Bacon comes in many shapes, sizes and flavors. No matter which one, they are all pretty delicious (unless you are a vegetarian or vegan, naturally!)
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common types of bacon and dive into various dishes with the humble bacon strip at their core. You’ll find lots of baco-licious ideas in this post!
Let’s get crack(l)ing!
1. American
This is the most common type of bacon in the good old US of A. The long strips, also called “steak bacon”, are made from pork belly, cured in salt, and then smoked. Great as part of a hearty breakfast or a BLT sandwich.
2. Canadian
This bacon is made from pork loin from the middle to the back of the pig. It tastes more like ham than traditional bacon. This type is great to add to an egg dish or to use in an English muffin sandwich.
3. Gypsy
This is a cut bacon that’s cured with paprika and smoked with the rind on. This type goes great on a sandwich, in stews, or on its own with some mustard.
4. Pancetta
Also called Italian bacon, it’s sliced thin with spirals of meat and fat. It’s cured with spices like garlic and rosemary, but not smoked. It goes well in pasta or as a cold cut.
5. Irish
Similar to Canadian bacon, but with a layer of fat around the edges. It makes a nice sandwich and is great for frittatas and omelets.
6. Slab Bacon
Large chunks (slabs) of bacon that are smoked with the rind on. Goes great with stews and soups.
What Are Some Mistakes People Make When Cooking Bacon?
When planning on cooking bacon, it’s good to plan and prepare. These delicious pork strips have been the cause of more than one smoke-filled house, skin burn, (from splattering), and overcooked bacon incidents over the years!
Avoid these and other mistakes by following the tips below.
1. Turn the oven fan on high before you begin. Also, open a window if you can.
2. Don’t cook your bacon cold. Allow it to sit out for 15 minutes so the meat and fat are the same temperature.
3. Don’t start with a hot pan. Cold bacon in a hot pan will make the fat seize up. Heat the pan slowly with the bacon inside so the fat will melt , making for extra crispy bacon.
4. Keep the flame medium low. This way it will cook evenly, not burn, and there’s less of a chance of splattering.
5. Don’t crowd the pan. A crowded pan will create steam which will cause uneven cooking.
What Are Some Great Ways You Can Use Bacon?
If you’ve got some leftover bacon and don’t want to risk it turning brown, check out these great ways to use it up. They’re also a great reminder that bacon is not just for breakfast.
1. Roasted Bussey Sprouts and Bacon
A drizzle of olive oil, garlic, cumin, and bacon is guaranteed to get the best flavor possible out of your sprouts.
2. Bacon and Beer Cheese Dip
3 great ingredients that make for a perfect dip at sports games, BBQs, or other over 21 get-togethers.
4. Bacon Potato Salad
Make it any way you like, the bacon will only make it better.
5. Chocolate Cake With Maple Bacon Frosting
If you’ve ever had maple bacon and fallen in love, we promise you will love this.
6. Bacon Pancakes
Cut out the “middleman” of a side of bacon, just mix the pieces of bacon in with the batter and bake!
7. Whipped Sweet Potatoes
Crumble up some bacon, mix it in, and drizzle some bacon fat over the top.
8. Cheesecake With Maple Bacon Crust
Sweet and savory has never come in a better package.
9. Cheesy Oatmeal With Bacon
Spice up the same old oatmeal. It’s so tasty , the entire family is sure to love it.
10. Bacon Muffins
Grab some corn muffin mix, crumbled bacon, and chives for a tasty, unique muffin. Great for the holidays.
Fun Facts About Bacon
1. National Bacon Day is celebrated the Saturday before Labor Day.
2. During World War 2, the US government encouraged people to donate their bacon drippings to the army. It was used to make glycerin.
3. The average American eats about 18 pounds of bacon each year!
4. The Chinese were the first known people to cure pork bellies and smoke them, around 1500 BCE.
5. There are over 67,000 pig farms in the United States alone.
