What spices go well with bacon?

Bacon is a beloved breakfast meat that adds a salty, smoky flavor to any dish. While bacon is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary spices can take the flavor to the next level. The right spice blend can enhance the natural flavors of the bacon without overpowering it. So what spices go well with bacon?

Table of Contents

Savory spices

Many of the most popular spices to use with bacon fall into the savory spice category. These spices enhance the salty, umami notes of the bacon. Here are some of the best savory spices to try:

Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a touch of heat and brings out the smoky notes in bacon. This is one of the most universally used bacon spices.
Smoked paprika – Made from smoked dried peppers, smoked paprika has a concentration of smoky flavor that complements bacon perfectly. A small amount can make bacon even more smoky.
Garlic powder – The rich flavor of garlic balances beautifully with salty bacon. Use it to add aromatic flavor.

Onion powder – Like garlic, onion also pairs well with bacon. Onion powder mixes with bacon fat to provide a sweet, savory flavor.
Cayenne pepper – For those who like spicy bacon, a small pinch of cayenne pepper can add a touch of heat and spice.

When using savory spices with bacon, restraint is key. You want to enhance the natural bacon flavor, not overwhelm it. Start with small amounts and increase slowly until you achieve the desired flavor balance.

Sweet spices

While savory spices may seem like the obvious choice for bacon, sweet spices shouldn’t be overlooked. The sweetness acts as a pleasant contrast to the saltiness of bacon. Here are some sweet spices that complement bacon wonderfully:

Brown sugar – A small sprinkling of brown sugar on bacon before cooking creates a lovely caramelized flavor when cooked.
Cinnamon – May seem unusual, but a pinch of cinnamon creates a tasty sweet and salty flavor blend.

Maple syrup – Brushing maple syrup onto bacon before baking infuses it with rich sweetness.
Honey – Like maple syrup, honey gives bacon a lovely hint of sweetness when cooked.

When using sweet spices with bacon, use a light hand so the sweetness remains a subtle flavor rather than overtaking the bacon. Sweet and salty play together beautifully.

Herbal spices

Fresh herbs also pair well with bacon, adding a burst of flavor and aroma. Here are some herb options to consider:

Thyme – The earthy notes of thyme accentuate the smokiness of bacon.
Rosemary – The pine-like flavor of rosemary nicely complements the rich bacon taste.

Sage – Savory and slightly peppery, sage is another herb that goes well with salty meats like bacon.
Oregano – A Mediterranean herb, oregano has a warm flavor that enhances bacon’s flavors.

Chopped fresh herbs stirred into scrambled eggs or sprinkled over baked potatoes along with bacon deliver a flavor punch. Dried herbs work as well but use a lighter hand since their flavor is more concentrated.

Spicy spices

If you like the heat, bacon pairs well with a variety of spicy spices too. A touch of spiciness can take bacon from boring to brilliant. Try these spicy picks:

Chili powder – Made from a blend of ground chile peppers, chili powder can give bacon a mild kick.
Chipotle powder – Smoky chipotle peppers in powdered form add both heat and smoky flavor.

Red pepper flakes – These dried crushed red chile peppers provide a quick hit of heat.
Jalapeño – Fresh sliced jalapeño on top of a BLT sandwich delivers a nice spicy crunch.

When using hot spices like these, it’s easy to overdo it. Start with small amounts and work up gradually to the spiciness level you prefer. Too much will overpower the bacon.

Italian-themed spices

Italian spices also make an excellent pairing for bacon. Two popular options are:

Basil – The fresh flavor of basil balances perfectly with salty bacon.
Oregano – This Mediterranean herb is commonly used in Italian cooking and complements bacon well.

An easy way to enjoy Italian-seasoned bacon is by adding chopped cooked bacon to pasta dishes. The combination of bacon and Italian herbs elevates simple pastas into something special.

Cooking method

How you cook the bacon affects how well the spices complement it. Bacon can be prepared in a few different ways:

Pan-fried – This traditional stovetop cooking method crisps the bacon nicely and allows seasoning it before cooking.

Baked – Baking in the oven at a high temperature also crisps up bacon evenly. It works well for seasoning bacon beforehand.
Microwaved – Microwaving produces softer bacon but is quick. For best flavor, season after cooking.

For maximum flavor impact from spices, pan-frying or baking are best. This allows the seasoning to mingle with the bacon fat and become fully infused.

Spice combinations

While individual spices pair deliciously with bacon, using certain spice combos can create even more amazing flavor. Here are some tasty bacon spice blends to try:

Brown sugar and pepper – The sweet and heat play off each other wonderfully.
Maple syrup and cayenne – Sweet maple and spicy cayenne balance for perfect bacon.

Smoked paprika and garlic powder – Smoky and savory is a match made in heaven.
Rosemary and black pepper – An herbaceous and peppery blend.

Feel free to get creative with combining different spices that complement each other and the flavor of bacon. Bacon has a strong enough presence to stand up well to a wide range of seasonings.

Using flavored bacon

While seasoning plain bacon yourself is ideal for controlling flavors, flavored pre-seasoned bacon can also be used. Flavored bacon varieties to consider include:

Maple bacon – Sweet and salty.
Honey Sriracha bacon – Sweet heat.

Hickory smoked bacon – Extra smoky.
Peppered bacon – Savory with a touch of spice.
Garlic bacon – Savory richness.

Keep in mind flavored bacon will limit your ability to add more spices. But something like maple bacon drizzled with a little cayenne can still be delicious.

Dishes for spiced bacon

Now that you know the wide range of seasonings that enhance bacon’s flavor, how will you use this tasty spice-infused bacon? Here are some delicious ways to enjoy spiced up bacon:

Sprinkled on salads

Wrapped around roasted vegetables
In omelets or scrambled eggs
On burgers or sandwiches

In pasta, grain bowls and risottos
On baked potatoes
In soups like split pea or potato

On top of baked squash
In creamy dips
Crumble over roasted Brussels sprouts

The possibilities are nearly endless for how to incorporate spiced bacon into recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and everything in between. Its salty, smoky, spicy flavor improves pretty much any dish.

Conclusion

Bacon is so flavorful on its own that it may seem like you wouldn’t need to add spices and seasonings to it. But complementing bacon’s taste with the right spices can take it to the next level of flavor. Savory, sweet, herbal, spicy and Italian spices all pair deliciously with bacon. Cook bacon to crisp perfection, then season it with single spices or blends to make this breakfast staple even more amazing. Add seasoned bacon to all types of dishes to impart next-level flavor. With the endless seasoning possibilities, your bacon is sure to never get boring.