The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat bacon. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.
What bacon etiquette is
Bacon etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat bacon. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.
If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve bacon to your guests appropriately.
As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat bacon at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.
What you should know about bacon
Bacon is a type of salt-cured pork that is typically sliced and consumed as a breakfast food, but it can also be used as an ingredient in a wide variety of dishes.
Bacon is typically a pinkish-red color with streaks of fat running through it. It has a crispy texture when cooked and a salty, savory flavor that many people find irresistible.
Etiquette rules to serve and eat bacon
1) How to store bacon
Bacon should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent spoilage. The ideal temperature for storing it is between 32°F and 40°F (0-4°C). Bacon can be stored in the pantry if it is unopened, but once it has been opened it should be refrigerated or frozen. In the fridge, bacon can last for up to a week, while in the freezer it can last for up to six months.
Sliced or cooked bacon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. Cooked bacon can last for up to four days in the refrigerator and up to two months in the freezer.
2) How to clean bacon
To clean bacon, simply rinse it under cold running water and pat it dry with a paper towel. There is a risk of contamination with raw bacon, so it is important to handle it carefully and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
Signs that bacon has turned bad include a sour or off smell, a slimy texture, or discoloration.
3) How to prepare & cook bacon
You should cook the bacon before eating, as it is not safe to eat raw. To prepare bacon for cooking, simply remove it from the packaging and slice it to the desired thickness. You can cook it in a skillet, in the oven, or on a grill. The most common ways to cook bacon are frying or baking it. A spatula or tongs are typically used to turn the bacon while cooking.
Bacon is a popular ingredient in a wide variety of dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and soups. It is also commonly used as a topping for pizzas and baked potatoes. It can even be used for some dessert recipes, such as bacon-wrapped dates or chocolate-covered bacon.
Bacon is not suitable for people following a vegan diet, but it can be consumed by people following a keto or paleo diet. Bacon is also a common allergen, and some people may have an intolerance to it. Some religious dietary restrictions forbid eating bacon as it is pork meat.
4) How to serve & present bacon
Bacon can be served on any occasion, from formal dinners to breakfast or casual brunches. It is typically served as a side dish or ingredient in a dish, but it can also be the main course or appetizer.
Bacon should be served hot and crispy, either on a plate or in a bowl. Serving tongs or a fork are typically used to handle bacon.
You can accompany bacon with a variety of foods, including eggs, toast, and hash browns. It also pairs well with seasonings such as black pepper, garlic, and maple syrup.
5) Food and wine to pair bacon with
Bacon pairs well with vegetables such as tomatoes, spinach, and asparagus. It also pairs well with fruit such as apples and peaches. However, it may not pair well with some fruits, such as citrus or tropical fruits.
It goes well with cheese and dairy products, including cheddar cheese and cream cheese. It also pairs well with eggs and butter. However, it may not pair well with some dairy products, such as yogurt or sour cream.
Bacon pairs well with many types of meat, including beef, pork, and chicken. It also goes well with fish, especially those with a mild flavor like cod or tilapia. Some popular meat dishes that feature bacon include bacon-wrapped filet mignon, bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, and bacon-wrapped chicken breasts. Bacon should be avoided in dishes that are already heavy in flavor, such as strong-tasting game meats like venison.
You can pair bacon with a variety of wines and beverages. For red wine, choose a medium-bodied wine like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. For white wine, choose a dry wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. Rosé wine and sparkling wine can also pair well with bacon. Beer is another popular beverage to pair with bacon, with many beer styles complementing the smoky, salty flavor of bacon. Spirits like bourbon or whiskey can also pair well with bacon.
6) How to eat bacon
Bacon can be eaten with fingers or utensils, depending on the situation. If you are eating bacon as part of a full breakfast, it is acceptable to eat it with your fingers. However, if you are eating bacon as part of a formal meal, it is best to use a knife and fork. The whole bacon slice is typically eaten, including any crispy edges. There is no peel to discard when eating bacon.
Bacon etiquette: the worst mistakes
The Rude Index identifies and ranks negative behaviors.
A high score (8-10) means that the behavior has the potential to trigger a conflict with others. A medium score (4-7) means that the behavior risks making you look inelegant and unsophisticated. Read more about the Rude Index and its methodology here.
Avoid the most common bacon etiquette mistakes:
- 8/10. Serving bacon undercooked or burnt.
- 6/10. Smacking your lips while eating bacon.
- 6/10. Taking more than your fair share.
- 5/10. Using your fingers to grab more bacon than you can eat at once.
Additional information for properly serving bacon
How many calories per serving?
Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.
The number of calories in bacon can vary depending on the type and serving size. On average, a single slice of cooked bacon contains about 42 calories. 100 grams of bacon contains around 541 calories.
How to buy the best bacon
A crucial factor in bacon etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.
Season and availability
Bacon is available all year round, but the best time to buy it may depend on where you live. In general, bacon is most popular during the summer months when it is used for grilling and outdoor cooking.
Choose the best
Bacon can be found in many different forms in commerce, including fresh, cured, smoked, and pre-cooked. It is typically sold in grocery stores and supermarkets in the meat section.
Some popular varieties of bacon include Canadian bacon, which is made from pork loin and has a leaner texture, and Irish bacon, which is made from the back of the pig and is less fatty than traditional American bacon. Some of the most prized varieties of bacon are artisanal or specialty bacon which is made by small, independent producers.
When buying bacon, look for slices that are uniform in size and color, with a good balance of meat and fat. Choose bacon that is firm to the touch and free of any discoloration or unusual smells. Avoid bacon that is overly greasy or has a lot of visible fat.
Alternatives to bacon
Some common alternatives to bacon include turkey bacon, which is made from turkey meat and is lower in fat and calories than traditional bacon, and soy bacon, which is made from soy protein and is a good option for vegetarians and vegans. Other alternatives include tempeh bacon, coconut bacon, and mushroom bacon.
Resources
- Antioxidant Activity and Sensory Quality of Bacon: mdpi.com