How to Perfectly Describe the Sizzling, Savory Delight that is Bacon

Bacon is one of those foods that elicits pure joy and excitement from almost everyone. The mere mention of bacon is enough to make mouths water in anticipation. But how exactly do you put into words the crispy salty smoky magic that is a perfectly cooked strip of bacon? I’m here to try and do just that – describe bacon in the most vivid, mouthwatering terms possible.

As a seasoned bacon lover and amateur food writer, I’ve given this topic a lot of thought over the years. Through trial and error in my own kitchen as well as careful observation at restaurants and diners, I’ve identified the key elements that set great bacon apart from the mediocre stuff.

The Visual Appearance of Bacon Perfection

They say we eat with our eyes first, so let’s start there What does perfect bacon look like?

• Color – Good bacon has a deep, rich, mahogany red color. Uniformly browned without blackened bits. This comes from careful cooking over gentle heat.

• Texture – The bacon should have a slight sheen from the rendered fat but not be overly greasy. The meat should be tender but not limp.

• Shape – A nice long strip that is flat and straight indicates even cooking. If it’s curled or twisted, it was uneven.

• Crispiness – The ideal bacon shatters audibly when you bite into it. It shouldn’t bend or droop.

The Aroma of Sizzling, Savory Bacon

As the bacon hits the hot pan, an irresistible aroma fills the kitchen instantaneously. It’s sweet, smoky, salty, and porky all at once. The scent triggers memories of weekend breakfasts and blissful brunches. It’s impossible not to be lured into the kitchen by this tantalizing smell.

When I catch a whiff of bacon cooking, it conjures up sensory memories like:

• Campfire from the smokiness
• Butterscotch and caramel from the browning sugars
• Salty sea air from the curing salts
• Warm biscuits right out of the oven

The Many Textures and Flavors in Each Bite

When you finally get to take that first bite of bacon, you experience a symphony of flavors and textures:

• First, there’s an audible crunch from the crackling crisp fat.

• Then the savory, smokey pork flavor hits your tongue.

• The meat has a pleasant chew but dissolves with a bit of pressure.

• Little pockets of salty, fatty goodness burst and coat your mouth.

• As you continue to chew, the subtle sweetness of the cured meat comes through.

• The finish has a lingering smokiness that makes you crave another bite.

Choosing the Best Bacon for Cooking

Now that we’ve explored the sensory experience of well-made bacon, let’s discuss how to choose the right package at the grocery store. Here are some tips:

• Look for bacon labeled “dry cured” as this indicates a longer curing time which boosts flavor.

• Check the ingredients for just pork, salt, sugar, and sodium nitrite. Avoid extra chemicals.

• Choose a thick-cut style for the optimum meat-to-fat ratio after cooking.

• Artisanal local butchers often sell amazing house-made bacon worth splurging on.

• For seasoning, stick with classic black pepper or maple flavors. Save flavored bacons for specific recipes.

Proper Cooking Techniques for Perfect Bacon Every Time

Cooking bacon may seem simple, but there are some refinements you can make to ensure bacon bliss:

• Cook on medium low heat to render fat slowly without burning.

• Lay strips out flat in a cold pan before heating. The bacon will cook evenly as the pan heats up.

• Turn the bacon just once during cooking. Frequent flipping causes curling.

• Pour off excess grease as it accumulates to prevent smoking.

• Cook to your desired doneness, from pliable to shatteringly crisp.

• Drain on paper towels before serving to absorb excess grease.

• Let cooked bacon rest for 1-2 minutes out of the pan before eating.

Innovative Ways to Cook Bacon Beyond the Pan

While the standard stovetop pan fry is always delicious, cooking bacon in the oven is an easy, less messy alternative:

• Place bacon slices on a slotted broiler pan or cooling rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet.

• Cook at 400°F for 12-20 minutes until desired crispness.

• The bacon fat drips away while the meat cooks evenly.

• Make a whole batch at once for meal prep and snacks.

Other fun, unique ways to cook bacon:

• Grill or smoke slabs of thick bacon for rich, smoky flavors.

• Bake seasoned bacon strips into taco shells or crumble over salads.

• Wrap foods like scallops, shrimp, chicken in partially cooked bacon and finish them together.

• Candy bacon by coating in brown sugar or maple syrup and baking until caramelized.

• Skewer rolled slices for easy additions to quick weeknight dinners.

Serving Suggestions for Bacon at Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Crispy, savory bacon pairs well with so many flavors and makes anything taste better. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:

Breakfast

• Classic bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich

• Bacon pancakes or waffles

• Eggs benedict with Canadian bacon

• Bacon baked into morning muffins or scones

• Candied bacon pieces over fruit and yogurt

Lunch

• BLT sandwich with crisp lettuce, tomato, mayo

• Bacon, avocado, and turkey wrap

• Potato soup with bacon crumbles

• Bacon on a spinach salad with warm dressing

• Grilled cheese with bacon and tomato

Dinner

• Bacon-wrapped meatloaf or pork tenderloin

• Scallops wrapped in bacon

• Bacon jam as a burger topping

• Bacon fat fried Brussels sprouts

• Bacon bits in roasted potato wedges