20 Unusual Bacon Pairings to Blow Your Mind – Time to Think Outside the Pan
Bacon is delicious on its own, but why not push the envelope and explore some unexpected flavor combinations? In this list, we’re taking bacon beyond the usual pairings and diving into 20 unusual and mind-blowing combinations. From the rich bitterness of coffee to the sweet decadence of chocolate, these pairings will inspire you to think outside the pan and elevate your bacon game to new heights.
Peanut Butter
What it’s about: The creamy, nutty flavor of peanut butter is amplified by the smoky saltiness of bacon.
Flavors: Savory, nutty, with a hint of sweetness.
How to make it: Spread a layer of peanut butter on cooked bacon strips for a quick snack, or mix crispy bacon bits into peanut butter to create a rich, smoky spread for toast or sandwiches.
Chocolate
What it’s about: Dark chocolate’s bitterness contrasts beautifully with bacon’s savory flavor.
Flavors: Sweet, bitter, and salty.
How to make it: Dip crispy bacon strips in melted dark chocolate and let them cool on parchment paper. This sweet-salty combination makes for a decadent treat.
Maple Syrup
What it’s about: Maple syrup’s sweetness highlights bacon’s smoky, salty taste.
Flavors: Sweet, smoky, with a caramelized finish.
How to make it: Drizzle maple syrup over bacon slices before baking. As the bacon cooks, the syrup caramelizes, creating a rich, sweet glaze.
Pineapple
What it’s about: Pineapple’s natural acidity and sweetness contrast with bacon’s umami flavors.
Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and savory.
How to make it: Wrap bacon around pineapple chunks and bake until the bacon is crispy. The result is a juicy, sweet-and-salty appetizer.
Avocado
What it’s about: The creamy texture of avocado complements the crispiness of bacon.
Flavors: Creamy, rich, and savory.
How to make it: Top avocado toast with crumbled bacon for added crunch and a smoky flavor, or blend bacon into guacamole for a unique twist.
Brussels Sprouts
What it’s about: Bacon enhances the earthiness of Brussels sprouts while adding a satisfying crunch.
Flavors: Earthy, smoky, with a slight bitterness.
How to make it: Roast halved Brussels sprouts with chopped bacon. The bacon fat crisps up the sprouts as they cook, creating a delicious side dish.
Honey
What it’s about: Honey’s sweetness pairs with bacon’s savory richness for a balanced bite.
Flavors: Sweet, floral, with smoky flavors.
How to make it: Brush honey over bacon strips as they bake, letting the honey caramelize into a sweet, sticky glaze that enhances its flavor.
Dates
What it’s about: The natural sweetness of dates is balanced by bacon’s salty, smoky profile.
Flavors: Sweet, savory, with a chewy texture.
How to make it: Stuff dates with soft cheese, wrap them in bacon and bake until crispy. The combination of sweet, creamy, and savory makes for an irresistible snack.
Mango
What it’s about: Mango’s tropical sweetness and slight acidity perfectly match bacon’s deep umami.
Flavors: Sweet, tangy, and smoky.
How to make it: Grill bacon-wrapped mango slices until crispy. The grilling process enhances the mango’s sweetness, while the bacon adds a savory note.
Blue Cheese
What it’s about: The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese is tamed by bacon’s savory richness.
Flavors: Tangy, sharp, and salty.
How to make it: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits over a blue cheese salad or mix them into blue cheese dressing for a bold flavor combination.
Coffee
What it’s about: The bitter, roasted flavor of coffee enhances bacon’s smoky notes.
Flavors: Bitter, rich, with deep umami.
How to make it: Infuse brewed coffee and maple syrup into the pan towards the end of cooking bacon. Let the bacon simmer in the coffee reduction for a few minutes to absorb the deep, roasted flavors.
Fudge
What it’s about: Fudge’s creamy sweetness is complemented by bacon’s crispy, savory flavor.
Flavors: Sweet, creamy, with a salty crunch.
How to make it: Stir finely chopped bacon into the fudge mixture before it sets, or sprinkle bacon crumbles on top for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Orange
What it’s about: The bright, citrusy flavor of orange cuts through the richness of bacon.
Flavors: Citrusy, tangy, with a sweet finish.
How to make it: Brush fresh orange juice over bacon as it cooks. The juice caramelizes, creating a zesty, sweet glaze that brightens the bacon’s flavor.
Banana
What it’s about: Bacon’s savory flavor adds depth to the creamy sweetness of banana.
Flavors: Sweet, creamy, with a smoky note.
How to make it: Wrap bacon around banana slices and grill until the bacon is crispy and the banana is warm and tender. This unique pairing creates a sweet-savory snack.
Water
What it’s about: Using water to cook might seem odd, but it makes crispy bacon that is tender inside.
Flavors: Tender inside and crispy outside.
How to make it: Place bacon strips in a cold pan and add water just enough to cover them. Let it cook on heat for a few minutes until the water evaporates. Flip and cook on the other side.
Apple
What it’s about: The natural sweetness of apples is enhanced by bacon’s savory, smoky flavor.
Flavors: Sweet, crisp, with a smoky finish.
How to make it: Sauté apple slices with small pieces of bacon. Add brown sugar and cinnamon to the pan and let the apples caramelize. Alternatively, wrap bacon around apple wedges and bake until crispy.
Cocktails
What it’s about: Bacon can add a smoky, savory twist to cocktails, elevating classic drinks with a unique depth of flavor.
Flavors: Smoky, rich, with a bitter-sweet taste from the alcohol.
How to make it: For a bacon-infused cocktail, start by making bacon-infused bourbon or whiskey. Cook bacon until crispy, then strain the fat and mix it with bourbon or whiskey. Let it sit for a few hours to infuse the flavors, then freeze it to separate the fat. Skim off the bacon fat and strain the alcohol. Use this bacon-infused bourbon or whiskey to craft cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Alternatively, garnish cocktails like a Bloody Mary with crispy bacon.
Onion Rings
What it’s about: The sweetness of onion rings gets a savory boost from bacon.
Flavors: Sweet, savory, with a smoky crunch.
How to make it: Wrap each onion ring with a strip of bacon before frying, or crumble crispy bacon into the batter. The bacon adds a smoky flavor to the sweet onions and crispy batter.
Sauerkraut
What it’s about: The tangy, fermented flavors of sauerkraut are mellowed by the richness of bacon.
Flavors: Tangy, salty, and smoky.
How to make it: Start by cooking bacon until crispy in a pan, then remove and set aside. In the same pan, sauté sauerkraut in the rendered bacon fat until it’s heated through. Add the crispy bacon back into the pan, mixing it with the sauerkraut for a deliciously savory side dish or topping for sausages and sandwiches.
Aioli
What it’s about: Smoky, savory bacon adds depth to creamy aioli, creating a rich condiment.
Flavors: Creamy, smoky, with a savory finish.
How to make it: Blend cooked, crispy bacon into your aioli for a rich, smoky flavor. Use this bacon aioli as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches, or a topping for burgers.
