Indulge in the Ultimate Sweet & Savory Treat: The Irresistible Charm of Chocolate Covered Bacon
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary adventure, because yes, you absolutely read that right: I dipped bacon in chocolate, and it was a revelation. For years, I’d heard whispers of this peculiar pairing, this culinary anomaly, but had never dared to venture into its delightful depths. Now, having experienced the harmonious blend of crispy, salty bacon and rich, decadent chocolate, I can confidently say that chocolate covered bacon isn’t just a trend—it’s a lifelong necessity. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience, a perfect symphony of flavors that will leave you wondering why it took you so long to discover this bliss.
The Unexpected Culinary Love Affair: Why Chocolate and Bacon Just Work
The concept might seem unconventional at first blush. Bacon, traditionally a breakfast staple, known for its savory, smoky, and fatty profile. Chocolate, a beloved dessert ingredient, synonymous with sweetness, richness, and often a hint of bitterness, especially dark varieties. How could these two seemingly disparate worlds collide to create something so incredibly addictive? The magic lies in the contrasting elements. The inherent saltiness of the bacon brilliantly cuts through the sweetness of the chocolate, preventing it from being cloying. Meanwhile, the rich fat of the bacon provides a luxurious base that complements the creamy texture of melted chocolate. It’s a dance of textures too: the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked bacon against the smooth, melt-in-your-mouth coating of chocolate. This delightful interplay of sweet, salty, savory, and bitter, combined with varied textures, creates a sensory overload that’s truly unforgettable.
A Perfect Day for Indulgence: My Blizzard Experience
My foray into the world of chocolate covered bacon couldn’t have been better timed. Last Sunday, Denver was hit by a blizzard, transforming the city into a serene, snow-covered wonderland. What better way to spend a cozy, snow-day afternoon than wrapped in pajamas, settling in to watch the Academy Awards, with a plate of these glorious sweet and savory bites in hand? As snowflakes swirled mesmerizingly outside the window, each bite of the chocolate-coated bacon provided a moment of pure, unadulterated comfort and joy. The warmth of the indoors, the soft glow of the television, and the exquisite taste of this unique treat made for a truly memorable experience. It proved that this isn’t just a party snack; it’s also a perfect companion for quiet, indulgent moments at home.
While the snowy landscape held its own charm, I must admit, my attention was much more captivated by the beautiful, glistening strips of chocolate covered bacon resting on my plate. Each piece was a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
Crafting Your Own Chocolate Bacon Masterpiece
Making chocolate covered bacon is surprisingly simple, yet it requires a few key steps to ensure perfection. The journey begins with the bacon itself. Opt for thick-cut bacon; its robust texture stands up better to the chocolate coating and provides a more substantial bite. Thin bacon tends to become too brittle once cooked, making it prone to breaking during the dipping process. Cooking the bacon in the oven is highly recommended, as it allows for more even cooking and less mess than stovetop frying. Laying the strips on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet ensures that the fat drips away, resulting in crispier bacon without it swimming in its own grease. A light sprinkle of brown sugar during baking adds an extra layer of caramelized sweetness that enhances the final product, creating an even more complex flavor profile.
The crucial part is not to overcook the bacon. While you want it crispy, you don’t want it to be *too* brittle, as it needs to retain enough structural integrity to hold up to the chocolate. Aim for a perfect crisp, where it still has a slight chew. Once your bacon is cooked to perfection, allow it to cool completely. This step is vital because warm bacon will melt the chocolate instantly, leading to a messy, uneven coat. While the bacon cools, you can prepare your chocolate.
For the chocolate, a high-quality dark chocolate is often preferred as its slight bitterness balances the bacon’s richness and the optional brown sugar. However, milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate can also be used, depending on your preference for sweetness. Melting the chocolate in a double boiler is ideal for a smooth, even consistency, preventing it from seizing or burning. If you don’t have a double boiler, a microwave can work on low power in short bursts, stirring frequently. My personal trick for easy dipping is to transfer the melted chocolate into a tall, narrow glass, like a highball glass. This allows you to easily dip each strip of bacon, covering it up to halfway or fully, with minimal mess and maximum coverage.
The Finishing Touches and Presentation
After dipping, gently place each chocolate-covered bacon strip onto parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. The final, essential touch is a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, such as Himalayan pink sea salt, over the wet chocolate. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also amplifies the sweet and salty dynamic, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. The salt crystals provide an additional textural contrast, adding a delightful crunch against the smooth chocolate. Don’t wait too long to sprinkle the salt; it needs to adhere to the chocolate before it begins to set.
Once salted, transfer the parchment paper with the bacon to the refrigerator. This speeds up the hardening process of the chocolate, ensuring a firm, glossy coating. Within about 10-15 minutes, your chocolate covered bacon will be ready to enjoy. The result is a gourmet snack that looks as impressive as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining, a unique dessert, or simply a luxurious personal treat.
Trust me when I say, once you try this, you’ll understand the obsession. And just to be clear, I will not be held responsible for you licking your computer screens right now. The temptation is real!
Chocolate Covered Bacon
ingredients
- 12 pieces thick cut bacon
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 10 oz dark chocolate
- Himalayan Pink Sea Salt for sprinkling
instructions
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
-
Place bacon strips on a rack over a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle generously with brown sugar. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy but not overly brittle. It should be firm but still have a slight bend without breaking easily.
-
Let bacon cool completely on the rack. While bacon cools, melt dark chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted. Transfer melted chocolate to a tall, narrow glass for easier dipping. Dip each piece of bacon into the chocolate, covering as much or as little as desired.
-
Place dipped bacon on parchment paper and immediately sprinkle with Himalayan pink sea salt before the chocolate hardens. Let cool in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set and firm.