While traditional bacon beckons, you might consider some of these alternatives too:
- Speck: This Italian bacon is made from deboned pork legs and cured in various spices like garlic, nutmeg and juniper.
- Gypsy bacon: Ideal for campers because it can easily be cooked on a stick over an open flame, this old-fashioned form of bacon is cured with garlic and paprika. Cooking it over a campfire only adds to its earthy character.
- Slab bacon: This comes from traditional bacon, the pork belly, but is not cut into slices. It typically comes in thicker blocks and is ideal to flavor soups and stews.
- Beef bacon: This could easily pass as pork bacon, but it’s leaner.
- Soy-protein bacon: This bacon substitute is perfect for vegetarians. It’s low in saturated fat and naturally cholesterol-free. It even has that smoky sultriness.
- Hempeh bacon: A soy-free and gluten-free riff on bacon for nonmeat eaters.
- Turkey bacon: Often served as a low-fat alternative, this is a viable option for people who don’t eat pork for religious or dietary reasons.
- Coconut bacon: Another plant-based, healthy bacon alternative. Coconut flakes are coated with maple syrup, tamari and liquid smoke. The taste and texture are surprisingly similar to the real thing.
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