Bacon lovers, have you ever heard of Wayside Bacon?
If not, you’re in for a treat! This lesser-known variety of bacon is also known as “cottage bacon” and is made from pork shoulder, giving it a meatier texture than traditional bacon made from pork belly.
But that’s not all – there are many different types of bacon out there, each with their own unique characteristics and flavors.
In this article, we’ll explore the different types of bacon and what makes Wayside Bacon stand out. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at uncured bacon and why it’s becoming a popular alternative to traditional cured bacon.
So sit back, grab a slice of your favorite bacon, and let’s dive in!
What Is Wayside Bacon?
As mentioned earlier, Wayside Bacon is a type of bacon made from pork shoulder, also known as pork butt or Boston butt. It is thinly sliced and typically oval-shaped, making it perfect for baking or frying.
Compared to traditional bacon made from pork belly, Wayside Bacon has a meatier texture and is less fatty. This makes it a great option for those who want to enjoy the delicious taste of bacon without consuming too much fat.
Wayside Bacon is also known as “cottage bacon,” which may be a more familiar term to some. It is a popular choice for breakfast dishes like eggs and toast or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Types Of Bacon: A Brief Overview
Bacon is a widely popular meat product that comes in many different varieties. While the most common type of bacon is American-style bacon, there are several other types of bacon that are commonly used in cooking.
Canadian bacon, for example, is cut from the pork loin and has a leaner texture than American-style bacon. Pancetta, an Italian-style bacon, is cured with peppercorns, salt, and cloves and is sold in a roll similar to sausage. Rashers, a style of bacon more commonly found in Europe, are cut from a different part of the pig than American-style bacon.
Irish bacon, also known as back bacon, is a lean meat cut from the eye of the pork loin and is cured by smoking. It can be sliced thick or thin and is similar in appearance to boneless pork loin roast. Fatback, on the other hand, is a slab of fat that is cut along the back of the pig and can be used as lard for frying or sautéing.
Gypsy bacon is a Hungarian specialty that is roasted and seasoned with paprika before being cut into thin slices and served on rye bread.
Wayside Bacon Vs. Traditional Bacon: Texture And Flavor Comparison
When it comes to texture and flavor, Wayside Bacon and traditional bacon have some notable differences. Traditional bacon, which is made from pork belly, is known for its long layers of fat running parallel to the rind, making it very fatty. This gives it a crispy texture when cooked, but also means that it can be greasy.
On the other hand, Wayside Bacon is made from pork shoulder, which is a leaner cut of meat. This results in a meatier texture, with less fat compared to traditional bacon. Wayside Bacon also tends to be oval-shaped and thinly sliced, making it easier to cook evenly.
In terms of flavor, traditional bacon has a smoky and salty taste due to the curing and smoking process. Wayside Bacon, on the other hand, has a milder flavor that is closer to that of ham. This makes it a great option for those who want a bacon-like taste without the strong smoky flavor.
Uncured Bacon: A Healthier Alternative?
When it comes to bacon, many people are concerned about the use of nitrites in the curing process. Nitrites are added to traditional bacon to preserve it and give it that classic pink color. However, uncured bacon is an alternative that does not use nitrites.
But is uncured bacon actually healthier than traditional bacon? The answer is not so clear cut. While uncured bacon does not contain added nitrites, it may still contain natural nitrites from ingredients like celery juice. It is still unknown whether these natural nitrites are less harmful than added nitrites.
Additionally, bacon is still high in salt and saturated fat content, which can increase the risk of heart disease. It is important to enjoy bacon in moderation and to balance it out with healthy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains in your diet.
If you do choose to opt for uncured bacon, make sure to read the label carefully to ensure that it does not contain any added nitrites. It may also be a good idea to choose a higher quality, local brand of uncured bacon for a better taste and potentially better sourcing practices.
How To Cook Wayside Bacon: Tips And Tricks
Cooking Wayside Bacon is easy and straightforward, but there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
First, it is recommended to line a cookie sheet with tin foil before cooking. This not only helps with easy cleanup but also allows you to wrap up and toss away the foil after cooking.
For best results, flip the bacon halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that both sides are evenly cooked and crispy.
When cooking Wayside Bacon, it’s important to note that it takes longer to cook than traditional bacon made from pork belly. The recommended oven temperature is 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be roasted for 6 minutes on each side for a total of 12 minutes.
While Wayside Bacon may be less fatty than traditional bacon, it still produces grease when cooked. To minimize the amount of grease, place an upside-down cooling rack over the bacon before roasting. This helps keep the bacon flat and prevents excess grease from pooling.
Wayside Bacon Recipes To Try At Home
If you’re a bacon lover looking to try something new, Wayside Bacon is definitely worth a try. Here are some Wayside Bacon recipes to try at home:
1. Wayside Bacon Breakfast Sandwich: Toast a bagel or English muffin and add a fried egg, a slice of Wayside Bacon, and some cheese for a delicious breakfast sandwich.
2. Wayside Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: Wrap a slice of Wayside Bacon around each asparagus spear and bake in the oven for a tasty side dish.
3. Wayside Bacon Carbonara: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and set aside. In a separate pan, cook chopped Wayside Bacon until crispy. In a bowl, whisk together two eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the bacon and toss to combine. Remove from heat and add the egg mixture, stirring quickly to coat the spaghetti. Serve hot.
4. Wayside Bacon-Wrapped Dates: Stuff pitted dates with goat cheese or blue cheese and wrap each one with a slice of Wayside Bacon. Bake in the oven until crispy for a sweet and savory appetizer.
5. Wayside Bacon and Potato Soup: In a large pot, cook diced potatoes in chicken broth until tender. Add chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped Wayside Bacon to the pot and stir until combined. Serve hot with crusty bread.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious Wayside Bacon recipes out there. Experiment in your own kitchen and see what creative dishes you can come up with using this tasty bacon alternative.