Are you craving for the smoky, salty goodness of bacon? Look no further than hardwood smoked bacon. With 100 calories in 2 slices (17g), it's a classic breakfast staple that can be enjoyed anytime.
Not only is it delicious, but it also contains protein and essential nutrients like selenium and thiamin. Plus, the smoky flavor from the hardwood gives it a distinct taste that sets it apart from other types of bacon.
Whether you're a bacon lover or just looking for new meal ideas, read on to learn more about the versatility, cooking tips, and health benefits of hardwood smoked bacon.
Indulge in the Smoky Flavor of Hardwood-Smoked Bacon
Hardwood smoking is a traditional method of preserving meat that involves smoking it over hardwood for several hours. This process infuses the meat with a smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to any dish. Hardwood-smoked bacon can be enjoyed in many ways, whether it's a classic breakfast side or a crispy addition to sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Its versatility makes it a great ingredient in any savory recipe that calls for bacon. So go ahead and indulge in the smoky flavor of hardwood-smoked bacon. Your taste buds will thank you.
Bacon Is Not Just for Breakfast-Anymore
While bacon is a popular breakfast food, it can also be used in many savory dishes for lunch and dinner. Hardwood-smoked bacon adds a rich, smoky flavor to sandwiches and burgers, wraps and tacos, soups and stews, and even mac and cheese. Next time you're looking for a savory and satisfying ingredient to add to your recipe, try adding some hardwood-smoked bacon. Its versatile flavor profile and crispy texture make it a perfect addition to any meal. Bacon isn't just for breakfast anymore - it's a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed any time of day.
How to Cook the Perfect Slice of Hardwood-Smoked Bacon
To achieve the perfect slice of hardwood-smoked bacon, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Lay the bacon slices on the wire rack and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. For a quicker cooking method, fry the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat for 6-8 minutes or until crispy. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning. Whether you prefer baking or frying, follow these tips to cook the perfect slices of hardwood-smoked bacon every time.
Discover the Versatility of Hardwood-Smoked Bacon in Your Recipes
Hardwood-smoked bacon is a versatile ingredient that adds smoky, savory flavor to any dish. Try adding it to your favorite pasta dishes, soups, stews, and casseroles for a flavor boost. For a quick and satisfying meal, pair hardwood-smoked bacon with eggs, avocado toast, or a breakfast sandwich. Or, add it to a grilled cheese sandwich for a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With hardwood-smoked bacon, the possibilities are endless. Experiment with different recipes and see how this delicious ingredient can liven up your meals.
The Health Benefits of Eating Hardwood-Smoked Bacon: Myth or Reality?
While bacon is often associated with being high in fat and calories, it can still be part of a healthy diet when enjoyed in moderation. Hardwood-smoked bacon is a good source of protein, with each slice containing around 3-4 grams. It also contains essential nutrients like selenium and thiamin, which are important for maintaining a healthy body. However, it's important to remember that bacon is still high in sodium and saturated fat, so it's best to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Get Cooking Inspiration with These Hardwood-Smoked Bacon Recipe Ideas
Looking for some meal inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes featuring hardwood-smoked bacon:
- BLT salad with creamy avocado dressing
- Spaghetti carbonara with bacon and peas
- Bacon-wrapped chicken thighs with honey mustard glaze
- Bacon mac and cheese
- Bacon-wrapped asparagus
With these recipe ideas, you'll be able to enjoy the delicious taste of hardwood-smoked bacon in a variety of ways.
Why Hardwood-Smoked Bacon is Superior to Other Types of Bacon
Hardwood-smoked bacon is often considered superior to other types of bacon because of its distinct smoky flavor. Unlike other types of bacon that may use liquid smoke or other artificial means of flavoring, hardwood-smoked bacon is smoked over real hardwood for several hours. This gives it a deeper and more complex smoky flavor that can't be replicated. For bacon lovers who want a more authentic and flavorful experience, hardwood-smoked bacon is the way to go.
The Art of Pairing Hardwood-Smoked Bacon with the Right Beverages
When it comes to pairing hardwood-smoked bacon with the right beverage, it's all about finding the right balance of flavors. For classic breakfast dishes, such as bacon and eggs or pancakes with bacon, try pairing them with freshly brewed coffee or orange juice. For heartier dishes like burgers or mac and cheese with bacon, a cold beer or a robust red wine would be a great match.
Hardwood-Smoked Bacon: A Convenient Shortcut for Busy Mornings
For busy mornings when you don't have time to cook a full breakfast, hardwood-smoked bacon can be a convenient shortcut. Simply cook up a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. Then, when you need a quick and satisfying breakfast, reheat the bacon in the microwave or in a skillet for a few minutes. With hardwood-smoked bacon on hand, you'll never have to skip breakfast again.
The History of Hardwood-Smoked Bacon: From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Icon
Hardwood-smoked bacon has been enjoyed for centuries, with its roots tracing back to ancient Roman times. In the Middle Ages, bacon became a staple food for peasants and was often eaten with bread or porridge. It wasn't until the 16th century that bacon became a luxury food for the wealthy. Today, hardwood-smoked bacon is a culinary icon enjoyed around the world, with countless variations and recipe interpretations.
Everything is better with bacon.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Hardwood Smoked Bacon
1. How is hardwood smoked bacon made?
Hardwood smoked bacon is made by taking strips of pork belly and rubbing them with a mixture of salt, sugar, and spices. The bacon is then cured for several days before being smoked over hardwood chips, such as hickory or applewood. The smoking process imparts a rich, smoky flavor and helps to preserve the bacon.
2. What is the nutritional value of hardwood smoked bacon?
Hardwood smoked bacon is high in fat and calories, with two slices (17g) containing around 100 calories, 7g of fat, and 3g of protein. It also contains sodium, cholesterol, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. Due to its high calorie and fat content, bacon should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
3. Can hardwood smoked bacon be part of a healthy diet?
While hardwood smoked bacon is not generally considered a health food, it can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation. Bacon can add flavor to dishes and provide a source of protein, but it should not be eaten in excess due to its high fat and sodium content. Choosing leaner cuts of bacon or opting for turkey or plant-based alternatives can also help to reduce the calorie and fat content.
4. How should hardwood smoked bacon be stored?
Hardwood smoked bacon should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The bacon can also be frozen for longer-term storage, but it should be thawed in the refrigerator before use. Sliced bacon can be stored in the freezer for up to six months, while unopened packages can be stored for up to a year.
5. What are some ways to use hardwood smoked bacon in cooking?
Hardwood smoked bacon can add flavor to a variety of dishes, including breakfast foods, salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Some popular recipes that use bacon include bacon and egg breakfast sandwiches, BLT sandwiches, carbonara pasta, and bacon-wrapped appetizers. Bacon can also be chopped and cooked to add flavor to soups, casseroles, and roasted vegetables.