Embrace your inner Homer Simpson by making bacon… but make it even more bodacious by not going the traditional route. Do it the Southern way instead – deep fry it!
Oh bacon, the breakfast of champions – hey, if you’re doing low-carb, it’s on the approved list! But if you’re not worried about carbs, up the deliciousness to an 11 by giving it the Southern treatment: deep-fry it!
Deep-Fried Bacon is an American culinary sensation that debuted in Texas in the early 1990s. Frank Sodolak, owner of Sodolak’s Original Country Inn in Snook, TX, claims that he was the brains behind the dish. And people noticed Frank’s culinary creation – it gained such a reputation that it was a highlight of Texas comedian John Kelso’s Texas Curiosities. John’s piece notes that “Things are not only bigger in Texas, they’re greasier!” It’s said that deep-frying became popular in the Southern States because of the hot weather south of the Mason-Dixon Line. It’s simply faster and doesn’t swelter up a kitchen like other cooking methods.
Why This Lone Star State Dish is So Enticing
Anyone in the South will tell you, you want to make something taste better? Deep-fry it! And that’s not just reserved for traditional things like chicken. I’m talking okra, popcorn – even Twinkies and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. And since bacon is already decadently yummy as it is – I’ve been known to eat nothing but bacon for a day – you know the crunchy, buttery texture is just going to add to the party in your mouth.
What Kind of Bacon Should I Use?
There’s more than one kind of bacon you can pig out on – choose what you like and what you think will taste best. Thicker bacon is the best choice for this recipe. Canadian bacon will give you a savory Great White North version, and Irish bacon is another option. For a smoky taste, try some applewood or hickory smoked bacon. And if you want to go healthier, there are also no-sugar and turkey options. Or, you could of course just try them all…
Helpful Hints for Making This Breakfast (or Anytime) Treat
Want to make it and save it for later? No problem. Just put it in an airtight container – such as a Ziploc bag – and remove as much air as you can to keep it the freshest it can be – before sticking your unbelievably tasty bacon in the fridge. You can save it for up to five days without hurting freshness. Your Deep-Fried Bacon can also be saved in the freezer for up to four months.
Not a dairy fan? No problem! Just bypass the egg and milk wash, bathe the bacon in lukewarm water for roughly 20 minutes, then do your roll through the flour. Your coating won’t adhere quite as perfectly, but this method still works. If you’re making several batches, ensure your flour mixture doesn’t get wet and clumpy by putting half aside. This way, if your flour becomes problematic and hard to manipulate, you can refresh it.
Serving Suggestions
For an insanely show-stopping meal, serve your bacon creation with gravy! Or make the most sensational side of a lifetime by trying your chicken-fried bacon in this Twice-Baked Mashed Potatoes recipe. Tasty and delicious, it easily makes a meal in itself.
Or if you want to go the traditional breakfast route and really want to impress your romantic partner or brunch guests, serve it with a big stack of Buttermilk Pancakes! If you’re in super comfort-food mode, pair it with this Healthy Baked Oatmeal instead. The combination of toasty oats, cinnamon and fresh blackberries is truly delicious. Or if you want to keep things on the savory side, then you can’t go wrong with a plate of Easy Potato Latkes to eat alongside your incredible chicken-fried bacon.
Whatever you choose to serve it with, you will surely love this quick and delicious bacon dish!
Deep-Fried Bacon
Ingredients
- 12 slices bacon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, whisk together milk and egg until well blended.
- Dip each bacon slice first into the milk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Carefully place the coated bacon slices into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
This is so deep
I would love to make this again when my kids get back from their moms house. Also I need some time to heal after deep frying the bacon… well… I digress.
Yeah… it’s quite high in calories, but worth it now and again! Thanks Austin