Adding flavor to plain boiled or baked bacon is a great way to elevate its taste and make it more interesting. Here are some delicious ways to add flavor to your bacon:
Glaze it: Prepare a glaze using ingredients like maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, or a combination of these. Brush the glaze onto the bacon before baking or during the last few minutes of baking. This will create a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Spice it up: Sprinkle your favorite spices or spice blends onto the bacon before baking. Some popular choices include black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or a pinch of cumin.
Infuse with herbs: Lay fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage on top of the bacon before baking. The herbs will infuse their flavors into the bacon as it cooks.
Add a kick with hot sauce: Brush a layer of hot sauce over the bacon before baking for a spicy twist.
Dip in chocolate: For a sweet and salty combination, melt some chocolate and dip partially cooked bacon strips into it. Return the bacon to the oven for a few minutes to set the chocolate.
Caramelize with brown sugar: Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar over the bacon before baking. The sugar will caramelize, creating a delightful candied effect.
Citrus zest: Grate some lemon, lime, or orange zest over the bacon before baking to infuse it with bright citrus flavors.
Smoked flavor: If you don't have access to a smoker, you can mimic a smoky flavor by using liquid smoke. Mix a small amount with your glaze or sprinkle it over the bacon before baking.
BBQ seasoning: Rub the bacon with your favorite barbecue seasoning blend before baking to give it a smoky, tangy flavor.
Marinate it: Make a simple marinade using ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and brown sugar. Let the bacon marinate for a few hours before baking for a deeply flavored result.
Remember to adjust the added flavors according to your preferences. Some combinations work better than others, so feel free to experiment until you find the perfect flavor enhancement for your bacon!