Summer Of Bacon: May 2015

April 30, 2014
Photo: Oxmoor House
Everything's better with bacon. From drinks to dinner to desserts, bacon makes a great addition to almost any recipe.
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1 of 31

Grilled Balsamic-Molasses Bacon

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Sweet and sticky, balsamic-molasses bacon makes a gorgeous addition to any brunch table. The bacon is skewered for easy grilling and basted with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant, aromatic touch.


Grilled Balsamic-Molasses Bacon Recipe
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2 of 31

Spinach Salad with Figs and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Andrea Steinberg

Spinach holds up well against bold flavors like sweet figs, tangy blue cheese and warm bacon vinaigrette. Bacon plays three roles in this recipe: it flavors the dressing, crisps the chickpeas, and crumbles over the salad as a topping.


Spinach Salad with Figs and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette Recipe

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Salmon with Snap Peas, Bacon, and Mint

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon
This company-worthy dish is all about the interplay of rich and fresh flavors. And there's almost no more delicious way to eat snap peas than sautéed in crème fraîche.
Salmon with Snap Peas, Bacon, and Mint Recipe
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4 of 31

Fried Green Tomato Sliders

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Start with fried green tomatoes from your favorite meat 'n' three restaurant. Then, assemble these adorable (yet manly) mini-burgers, topping with crunchy veggies, spicy mayonnaise and of course, bacon.


Fried Green Tomato Sliders Recipe

5 of 31

Bacon-Corn Chowder with Shrimp

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Leigh Ann Ross

Serve this hearty chowder as either a light first course for six, or a filling main course for four. The sweetness of fresh summer corn pairs nicely with the meaty flavors of bacon and shrimp.


Bacon-Corn Chowder with Shrimp Recipe

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Brussels Sprout and Bacon Hash

Photo: Ryan Benyi; Styling: Gerri Williams for James Reps

Brussels sprouts are the new kale. That's good news (if you like Brussels sprouts). Even better news? Brussels and bacon make a perfect pair! Top them both with a poached egg and you're practically in paradise.


Brussels Sprout and Bacon Hash Recipe
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7 of 31

Cobb Salad Tacos

Photo: Marcus Nilsson; Styling: Theo Vamvounakis
Adding a tortilla transforms this American salad into a fun, portable meal. Choose a pungent blue cheese, like Roquefort, for a strong hit of flavor, or go with milder Gorgonzola for just a touch.
Cobb Salad Tacos Recipe

8 of 31

Bacon-Infused Bourbon

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell
Welcome to the Southerner’s perfect cocktail:  bacon-flavored bourbon.  All you need is a bottle of your favorite bourbon and some warm bacon grease.
Bacon-Infused Bourbon Recipe

9 of 31

Bacon-Herb Cupcakes

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Try these savory cupcakes as a perfect companion to yesterday's bacon booze. Test Kitchen Specialist Marian Cooper Cairns likes to use a combination of parsley, thyme, and oregano, but sage, rosemary, basil, and chives will work just as well.


Bacon-Herb Cupcakes Recipe
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10 of 31

Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Fill this homemade pie crust with a mixture of summer squash, bacon and creamy mozzarella. It is hard to believe this decadent quiche recipe has less than 300 calories.


Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche Recipe

11 of 31

Scallop Skillet with Bacon, Edamame, Basil, and Creamy Grits

Photo: Con Poulos; Styling: Deborah Williams

Think of this as an upscale version of shrimp and grits. Buttery scallops and bacon play nicely with edamame, tomatoes and fresh basil atop of bed of creamy grits. We're drooling.


Scallop Skillet with Bacon, Edamame, Basil, and Creamy Grits Recipe

12 of 31

BLT Chicken Burgers

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Basil Friedman
Poultry burgers have a reputation for being dry and bland, but jazzed up with sharp cheddar, parmesan, and garlic—and then topped with crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and lettuce—they're boldness in a bun.
BLT Chicken Burgers Recipe
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Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic Strawberries

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

This showstopping dish just screams, "Welcome, summer!" If you haven't broken out the grill yet, you'll want to do so for this fantastic recipe. Wrap the pork tightly with bacon, then grill to give it smoky flavor and a crispy crust.


Pork Tenderloins with Balsamic Strawberries Recipe

14 of 31

Hugh's Southern Mac and Cheese

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Annette Joseph
Hugh Acheson's Southern Mac and Cheese combines 2-year-old aged Cheddar cheese with Gruyere cheese, diced bacon, and  leeks. The results are a deliciously baked Southern classic that's finished with a drizzle of heavy cream and toasted breadcrumbs.
Hugh's Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

15 of 31

Crisp Phyllo-topped Salmon Pot Pie

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia Degaris Pursell

Smoky bacon pairs deliciously with salmon in this fresh take on a comfort food classic. Paper-thin phyllo sheets create a light, airy crust. Bake until browned and crispy, then say hello to your new favorite seafood casserole!


Crisp Phyllo-topped Salmon Pot Pie Recipe
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16 of 31

Garbanzo Beans and Greens

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

This veggie-centric recipe from Cooking Light is easy on the waistline (and the wallet)! Substitute escarole or another hearty green like collards if you don't like kale. Serve with torn baguette bread to soak up all the tasty juices.


