Bacon is often considered a breakfast staple, but its versatility and unique flavor make it a delicious addition to many different dishes. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of salty goodness to your favorite meals or simply searching for new ways to enjoy this beloved food, there are endless possibilities when it comes to pairing bacon with other ingredients.
From classic combinations like bacon and eggs or bacon-wrapped scallops, to more unexpected pairings like bacon and chocolate or bacon and peanut butter, the options are truly endless. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ingredients to pair with bacon and provide inspiration for taking your pork belly game to the next level.
Classic bacon pairings: Eggs, toast, and beyond
Bacon is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. One of the classic pairings for bacon is with eggs, which makes for a hearty and satisfying breakfast. Whether you prefer your eggs scrambled, fried, or poached, they are complemented by crispy, savory bacon strips on the side. Toast is also a popular accompaniment to bacon and eggs, providing a crunchy and carb-y element to the meal.
Beyond the classic breakfast combination, bacon can also be paired with other dishes. For example, bacon is a great addition to salads, adding a salty and smoky flavor to the greens. Bacon-wrapped dates or asparagus make for a delicious appetizer, while bacon-wrapped chicken or pork make a tasty main course. Bacon can even be mixed into mac and cheese for an extra indulgent dish. With its endless possibilities, bacon is a beloved ingredient that enhances many dishes.
Savory and sweet bacon pairings to try
Savory and sweet flavors have long been known to complement each other, and bacon is no exception. A popular sweet and savory bacon pairing is bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese. The sweetness of the dates contrasts with the saltiness of the bacon, creating a delicious balance of flavors. Another great option is to sprinkle brown sugar on bacon before baking it, creating a crunchier and sweeter version of the classic meat.
If you’re looking for a more unique pairing, try incorporating bacon into your dessert. Bacon chocolate chip cookies are a crowd-pleaser, with the savory notes of the bacon adding a delicious twist to the classic cookie recipe. Bacon also goes great with maple syrup, making it the perfect topping for pancakes or waffles. Overall, savory and sweet bacon pairings are endless and offer a wide range of options for breakfast, dessert, or even as an appetizer.
International flavors that complement bacon
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed with a variety of international flavors. One classic combination is bacon and avocado, which is enjoyed in Mexican cuisine. Another popular combination comes from Italy- bacon and tomato. They are combined with pasta, and make for a comforting meal. Bacon-wrapped dates can add an exotic touch to your party appetizers, as it is a delicious Spanish/Moroccan cuisine fusion.
For those who enjoy spicy flavors, jalapeño poppers with bacon can be a tasty appetizer. Adding bacon to stir-fry dishes with soy sauce or oyster sauce can add smoky and salty notes that elevate the overall flavor. Pork belly dishes are also an excellent pairing for bacon lovers. A popular Korean dish is samgyeopsal, which is grilled pork belly served with various dipping sauces and a side of vegetables.
Incorporating international flavors to bacon dishes can add a unique spin and take your culinary experience to a whole new level. With so many options to choose from, the combinations are endless!
Vegetarian and vegan options for bacon lovers
For vegetarians and vegans, bacon may not be on the menu due to its animal-based origin. However, fear not, for there are plenty of meat-free options that can still satisfy your bacon cravings. One popular alternative is tempeh bacon, made from fermented soybeans that have been sliced and seasoned to imitate the taste and texture of bacon. Another option is coconut bacon, made from thinly sliced and roasted coconut flakes seasoned with soy sauce and liquid smoke.
For those who prefer to avoid soy or coconut products, there are also plant-based options such as mushroom bacon, made from thinly sliced and seasoned mushrooms that are baked or fried until crispy. Eggplant bacon is another option, where thinly sliced eggplant is baked with a mixture of soy sauce, maple syrup, and smoked paprika for a similar texture and flavor to bacon. So don’t let being a vegetarian or vegan stop you from enjoying the delicious taste of bacon – there are plenty of alternatives out there for you to try.
The perfect drinks to serve with bacon dishes
There are a variety of drinks that pair well with bacon dishes, depending on the time of day and the flavor profile of the dish. For breakfast or brunch dishes that feature bacon, coffee is a classic and complementary choice. The bold and slightly bitter flavor of coffee helps to cut through the richness of bacon and provides a satisfying contrast. Additionally, a Bloody Mary or Mimosa can also be a great option to accompany a bacon-filled brunch, with their flavorful and refreshing taste profiles.
For dinner dishes that feature bacon, a glass of red wine can be an excellent pairing. The tannins in the wine help to cut through the fat in the bacon, giving a balanced and enjoyable taste experience. If beer is more your style, a dark or amber ale can also provide a great accompaniment to bacon dishes. The hearty and rich flavors of the beer meld well with the savory and salty flavors of bacon, making for a tasty match. Overall, pairing the right drink with bacon can elevate the flavors of the dish and make for a truly satisfying and delicious meal.
Creative bacon pairings for adventurous eaters
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with multiple flavors, making it an ideal addition to any dish. For those seeking to experiment and try out new combinations, there are several creative bacon pairings to consider. One such pairing is bacon and maple syrup, which is a classic sweet and salty combination that never disappoints.
Another adventurous pairing is bacon and avocado, which offers the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and creamy flavors. For those who love a bit of spice, bacon and jalapeno make for a perfect combination. Similarly, bacon and blue cheese are the ideal pairing for those looking to add a tangy flavor to their dish. With so many options to choose from, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creative bacon pairings.
Healthier alternatives to traditional bacon accompaniments
Bacon is an irresistible ingredient that adds flavor and texture to any dish. However, it is no secret that it is high in fat and sodium. Health-conscious individuals who are looking for healthier alternatives to traditional bacon accompaniments can still enjoy their meals by substituting unhealthy options with nutritious ones.
One of the healthier alternatives to traditional bacon accompaniments is avocado. It is packed with healthy fats, fiber, and various nutrients that are necessary for the body. Avocado can be mashed and spread on toast, used as a topping on burgers, or chopped into a salad to add a creamy texture. Other healthy alternatives include fresh herbs, lean protein like grilled chicken or turkey, and vegetables like spinach, sweet peppers, or mushrooms which add flavor, fiber, and necessary vitamins to your meals without adding extra calories. So, next time you cook with bacon, consider swapping out some of the traditional accompaniments with these healthier options.
The Conclusion
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide variety of foods and flavors. Whether it’s sweet, savory, or spicy, there is a bacon pairing for everyone to enjoy. Experiment with different combinations and find your perfect match.
Remember to always cook bacon to crispy perfection to enhance its flavor and texture. And don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to bacon pairings. From breakfast to dinner, appetizers to desserts, there is no limit to the delicious possibilities when it comes to what goes well with bacon.