International Bacon Day: 7 easy, finger-licking good bacon recipes
International Bacon Day is today, and these seven bacon recipes are sure to brighten up your kitchen. Easy, tasty, and with that smoky touch that makes all the difference.
This selection was compiled by 20 Minutos to celebrate the first Saturday of September, the day when bacon takes center stage. If you love the contrast between crispy and melty, you'll want to take note of them all. Whether for an appetizer, a light dinner, or a weekend treat, there's an idea for every craving.
The secret to perfect bacon is to brown it slowly over medium heat. This gives you that crispy texture without burning it or filling your kitchen with smoke, and without losing that delicious smoky flavor. Then, simply let it rest for a minute on paper towels to remove the excess grease.
Bacon deserves its own day (and these seven ideas)
This ingredient goes far beyond the classic sandwich. It adds a smoky flavor, enhances the cheese and vegetables, and transforms a simple dinner into something special. That's why these suggestions celebrate its day with recipes that are easy to prepare.
1. Potatoes with cheese and bacon, the classic that never fails
These fries loaded with melted cheese and crispy bacon are iconic. Foster's Hollywood popularized bacon cheese fries in Spain, and they're still a hit for sharing. The key is to fry the fries well, cover them with a cheese that really melts, and finish with freshly browned bacon. Absolutely delicious.
2. Bacon and brie cheese canapés, the no-frills appetizer
If you're having lunch with friends, these canapés are the perfect idea. Melted brie cheese pairs wonderfully with bacon, and the contrast of textures is always a winner. They can be assembled in minutes and are the kind of appetizers that disappear from the table before you know it.
3. Bacon and chistorra bites, small and addictive
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for surprising guests with a tasty appetizer at a very affordable price. The chistorra sausage adds a touch of juiciness, and the bacon, a crispy element. They're quick to prepare and fit right in at any casual gathering, especially when you're in a hurry and want to impress.
4. Fried bacon sandwich, a tribute to Adventure Time
If you were a fan of the show, you surely remember Jake the Dog's perfect sandwich. Content creator Sergio Enciso, known as Cocina del Pirata (Pirate's Kitchen), pays homage to it in his book, Las recetas más relentables de los siete mares (The Most Ruthless Recipes of the Seven Seas). The idea is simple: perfectly toasted bread, crispy fried bacon, and a tribute in every bite.
Crispy bacon transforms any simple recipe into a dish you'll want to repeat.
5. Baked zucchini with mozzarella and bacon, a light dinner
Bacon also pairs wonderfully with vegetables. This baked zucchini with mozzarella and bacon makes a great light dinner or a side dish for your favorite meat or fish. The oven does the work while you focus on not overdoing the cheese. Or maybe not.
6. Puff pastry sirloin with cheese and bacon, the treat
Beef Wellington has a version with bacon and cheese, and it's a real gem for a special occasion. It involves wrapping the beef in puff pastry with a layer of bacon and cheese, and baking it until golden brown. The result is a celebratory dish that doesn't need to be Michelin-starred.
7. Chicken thighs stuffed with bacon and egg, cheap and impressive
This recipe makes use of one of the cheapest and most consumed foods in Spain: chicken. According to the research, a serving costs around €3, although the final price depends on your supermarket and the day. It serves about four people and makes for a very attractive meal with very little effort.
The great thing about these ideas is that they work with almost anything you have in your pantry: with a package of bacon, some cheese, and a couple of vegetables or a piece of chicken, you've got dinner or a snack. You don't need any fancy techniques: just a frying pan, paper towels, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. Give bacon a go!
🍽️ The trick card
- 🍴 The trick: Brown the bacon over medium heat to achieve a crispy texture without burning it.
- ✅ What it's for: To enhance the smoky flavor in potatoes, canapés, vegetables and meats.
- 🧂 What you need: Sliced bacon, kitchen paper and a non-stick frying pan.
