of the more common pairings with bacon, let’s delve into some more creative and unconventional uses for this versatile ingredient.
Bacon Jam: A Condiment of the Gods
Bacon jam is a savory spread made from bacon, onions, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It’s a versatile condiment that can be used on burgers, sandwiches, crackers, or even as a topping for eggs. The combination of salty, smoky, and sweet flavors is irresistible.
Making bacon jam is relatively simple. Cook bacon until crispy, then remove from the pan and crumble. Sauté onions and garlic in the bacon fat, then add the crumbled bacon, vinegar, and sugar. Simmer until the mixture thickens into a jam-like consistency.
Bacon jam can be stored in the refrigerator for several weeks. It’s a great way to add a burst of flavor to any dish.
Bacon-Infused Alcohol: A Unique Twist on Cocktails
Infusing alcohol with bacon is a unique way to add a savory element to cocktails. Bacon-infused vodka, bourbon, or rum can be used to create a variety of delicious and interesting drinks.
To infuse alcohol with bacon, simply cook bacon until crispy, then add the bacon and bacon fat to a jar with your choice of alcohol. Let the mixture sit for several days, then strain out the bacon and fat.
Bacon-infused alcohol can be used in a variety of cocktails, such as a bacon-infused Bloody Mary or a bacon-infused Old Fashioned.
Bacon as a Garnish: Adding Texture and Flavor
Bacon can be used as a garnish to add both texture and flavor to a variety of dishes. Crumbled bacon can be sprinkled on salads, soups, or pasta dishes to add a salty, smoky crunch. Bacon can also be used to garnish cocktails, such as a bacon-wrapped olive in a Martini.
Bacon can also be used to create edible garnishes. Bacon roses, bacon twists, and bacon skewers are just a few examples of creative bacon garnishes.
Using bacon as a garnish is a great way to add a touch of elegance and flavor to any dish.
Tips for Cooking with Bacon: Achieving Bacon Perfection
To truly unlock the potential of bacon, it’s important to know how to cook it properly. Here are a few tips for achieving bacon perfection:
Start with cold bacon in a cold pan. This allows the bacon to render its fat slowly and evenly, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked bacon.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook bacon in batches to ensure that each strip has enough room to cook properly.
Cook bacon over medium heat. Cooking bacon over high heat can cause it to burn before it’s fully cooked.
Drain bacon on paper towels. This will remove excess grease and help the bacon stay crispy.
Save the bacon fat. Bacon fat is a valuable ingredient that can be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Store bacon fat in the refrigerator and use it to sauté vegetables, roast potatoes, or even make pie crust.
Bacon is more than just a breakfast side. Its versatility and unique flavor profile make it a valuable ingredient in a wide range of dishes. So, the next time you’re looking for a way to add a burst of flavor to your meal, don’t forget about bacon! It’s time to explore what else goes with bacon and elevate your culinary creations.
What makes bacon a versatile ingredient for pairings beyond breakfast?
Bacon’s versatility stems from its unique flavor profile. The combination of salty, smoky, and savory notes, coupled with its crispy texture, allows it to complement a wide range of dishes. These characteristics balance sweet, acidic, or even bland flavors, adding depth and complexity that enhances the overall culinary experience.
Furthermore, bacon’s fat content contributes significantly to its appeal. When cooked, the rendered fat infuses dishes with rich flavor, acting as a natural enhancer. This fattiness also provides a satisfying mouthfeel, making bacon a welcome addition to both savory and sweet creations.
Can bacon be paired successfully with fruits? If so, which ones work best and why?
Absolutely, bacon can create surprisingly delicious pairings with fruits, especially those with contrasting sweetness and acidity. Apples, dates, and figs are excellent choices. The saltiness and smokiness of the bacon cut through the sweetness of the fruit, while the fruit’s acidity helps to balance the richness of the bacon. This interplay creates a harmonious and intriguing flavor combination.
Consider wrapping dates or figs in bacon and baking them for an appetizer. Alternatively, add crispy bacon pieces to an apple and walnut salad with a light vinaigrette. The textural contrast between the crispy bacon and the soft fruit, combined with the flavor balance, makes these pairings particularly appealing.
How does bacon complement savory dishes beyond traditional breakfast items?
Bacon’s salty and smoky flavors can significantly elevate savory dishes beyond the usual breakfast fare. It adds depth and complexity to dishes like pasta sauces, soups, and even burgers. The rendered bacon fat can also be used to sauté vegetables, imparting a rich, savory flavor that enhances their natural sweetness.
For instance, consider adding crumbled bacon to a creamy tomato soup or incorporating it into a carbonara sauce for extra richness. On burgers, bacon provides a contrasting texture and flavor that complements the meat. The key is to use bacon judiciously, allowing its distinct flavor to enhance the other ingredients without overpowering them.
What are some unconventional sweet pairings that unexpectedly work well with bacon?
Believe it or not, bacon pairs wonderfully with certain sweet treats! Think about the salty-sweet combination of salted caramel – bacon follows a similar principle. Maple syrup is a classic pairing, but consider exploring bacon with dark chocolate, salted caramel ice cream, or even donuts. The key is finding a sweet element that can be balanced by bacon’s savory depth.
The magic happens when the saltiness and smokiness of the bacon cut through the cloying sweetness of these treats, creating a more nuanced and interesting flavor profile. A sprinkle of bacon bits on salted caramel ice cream, or a piece of candied bacon alongside a dark chocolate square, can be surprisingly addictive and satisfying.
How can bacon be used to enhance the flavor of vegetarian dishes?
While bacon is not vegetarian itself, it can be used strategically to add a smoky, savory depth to vegetarian dishes, appealing to those who appreciate a hint of meaty flavor without consuming meat. Small amounts of bacon fat, or even vegetable oil infused with bacon flavor, can be used to sauté vegetables, adding a rich umami that elevates the dish.
Consider using bacon fat to roast Brussels sprouts or sauté mushrooms. The bacon fat imparts a delicious smoky flavor that complements the earthy notes of the vegetables. Just remember to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way in enhancing the overall flavor profile of the vegetarian dish.
What are some tips for cooking bacon to ensure it pairs well with different types of dishes?
The key to successful bacon pairings lies in proper preparation. The desired level of crispness and rendering will vary depending on the application. For salads or toppings, crispy bacon is ideal, providing both flavor and textural contrast. For incorporating into sauces or soups, slightly less crispy bacon allows it to soften and release its fat into the dish.
Experiment with different cooking methods, such as baking or pan-frying, to achieve the desired results. Baking bacon on a rack allows the fat to drain away, resulting in crispy, evenly cooked slices. Pan-frying requires more attention but allows for greater control over the crispness and rendering process.
Are there any cuisines that particularly excel in incorporating bacon into unexpected pairings?
Several cuisines around the world utilize bacon (or similar cured pork products) in innovative and unexpected ways. American Southern cuisine, for instance, frequently pairs bacon with sweet ingredients like maple syrup and cornbread. Korean cuisine often features bacon in stews and stir-fries, adding a savory depth to spicy and umami-rich dishes.
Spanish cuisine also incorporates bacon, often in the form of pancetta or chorizo, into dishes like paella and tapas, adding a smoky and salty element. Exploring recipes from these cuisines can provide inspiration for unique and delicious bacon pairings beyond the traditional breakfast plate.