Ice cream with bacon in it may sound like an unusual combination, but there are actually a number of brands and shops that have experimented with this salty-sweet flavor pairing. Bacon adds a smoky, salty, umami depth to ice cream that complements the rich sweetness. While homemade versions certainly exist, there are some notable commercial producers of bacon ice cream as well. Here’s an overview of some of the brands and shops that make ice cream with bacon.
Blue Bell
One of the most well-known commercial producers of bacon ice cream is Blue Bell. This popular Texas-based ice cream company released a limited batch of “Salted Caramel Pecan” ice cream in 2012 that contained bacon-infused caramel swirls and chopped bacon pieces mixed throughout. It quickly gained a cult following, with bacon and caramel fans begging for its return. Due to popular demand, Blue Bell has brought the flavor back for limited releases several times since then.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a Columbus, Ohio-based brand focused on making uniquely flavored artisan ice cream. They have a rotating lineup of creative seasonal flavors, and have included a bacon flavor multiple times. Jeni Britton Bauer, the founder of the company, worked to perfect the balance of smokiness, saltiness and sweetness in the ice cream. Versions of the flavor they have produced include “Everything Bagel” with smoked bacon and cream cheese ice cream, as well as “Piggy Back” with bacon-laden banana bread brown betty streusel.
Salt & Straw
Salt & Straw is an artisan ice cream shop started in Portland, Oregon that has expanded across the west coast. One of their claims to fame is their adventurous flavors, which have included several bacon variations over the years. Some examples include Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons and Bacon Fat Brownies, Bacon Maple Walnut with Bacon Fat Ganache, and Double Fold Vanilla with Roasted Berries and Brown Sugar Bacon.
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream
Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream is a boutique ice cream shop in New York City that always has an array of unique flavors on rotation. Owner Nicholas Morgenstern has included bacon as an ingredient in several popular flavors. Some of their most talked-about bacon ice creams include Burnt Sage Caramel with Candied Bacon; Maple Pecan withCandied Bacon; and Green Tomato Sorbet with Candied Bacon.
Coolhaus
Coolhaus is an LA-based brand that makes both packaged pints and hand-scooped ice cream sandwiches. They’re known for their creative ice cream flavors layered between cookies, brownies or other baked goods. Over the years they have produced numerous bacon-infused options. Some examples are Brownies, Bacon and Bourbon ice cream with chocolate espresso cookie and candied bacon pieces; “Pig & Fig” with fig-bacon jam, honey-baked ham ice cream, and graham crackers; and “Pigs & Ponies” with vanilla ice cream, candied bacon, and butterscotch oat cookie.
Voodoo Doughnut
The iconic Voodoo Doughnut shops in Portland, Oregon and Denver, Colorado also dip into bacon ice cream innovation. Customers can order the “Bacon Maple Bar” – a yeast doughnut with maple frosting topped with bits of bacon – alongside a scoop of their signature maple bacon ice cream.
Other Notable Producers
While the above are some of the most well-known bacon ice cream purveyors, quite a few other restaurants, ice cream shops and brands have also gotten creative with the combination at some point. Some other examples include:
- OddFellows Ice Cream – Brooklyn, NY
- Humphry Slocombe – San Francisco, CA
- Sweet Action – Denver, CO
- Gelato Mio – Multiple locations in FL
- JC’s Pie Pops – Sioux Falls, SD
- 21 Choice – Multiple locations in Indonesia
- Wendy’s – Limited edition concrete shake
- Denny’s – Limited edition Maple Bacon Sundae
- Dairy Queen – Limited edition Salty Caramel Bits Blizzard
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – Limited edition Candied Bacon Crunch
The Allure of Bacon Ice Cream
So what’s behind the popularity of bacon ice cream and the prevalence of so many brands releasing their take on the flavor? There are a few factors that draw people to the unlikely combination:
Novelty of the flavor combo
Ice cream lovers are always looking for new taste experiences. The mixture of sweet creaminess and salty, savory bacon is novel for most people and piques curiosity.
