Year of Bacon: February 2015

On the fence about oysters? Consider this Chesapeake Bay-inspired number your gateway dish. This gussied-up riff features a golden puff pastry crown over a creamy, briny filling.

Black-eyed peas and greens are considered lucky in the South, where they're often eaten on New Year's Day. When drizzled with a warm bacon vinaigrette, they're sure to be delicious year-round!

Smoky bacon and salty cheese, such as pecorino Romano, provide the perfect balance to lightly sweet gnocchi in this easy, 5-ingredient entrée.

Kale and bacon make the perfect pairing, especially in this easy, breezy seafood salad. Even in the dead of winter, mussels give us a taste of the saltwater air and summer sunshine.

Tangy vinegar brightens the earthy flavors, and a touch of honey rounds out the smoke from the ham hock and bacon.

This flaky tart makes for an ideal brunch or a light supper served alongside a cup of creamy soup.

Cubed French bread is wrapped in bacon for the ultimate crouton in this satisfying salad.

Friends coming for dinner? This quick recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor and appeal in no time.

You've never had bacon and eggs like this! We love how the ribbons of carrots add a bit of whimsical color through this delicious salad.

The sharper the cheddar, the more intense the flavor will be in these delightfully savory muffins.

Whole-grain pasta, winter squash, thick-sliced bacon and fresh sage make this simple and light pasta dish feel fancy.

Savory pancakes? Just trust us on this one. Ditch the syrup for sour cream, extra crispy bacon, and chives on top.

This 5-ingredient meal features double the pork for double the flavor. Roasted fennel and apricots bring sweetness to an otherwise meaty dish.

Rotini with a homemade cheese sauce? Bacon, too? Your little ones won't notice they're eating spinach when they dig into this delicious dish.

Boring sandwiches, begone! These open-faced tuna melts will make you rethink lunchtime entirely. Serve with a side of sweet potato fries.

Featuring toppings like chipotle mayo, onion rings, and thinly sliced cheddar, these over-the-top cornbread sliders are giving regular burger buns a run for their money.

Extend the life of leftover spaghetti by making a frittata! This one-dish meal makes for a filling brunch dish or a light supper.

This hearty soup, which is chock-full of antioxidants and fiber from the kale and beans, pairs well with a crunchy slice of toasted ciabatta.

This pizza hits all the right notes for savory, sweet, and tangy. If you don't want to make your own pizza dough, go ahead and use store-bought crust or even a whole-wheat pita bread.

This appetizing dip boasts minimal prep time and pairs perfectly with assorted fresh vegetables.

This recipe is a riff on the broccoli crunch salad from Whole Foods Market. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it'll soon become your go-to side dish.

Bacon, cheese, and potatoes make for tasty toppings on this kid-approved pizza. Reheat leftovers on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat to get a crisp crust without overcooking the filling.

Taleggio, an Italian soft cheese, gives this risotto a distinctly rustic flavor that goes beautifully with the smokiness of the bacon.

These burgers are crazy, and we mean that in a good way. A mix of ground chuck and sirloin makes them tender and juicy, while roasted onions, thick-cut bacon, and melty brie send them over the top.

Let your scones take a savory turn by adding chopped bacon, cheese and chives. Serve them with breakfast or dinner--the choice is yours!

This take on chicken saltimbocca, an Italian dish where chicken is wrapped in prosciutto and sage, is both delicious and budget-friendly.

This is a decadent yet savory way to serve sweet potatoes. Make them ahead and tote them to a potluck or dinner party.

We've all seen the oversized wedge salads at restaurants, but this figure-friendly version is ideal for cocktail parties and girls' nights in.