What is Bacon Snow and Why is it Suddenly Trending?

Bacon snow is the latest viral food trend taking over social media feeds and showing up on restaurant menus. But what exactly is bacon snow and how did it become so popular? This in-depth guide will explain everything you need to know about the origins ingredients and best uses for bacon snow.

A Brief History of Bacon Snow

While the exact origins are disputed, bacon snow is often credited to chef Adam Perry Lang in the early 2000s. Lang pioneered the method of chopping up cooked bacon into tiny, fluffy shreds resembling snow He coined the term “bacon snow” as a fun name for the product

The technique gained momentum at upscale restaurants in LA and New York in the early 2010s before spreading through foodie Instagram accounts and blogs. Today, bacon snow is served everywhere from hip farm-to-table eateries to mainstream chains like Denny’s. Home cooks have also embraced it as an easy way to make dishes more decadent.

What Exactly is Bacon Snow?

Bacon snow refers to bacon that has been cooked until very crispy, cooled, and then chopped or shredded into small, feathery pieces that resemble flurries of snow.

Some key traits:

• It has a fluffy, soft texture rather than being crunchy.
• It delivers big bacon flavor without large chunks.
• It can be used as a topping, stir-in, or coating.
• Dishes featuring it range from pizzas to pastas, salads, eggs, burgers, and more.

Why Did Bacon Snow Go Viral?

Bacon snow has several characteristics that make it perfectly suited to go viral online:

• Novelty – The light, fluffy texture is unusual and eye-catching. Dishes dressed in bacon snow look fun and decadent.

• Customizable – As a topping or mix-in, it can be added to all types of sweet and savory dishes.

• Adaptable – Bacon snow works for breakfast items, snacks, appetizers, main courses, and more.

• Craveable – The crispy crunch and smoky bacon flavor are irresistible.

• Photogenic – The snow-like speckles make any dish stand out beautifully on camera.

• Buzzworthy – As a new twist on a beloved ingredient, bacon snow generated excitement among average eaters and foodies alike.

How to Make Bacon Snow at Home

Making your own bacon snow is surprisingly easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Cook bacon strips until very crispy, either in the oven or on the stovetop.

2. Let the cooked bacon cool and dry fully on paper towels.

3. Chop the bacon into very small, 1/8 inch or smaller pieces using a sharp knife or food processor.

4. Fluff and break up the bits with your fingers so they resemble snow flurries. Avoid clumps.

5. Use right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 weeks.

Pro tips: Choose thick-cut bacon for best texture. Make big batches at once for convenience. Save leftover bacon grease for cooking.

Creative Ways to Use Bacon Snow

Once you perfect the bacon snow technique, get creative with how you use it! Here are some delicious ideas:

• Sprinkle over pizza, salads, baked potatoes, and tacos
• Mix into tuna salad, pasta bakes, mac and cheese
• Use as a garnish for bloody marys and martinis
• Coat popcorn, nuts, or pretzels for a snack
• Fold into omelets, quiches, and breakfast sandwiches
• Top burgers, fries, sandwiches for crunch
• Stir into dips, potatoes, and loaded nachos
• Garnish cornbread, biscuits, muffins for breakfast
• Sprinkle on top of cupcakes or cheesecake for sweet and salty flair

The possibilities are endless! Bacon snow can level up the flavor of almost any dish.

Is Bacon Snow Just a Fleeting Food Fad?

It remains to be seen whether bacon snow will stand the test of time or fade away as a short-lived food trend. Some signs point to its potential longevity:

• Bacon’s popularity has proven enduring, even through health crazes.

• Using bacon as a topping allows easily controlling portions.

• It can adapt to the latest food trends as a customizable ingredient.

• Bacon snow’s visual appeal suits today’s emphasis on Instagrammable dishes.

On the other hand, some indications exist that it could lose momentum:

• Foodies tend to tire of widespread trends and move onto the next new thing.

• Regular bacon bits can provide similar crunch without the specialized prep.

• The texture may seem overly dry or odd to some.

• It doesn’t work seamlessly in all types of cuisine.

Overall, bacon snow brings a tasty twist to a beloved ingredient. While its long-term prospects remain uncertain, it certainly rises above many gimmicky food fads. For now, there’s no reason not to embrace this fleeting food phenomenon and sprinkle some bacon snow into your life!

Health Concerns About Eating Bacon Snow

Should you have any health concerns about hopping on the bacon snow bandwagon? Here’s a realistic look at the pros and cons:

Potential Benefits:

• Provides some protein, amino acids, and B vitamins

• Contains bioavailable minerals like iron, zinc, magnesium

• Adds lots of flavor so less salt or oil may be needed

• Keeps bacon crisp which reduces fat versus chewy bacon

• Small amounts act as a flavor accent rather than main ingredient

Potential Drawbacks:

• High in saturated fat that raises cholesterol and heart disease risk

• Contains sodium from the curing process that can contribute to high blood pressure

• Processed meats like bacon are tied to increased cancer risk

• Nitrites used in curing raise concerns about cancer and other health issues

• Can still contribute significant calories if overused

The Bottom Line:

Enjoy bacon snow sparingly as part of an overall healthy diet low in processed meats. Be mindful of portions and balance it out with veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and other minimally processed foods.

Bacon Snow Substitutes for Vegetarians

If you want to skip real bacon, there are tasty vegetarian options to mimic bacon snow’s texture and smokiness. Some good substitutes include:

• Smoked coconut flakes
• Smoked, crushed almonds
• Finely chopped sautéed mushrooms
• Minced caramelized onions
• Nutritional yeast
• Smoked paprika mixed with panko breadcrumbs
• Finely shredded tempeh
• Chopped eggplant bacon
• Crushed crispy roasted chickpeas

Experiment to find your favorite plant-based bacon snow alternative. You can still get tempting crunch and savory flavor without actual pork.

In Closing

While its staying power remains to be seen, bacon snow has exceeded the hype of many viral food fads. This innovative technique for enjoying bacon offers possibilities for both creative chefs and home cooks. Embrace the bacon snow trend, but in moderation and as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Just don’t be surprised if you find the bacon snow cravings hard to let go once you get a taste!