Love of bacon flavor
Bacon has developed a cult following in recent decades, with the boom of people obsessing over bacon-focused recipes. The smoky, umami, salty flavor profile has wide appeal. Adding bacon to sweets like ice cream is a way to get more of that addictive bacon flavor.
Enjoyment of sweet and salty
There is just something irresistible about sweet and salty flavor combinations. The salty bacon contrasts and enhances the sugar and vanilla in the ice cream. The flavors balance each other for irresistible harmony.
Texture contrast
Crunchy, crispy bits of bacon studded throughout smooth, creamy ice cream also provides nice textural contrast.
Food trend
Using bacon in desserts and sweet treats became a major food trend and that translated over into ice cream as well. Trendy ice cream shops and brands didn’t want to miss out on the action.
Tips for Making Bacon Ice Cream at Home
Want to experiment with bacon ice cream yourself at home? Here are some tips to create a tasty batch:
Choose an ice cream base flavor that pairs well
Vanilla, maple, salted caramel, chocolate and peanut butter are classic ice cream flavors that complement the taste of bacon particularly nicely.
Candied, crisp bacon works best
For best texture and flavor, use thick-cut bacon candied with brown sugar or maple syrup. This helps eliminate smoky char while intensifying sweetness.
Add in both bacon fat and bits
Render some of the bacon fat and whisk a tablespoon or two into your ice cream base. Then also sprinkle in some crumbled bacon bits.
Wait to add bacon until end
Only fold in the bacon after the ice cream base is fully chilled and slightly hardened. This prevents over-cooking the bacon.
Consideraddons
Mix-ins like fudge swirls, caramel swirls, maple syrup swirls, smoked sea salt, pecans or walnuts can complement the bacon further.
Notable Bacon Ice Cream Recipes to Try
To spark inspiration, here are some top-rated bacon ice cream recipes from food sites and bloggers:
Brown Sugar Candied Bacon Ice Cream from Averie Cooks
This recipe uses brown sugar to candy the bacon for ultimate sweet/salty effect. It’s paired with a vanilla custard ice cream base.
Maple Bacon Ice Cream from Dessert Now, Dinner Later
This recipe subs maple syrup for the brown sugar when candying the bacon. It adds great maple flavor to balance the bacon.
Chocolate Bacon Ice Cream from Foodness Gracious
For chocolate-bacon lovers, this recipe includes cocoa powder and chocolate chunks in the mix along with bacon.
Caramel Bacon Ice Cream from Love and Olive Oil
Buttery caramel swirled through vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with candied bacon crunchy bits.
Candied Bacon and Bourbon Ice Cream from DIY Candy
Boozy twist: this recipe flavors the ice cream base with bourbon and folds in candied bacon.
Nutrition Information and Concerns
While using bacon may sound unhealthy at first glance, bacon ice cream can actually fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here is some quick nutrition information:
Calories and fat
Ice cream on its own is high in calories and fat. Using bacon adds further calories and fat from the pork. A half cup serving likely ranges from 200-300 calories and 15-25g fat depending on recipe.
Sodium
Bacon contributes extra sodium. A half cup may have around 200-300mg sodium.
Sugar
There will be approximately 15-25g sugar in a half cup from the ice cream base ingredients like milk/cream, egg yolks and sugar.
Protein
The bacon provides a protein boost. You’ll get 5-10g protein per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-300 |
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Sodium | 200-300mg |
| Sugar | 15-25g |
| Protein | 5-10g |
As you can see, bacon ice cream – like any dessert – should be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, not as an everyday food.
Conclusion
While the concept may seem off-putting to some, bacon ice cream has developed a passionate fan base drawn to the salty-sweet flavor combination and textural contrasts. Many commercial ice cream companies like Blue Bell, Jeni’s, Salt & Straw and Coolhaus have found success with bacon-infused flavors. It’s also become trendy for homemade recipes and specialty shops. Bacon adds a smoky, salty umami depth that complements and enhances the sweetness of ice cream. As with any treat, those looking to sample this pork-laced frozen creation should enjoy in moderation as part of a healthy, balanced diet.