Bacon Beyond Breakfast
Bacon has always been a crowd favorite at the breakfast table, but its potential in the kitchen goes far beyond the morning plate. When paired with a Toastmaster appliance, bacon transforms into the perfect foundation for both sweet treats and savory bites. Imagine the salty, smoky crunch of bacon layered into desserts like cookies or drizzled with caramel, contrasted with bold savory options like stuffed mushrooms and flatbreads. This balance of sweet and salty, light and hearty, is where bacon shines the brightest.
This post explores two sides of bacon creativity. On one end, you’ll discover indulgent sweet recipes that make bacon the unexpected star of desserts. On the other, savory recipes highlight bacon’s natural richness in snacks and appetizers that impress without fuss. With your Toastmaster kitchen appliances, each recipe becomes a simple yet flavorful adventure.
Where Does Bacon Come From?
Bacon is made from pork belly, a cut prized for its perfect balance of fat and meat. Once cured with salt and sometimes smoked, bacon becomes the crisp, savory favorite that so many kitchens rely on. Its versatility allows it to complement everything from classic eggs and toast to creative desserts. Throughout history, bacon has been cherished for its long shelf life and distinctive flavor, making it a staple in homes around the world.
The History of Bacon Lovers Day
Bacon Lovers Day, celebrated every year on August 20, began as a playful way to honor one of the most beloved ingredients in American kitchens. While the origins are traced back to food enthusiasts and community events in the early 2000s, the day quickly spread through social media and restaurant promotions. It has since become a holiday that foodies embrace with bacon-themed menus, tastings, and creative recipes. For home cooks, it is a chance to celebrate by experimenting with bacon in both traditional and unexpected ways.
Sweet Bacon Treats
Candied Bacon Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe takes a classic cookie and upgrades it with crispy candied bacon pieces for a salty-sweet surprise in every bite.
Ingredients (makes 24 cookies):
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1/2 cup candied bacon (bacon strips cooked in 2 tbsp brown sugar until crisp, then cooled and chopped)
Instructions:
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Preheat your Toastmaster Toaster Oven to 350°F.
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Cream butter and sugars until fluffy, then add egg and vanilla.
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In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients.
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Fold in chocolate chips and candied bacon pieces.
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Scoop dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Bake 10–12 minutes until edges are golden. Let cool before serving.
The caramelized bacon pairs beautifully with gooey chocolate, turning a familiar cookie into something memorable.
Chocolate-Dipped Bacon Strips
This treat blends the saltiness of bacon with the richness of chocolate for a snack that feels indulgent yet simple.
Ingredients (serves 8):
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12 strips thick-cut bacon
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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1 tsp coconut oil
- Optional toppings: sea salt flakes, chopped nuts, or caramel drizzle
Instructions:
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Cook bacon in your Toastmaster Air Fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy. Let cool.
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Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until smooth.
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Dip half of each bacon strip into melted chocolate and place on a parchment-lined tray.
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Sprinkle with optional toppings and refrigerate until chocolate hardens.
This recipe is perfect for parties, pairing beautifully with coffee or a sweet dessert board.
Savory Bacon Bites
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Mushrooms
These are a go-to appetizer that looks elegant but is easy to prepare in a Toastmaster oven.
Ingredients (serves 12):
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12 large button mushrooms, stems removed
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1/4 cup shredded mozzarella
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2 tbsp chopped green onions
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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6 slices bacon, halved
Instructions:
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Preheat Toaster Oven to 350°F.
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Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, green onions, and garlic powder.
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Fill each mushroom cap with the cheese mixture.
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Wrap a half slice of bacon around each mushroom and secure with a toothpick.
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Bake for 20–22 minutes until bacon is crisp and filling is bubbly.
These bites deliver smoky flavor balanced by creamy cheese, making them perfect for game nights or holiday spreads.
Bacon Flatbread with Caramelized Onions
Flatbread makes a fantastic base for showcasing bacon alongside savory toppings. Using the Toastmaster griddle ensures crisp results every time.
Ingredients (serves 4):
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2 flatbreads
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 cup caramelized onions
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6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
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1/4 cup fresh arugula
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
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Heat flatbreads on the Toastmaster Electric Griddle until lightly toasted.
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Drizzle with olive oil, then top with mozzarella cheese.
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Sprinkle caramelized onions and bacon evenly across flatbreads.
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Return to the griddle for 4–5 minutes until cheese melts.
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Top with arugula before serving.
This dish works as a quick dinner or appetizer, offering a bold mix of smoky, sweet, and peppery flavors.
Sweet vs. Savory: The Joy of Balance
The beauty of cooking with bacon lies in its adaptability. With your Toastmaster appliances, bacon can be a dessert ingredient that surprises or a savory highlight that satisfies. Sweet options like candied bacon cookies and chocolate-dipped strips feel indulgent without being overwhelming, while savory recipes such as stuffed mushrooms and flatbreads deliver flavor-packed bites that are easy to serve at gatherings.
When you explore both sides, you’ll discover that bacon brings out creativity in the kitchen. It encourages experimentation with textures, flavors, and pairings that spark new favorite recipes.
Your Kitchen, Your Bacon Adventure
From candied bacon cookies to stuffed mushrooms, bacon proves it can hold its own in sweet and savory creations alike. With Toastmaster appliances by your side, the process is straightforward and enjoyable. These recipes are only the start of what you can accomplish by mixing classic ingredients with a touch of culinary imagination.
Bring out the full potential of your kitchen with Toastmaster. Explore more recipes and discover the appliances that make every meal easier and more flavorful.
Shop Toastmaster Kitchen Essentials Today
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bacon really work in desserts?
Yes, bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that balances sweetness in desserts like cookies and chocolate-dipped treats. It’s a unique pairing that many people enjoy once they try it.
What is the best way to make bacon extra crispy?
Using a Toastmaster Air Fryer or oven ensures even cooking and crisp results. Cooking at a higher temperature, around 400°F, helps render the fat quickly.
Can I prepare bacon ahead of time for these recipes?
Absolutely. Bacon can be cooked, cooled, and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat it briefly in the oven or air fryer before using.
How do I prevent bacon-wrapped recipes from becoming soggy?
Pre-cook the bacon slightly before wrapping around items like mushrooms. This ensures the bacon finishes crisp at the same time as the filling.
What other ingredients pair well with bacon?
Bacon pairs beautifully with ingredients like maple, chocolate, caramelized onions, arugula, and creamy cheeses. Its salty profile enhances both sweet and savory flavors.
Is turkey bacon a good substitute?
Yes, turkey bacon can be substituted in most recipes for a leaner option. Keep in mind that it cooks faster, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
What is candied bacon?
Candied bacon is bacon coated with brown sugar or maple syrup and baked until caramelized. It adds a sweet crunch that works in desserts or as a garnish for cocktails.
How can I use leftover bacon?
Leftover bacon can be crumbled into salads, added to omelets, stirred into dips, or used as a topping for baked potatoes and casseroles.