Garbanzo Beans and Greens Recipe

17 of 31

Skillet Cornbread

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck 

Bacon fat takes humble cornbread from tame to terrific! Quickly incorporate the hot bacon drippings into the batter with a fork. When you pour it back into the hot skillet, listen for the sizzle. That sound means your crust will be dark golden and crisp.


Skillet Cornbread Recipe

18 of 31

Egg Salad Sandwiches with Bacon and Sriracha

Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Cindy Barr

Jazz up your favorite egg salad with bacon, green onions and Sriracha chile sauce. Sandwich the goodness between slices of hearty whole-grain or sourdough bread and we promise, you'll never look back.


Egg Salad Sandwiches with Bacon and Sriracha Recipe
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19 of 31

Crunchy Broccoli Slaw

Golden raisins and honey add sweetness to this chopped broccoli salad, while bacon, onion and white balsamic vinegar add savory notes. Tote this tasty side salad along to your next company picnic, potluck or barbecue.


Crunchy Broccoli Slaw Recipe

20 of 31

Smoky Three-Bean Bake

Photo: Quentin Bacon; Styling: Anghard Bailey

Three kinds of beans take the classic dish from ho-hum to fun, with different shapes and pleasing textures--from the al dente bite of chickpeas to the creaminess of Great Northern beans. Did we mention there's bacon, too?


Smoky Three-Bean Bake Recipe

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Individual Bacon-and-Egg Pizzas

Photo: Kate Sears; Styling: Elizabeth Blake

Bacon and eggs just got even better. Make these petite pizzas for breakfast or dinner (or lunch, for that matter). Be sure not to cook the yolk all the way through, as it makes a silky sauce for the pizzas when broken.


Individual Bacon-and-Egg Pizzas Recipe
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22 of 31

Mussels Steamed with Bacon, Beer, and Fennel

Photo: Caleb Chancey, Brian Woodcock; Styling: Mary Clayton Carl

The title of this recipe says it all, but if you need more convincing, it's also got potatoes, green beans and a splash of lemon juice to bring it all together. Plus, mussels are budget-friendly for seafood lovers. Be sure to pick up some crusty bread to sop up that amazing beer broth.


Mussels Steamed with Bacon, Beer, and Fennel Recipe

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Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas    

This comforting casserole has all the components of a loaded baked potato -- cheese, bacon, cream and chives -- plus a little chipotle pepper for a spicy kick. Serve alongside barbecued chicken for a scrumptious summer spread.


Chipotle Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

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Gorgonzola-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Sauce

Photo: Annabelle Breakey; Styling: Randy Mon

This gorgeous beef tenderloin is stuffed with bread crumbs, gorgonzola cheese and herbs. As if that weren't enough, it's wrapped in bacon, grilled and served alongside an incredible port wine sauce. Quick -- fire up the grill and make this winning recipe tonight!


Gorgonzola-Stuffed Beef Tenderloin with Port Wine Sauce Recipe
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Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

Photo: Nigel Cox; Styling: Cindy Barr
This tomato side salad is the ultimate summer recipe with a stack of colorful tomato slices and avocado topped wtih fresh herbs, corn, crumbled bacon, and a creamy dressing. This is the star of the meal; keep the entrée simple.
Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado Recipe

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Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread

Photo: John Autry
Serve this savory caramelized onion, Gruyère, and bacon spread with crackers or bread slices. If you can't find Gruyère, substitute raclette, fontina, or Swiss cheese.
Caramelized Onion, Gruyère, and Bacon Spread Recipe

27 of 31

Pimiento Cheese Chicken

Photo: John Autry; Styling: Cindy Barr

Some call it crazy; others call it genius. Instead of using pimiento cheese as a sandwich filling, try using it as a filling for skillet-cooked chicken breasts. Serve with a simple side salad to contrast the richness of the pimiento cheese.


Pimiento Cheese Chicken Recipe
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Bacon-and-Egg Sandwiches with Greens

Photo: Yaso + Junko

Learn to savor breakfast rather than skip it. Here's a good start: stuff multigrain English muffins with bacon, sauteed onions and kale, and a runny fried egg.


Bacon-and-Egg Sandwiches with Greens Recipe

29 of 31

Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté

Photo: Justin Walker; Styling: Kaitlyn Du Ross
Be sure to buy fresh, never-frozen fish, summer corn on the cob and in the husks, and your favorite bacon. Applewood-smoked bacon is more subtle than hickory or mesquite and won't clobber all of the other ingredients. Just a spritz of fresh lime juice brings the flavors into perfect balance.
Halibut with Bacony Corn Sauté Recipe

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Bacon-Peanut Truffles

Photo: Jennifer Davick; Styling: Lydia DeGaris Pursell

Your dreams have come true – candy that’s made with sweetened peanut butter and bacon and then dipped in chocolate. Oh, my. 


Bacon-Peanut Truffles Recipe
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31 of 31

B.L.A.S.T. Sandwich

Photo: Oxmoor House
Classic tomato and mayo win a delicious bronze. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato are a strong silver. But combine bacon, lettuce, avocado, and sweet tomato, and the sandwich becomes a bona fide blue-ribbon winner.
B.L.A.S.T. Sandwich Recipe
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