Bacon

Sus scrofa domesticus (pork belly) Meat/Cured Meat

Bacon Meat/Cured Meat

At a Glance

  • Category Meat/Cured Meat

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.

Curing Process Typically involves salt, sugar, nitrates/nitrites for preservation and color.
Global Varieties American (streaky), Canadian (back bacon), Pancetta (Italian), Guanciale (Italian).
Rendered Fat Use Bacon fat is highly prized for cooking vegetables, frying eggs, or making gravies.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Bacon are:

Salty smoky savory umami fatty slightly sweet (maple-cured)

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

leaner, different texture

Buying Guide

Look for well-marbled strips. Check for "uncured" options if nitrates are a concern.

Recipes Using Bacon

To Go Pasta Taste Mood Main Ingredient

Bacon Cheeseburger Stove Top Casserole

Craving a juicy bacon cheeseburger but want an easy, family-friendly meal? This one-pot wonder delivers all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness without the fuss! Our Bacon Cheeseburger Stove Top Casserole is a quick and satisfying recipe that's like a gourmet twist on hamburger helper. With simple ingredients and a 40-minute cook time, this recipe serves 8 (but you'll want leftovers!). Get ready for a cheesy, meaty explosion of flavor the whole family will devour!

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Preparation Side Dishes Main Ingredient Weeknight

Baked Beans Don T Get Any Better Than This

Get ready to experience the ultimate baked beans recipe! These aren't your grandma's beans – these are intensely flavorful, perfectly sweet and savory, and unbelievably tender. This recipe uses bacon for smoky depth, ground beef for heartiness, and just the right touch of brown sugar for irresistible sweetness. Prepare to be amazed – they truly don't get any better than this!

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European Cuisine Time To Make Ground Beef

Almost Roast Meatloaf

This comforting Almost Roast Meatloaf is a delicious and affordable alternative to traditional meatloaf or a roast. It's surprisingly easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy beef, crispy bacon, and tender potatoes make this a family favorite! Ready in under 90 minutes.

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Appetizers Oven Equipment Preparation

Bacon Wrapped Scallops

Relive a classic! This recipe for Bacon-Wrapped Scallops is a nostalgic trip back to 1982, inspired by a Bon Appetit recipe. Succulent scallops wrapped in crispy bacon, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight treat. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant and surprisingly simple dish!

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Pork Preparation Course 30 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Koftas

These Bacon Koftas from Martha Day's collection of 1000 great recipes offer a smoky, savory explosion of flavor. Juicy bacon is perfectly combined with fresh herbs and spices, creating irresistible koftas that are perfect for grilling or pan-frying. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to impress your family and friends!

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4 Hours Or Less Served Hot Comfort Food Main Dish

Baked Beans Pennsylvania Style

A family heirloom recipe passed down through generations, these Pennsylvania-style baked beans are a magical blend of three bean varieties simmered in a savory, tangy-sweet sauce. The perfect comfort food, this recipe is sure to disappear quickly! Get ready for rave reviews!

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Preparation Time To Make Appetizers 60 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Crescent Roll Appetizers

Crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and flaky crescent rolls combine in these irresistible appetizers! Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick and easy weeknight snack. This crowd-pleasing recipe is a guaranteed hit!

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Easy Easy Cuisine European

Authentic German Potato Salad

This warm German potato salad recipe is a family favorite! Enjoy it hot, cold, or reheated – the flavors only get better with time. Crisp bacon, tangy vinegar, and perfectly cooked potatoes create a side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Get ready for rave reviews!

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Beans Beginner Cook Main Ingredient Occasion

Quick And Easy Baked Beans

Satisfy your family's craving for creamy, flavorful baked beans in just 7 minutes! This recipe is a marriage saver (and a time saver!). One husband's daily request for baked beans led to this incredibly fast and delicious recipe. After 24 years, it's still a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers big on taste without the long cook time.

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30 Minutes Or Less Macaroni And Cheese Preparation 30 Minutes Or Less

Beer Bacon Mac And Cheese

Indulge in this elevated Beer Bacon Mac & Cheese recipe! Slow-roasted Italian-inspired, this grown-up mac and cheese starts with crispy thick-cut bacon, its drippings forming the base of a magical cheese sauce. Your favorite beer adds a distinctive smoky depth, complemented by a blend of savory spices. Get ready for a super cheesy, unforgettable comfort food experience!

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Main Dish Meat Equipment 60 Minutes Or Less

Bacon Double Cheeseburger Casserole

This ultimate comfort food recipe, inspired by Betty Crocker, delivers a cheesy, meaty, and satisfying casserole that's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Enjoy layers of creamy macaroni, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese – perfect for family dinners or game night.

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Meat Course Bacon Time To Make

Bacon Cheese Waffles

Indulge in the ultimate breakfast treat! These savory Bacon Cheese Waffles are incredibly easy to make – perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe, inspired by a beloved bed and breakfast, combines crispy bacon and melted cheese within fluffy, golden waffles. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Course Course One Dish Meal Pasta Rice And Grains

Bacon Sandwich

Transform humble bacon into a flavor explosion with this surprisingly delicious sandwich! Perfect for a quick lunch or satisfying snack, this recipe uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet experience. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, spicy jalapeños, and a hint of heat – it's a taste sensation you won't believe! Get ready to elevate your bacon game.

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4 Hours Or Less Occasion Side Dishes North American

Almost Boston Baked Beans

These Almost Boston Baked Beans aren't strictly traditional, but they're incredibly close and bursting with flavor! Using dried beans ensures a depth of taste you won't find anywhere else. While cooking time varies depending on your beans, the long simmer creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that only gets better as it sits. This recipe, adapted from Fine Cooking magazine, is a must-try for bean lovers and anyone seeking a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy night in or a weekend gathering.

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Beef Easy Preparation Main Dish

Bacon Swiss Meatloaf

Elevate your classic meatloaf with this mouthwatering Bacon Swiss Meatloaf recipe! This quick and easy recipe from Quick Cooking Magazine is a delicious twist on a family favorite, packed with savory bacon and creamy Swiss cheese. Get ready for juicy, flavorful perfection in just 80 minutes!

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Appetizers Preparation Occasion Time To Make

Almond Cheddar Bacon Bites

Crispy, cheesy, and bacon-y goodness! These Almond Cheddar Bacon Bites are the perfect easy appetizer for your next gathering. Make them ahead and freeze unbaked for ultimate convenience. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for more!

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30 Minutes Or Less Course 3 Steps Or Less Easy

Amy's Pasta Chicken Salad

This vibrant pesto pasta salad is a family favorite – quick, easy, and perfect for using up leftover grilled chicken! My sister's recipe is a winner, whether served warm or chilled. A delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.

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Easy Lunch Tomatoes 30 Minutes Or Less

Big Bad Blt Wrap

Amp up your lunch game with this Big Bad BLT Wrap! Crispy bacon, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce all nestled in a warm tortilla with a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or a tasty snack. Make extra dressing for dipping – you won't be able to resist!

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