Bacon is one of the world's most delicious and versatile foods. But, while it's usually easy to make, it can be a real challenge. With these tips, you can ensure your bacon is crispy, flavorful, and perfect every time!
This blog post will reveal the secret to making delicious peppercorn bacon. Additionally, we guide selecting the ideal cut of bacon and how to prepare it for maximum flavor. So, if you're searching for the perfect bacon recipe, keep reading!
The Health Benefits of Peppercorn Bacon
Bacon is an incredibly delicious and nutritious food that can be included in a healthy diet. Peppercorn bacon, in particular, has high protein and low-fat content, plus it's packed with Vitamins B12 and B6, selenium, phosphorus, and niacin. Additionally, this type of bacon provides plenty of iron as well.
Flavorful Variations
Peppercorn bacon is an incredibly versatile food, easily enjoyed in various ways. There are endless flavor combinations to explore regarding this delectable snack - some popular variations include maple peppercorn bacon, applewood smoked peppercorn bacon, and jalapeno cheddar peppercorn bacon.
Prepping Your Bacon
The initial step to making perfect peppercorn bacon is selecting the appropriate bacon cut. Various varieties of bacon are available on the market, such as traditional pork bacon, turkey bacon, or vegan bacon. So when selecting this recipe, you have several options available.
If you're searching for traditional pork bacon, look for a cut with plenty of fat. It will ensure your bacon is crispy when cooked. On the other hand, if you want something leaner and lower in calories, turkey or chicken bacon may be preferable; however, they may not have as much fat and may not be as flavorful as their pork counterparts.
No matter which brand of bacon you select, make sure it's high-quality. Higher-grade kinds of bacon typically have better flavor and will cook more evenly.
Preparing Bacon
After selecting your ideal bacon cut, it's time to prep it for cooking. If your bacon is frozen, thaw it completely before starting any other prep work. Drying your bacon before cooking is essential, as wet or icy bacon will stick to the pan and not cook evenly.
To quickly dry off your bacon, place it on a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry with another towel. At this stage, you can begin cutting it into pieces if desired. For this recipe, we suggest cutting your bacon into 1-inch wide strips; this size ensures that each side cooks evenly and crisps up nicely when placed in the pan.
Cooking the Perfect Peppercorn Bacon
Making the ideal peppercorn bacon marinade is easy and only requires ingredients likely already in your pantry.
The following is needed:
- 1 pound of bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup black peppercorns
- Two tablespoons of maple syrup
- One teaspoon of apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Peppercorn Bacon
Now that you have the marinade ingredients let's start cooking the bacon.
- Start by prepping by cutting it into thin strips.
- Next, place in a large resealable bag with brown sugar, black peppercorns, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar; seal the bag and mix everything until evenly coated with the marinade.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight before cutting into desired shapes.
- When you're ready to cook the bacon, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, and then arrange the bacon strips in one layer on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until crisp.
- Remove from the oven and enjoy!
Conclusion
For perfect peppercorn bacon every time, the secret lies in the preparation. By selecting the correct bacon cut and prepping it correctly, you can ensure it always comes out crispy and flavorful. Then, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create an incredible marinade for your bacon that will take it to another level. Follow these steps for consistently perfect peppercorn bacon every single time.
