The Forktionary Angle
"More than just breakfast fare, bacon is a flavor powerhouse, offering crispy texture, rich fat, and smoky umami that elevates everything from salads to desserts."
Definition
Salt-cured and often smoked strips of pork belly, renowned for its crispy texture, savory flavor, and rendered fat, used in countless dishes.
Flavor Profile
The primary flavor notes for Bacon are:
Chef’s Secret
Before roasting vegetables, crisp up some bacon, remove it, then roast the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat for incredible depth of flavor. Crumble the bacon over the finished dish.
Best Substitutes
1:1 pancetta
1:1 smoked ham
1:1 turkey bacon
Buying Guide
Look for well-marbled strips. Check for "uncured" options if nitrates are a concern.