Bacon has a reputation for making breakfast better, but limiting it to eggs, toast and pancakes is seriously selling it short. That salty, smoky flavour can bring balance to ingredients that seem like they have absolutely nothing in common with bacon.
Also see: Bacon lovers, try these delicious cooking methods
According to Tasting Table, sweet ingredients can mellow bacon’s saltiness, while acidic or bitter flavours can cut through its richness. So, if you’re looking for an excuse to experiment in the kitchen, these unusual bacon combinations are a good place to start.
Banana
Banana and bacon might sound like an odd match, but the sweet fruit and salty meat complement each other surprisingly well.
For a simple appetiser, thick slices of banana can be wrapped in bacon and cooked until the bacon is crisp, notes Tasting Table. A little hot sauce can add some heat, while a honey-and-soy marinade gives the combination a sweeter finish.
Balsamic vinegar
Balsamic vinegar brings acidity and sweetness to the party, making it a natural partner for rich bacon.
One easy approach is to combine balsamic vinegar with brown sugar and use the mixture as a glaze. The bacon becomes sticky, caramelised and crisp as it cooks, shares Tasting Table. If you’re going to try this, the quality of the vinegar matters. Traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena in Italy is particularly prized.
Bourbon
Bacon and bourbon can work together particularly well when sweetness is involved.
Candied bacon with brown sugar can be used in desserts, while bacon pieces can also be added to peanut or pecan brittle. For adults looking to experiment with drinks, bacon can even be used as a garnish for an Old Fashioned-style cocktail.
The smoky, salty bacon adds another dimension to the sweet and bitter flavours.
Chocolate
Chocolate and bacon have become something of a cult combination, and it’s easy to see why.
The bitterness and sweetness of chocolate provide a strong contrast to bacon’s saltiness.
You could keep things simple by adding chopped bacon to a s’more, pairing it with chocolate and banana, or sprinkling candied bacon over chocolate cupcakes, advises Tasting Table.
A little black pepper and brown sugar can also be used when candying the bacon, giving the topping even more punch.
Also see: Bacon griller and naartjie tagine
Popcorn
Movie-night popcorn doesn’t have to stop at butter and salt. Cooked, crumbled bacon can be mixed straight through the popcorn, while bacon fat can be used in place of some of the butter.
Another option is bacon salt, made by combining finely crumbled bacon with coarse salt and smoked paprika.
For anyone who likes the sweet-and-salty combination, bacon can also be cooked with maple syrup or brown sugar before being added to popcorn.
Peaches
Peaches are soft, sweet and delicate, while bacon is salty, smoky and rich. That difference is exactly what makes them interesting together.
Grilled peaches can be served with salad ingredients and a bacon-based vinaigrette, allowing the fruit’s sweetness to contrast with the savoury dressing.
For a more substantial meal, peach salsa can also be served alongside grilled pork belly, bringing freshness and acidity to a rich dish.
Coffee
Coffee and bacon are already breakfast staples. The unusual part is putting them together rather than simply serving them side by side.
Coffee can be combined with maple syrup to create a glaze for bacon, bringing together bitterness, sweetness and saltiness, explains Tasting Table. Brewed coffee can also be added to bacon jam. You may not taste the coffee strongly, but it can deepen the overall flavour of the onions and bacon.
Ice cream
Bacon on ice cream sounds like something invented during a late-night kitchen experiment, but the sweet-and-salty combination makes sense.
Start with vanilla ice cream and add finely chopped crispy bacon. Chocolate flavours are another obvious choice, including chocolate chip and chocolate cookie dough. Peach and banana ice cream can also provide interesting combinations.
The key is choosing flavours that can stand up to bacon’s richness. Very delicate, citrus-heavy flavours may not be the best place to start.
Also see: Crunchy pork belly with apple, coconut and ginger salad
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