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Bacon is crispy, fatty, smoky, salty, and the ultimate comfort food. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it can enhance many popular dishes. There’s the classic BLT or a creamy carbonara, but there are also lots of unexpected dishes that can be made better with the addition of bacon. 

While you might not hesitate to add bacon to a dish, there are still some that you might be overlooking. Luckily, we’re here to introduce you to some great dishes that become next level with the simple inclusion of bacon.

Let’s look at three dishes that don’t typically include bacon, but absolutely should for that extra smoky richness and textural contrast. 

Bacon-Infused Guacamole

Guacamole is already a beloved food, thanks to its creamy texture, freshness, and vibrancy. By adding some bacon, you make it even more indulgent with a crispy element. Bacon doesn’t compromise its freshness either; it only adds to the flavor. 

The best part is that bacon adds a contrast that will tantalize taste buds. Its smokiness and crispiness elevate the natural flavor of the avocado. Furthermore, it complements the lime by balancing its acidity. 

You should finely chop the bacon and then fold it into the guacamole right before serving so you don’t dull its crispiness. Your tortilla chips will thank you. 

Bacon-Stuffed French Toast

French toast is a wonderful breakfast dish. It’s sweet, hearty, fluffy, and every bite is satisfying. If you add some bacon to your favorite French toast recipe, you can balance its sweetness with a smoky, savory element. 

A lot of people serve bacon with their French toast, but you’re better off stuffing it inside before cooking. All you have to do is layer some cooked bacon between two slices of bread, then dip it in an egg mixture seasoned with vanilla and cinnamon. Cook it low and slow to get a golden, crispy exterior and a soft and slightly gooey center.

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Bacon-Topped Macadamia Nut Ice Cream

Pairing bacon with ice cream isn’t as crazy as it sounds. The cold and creamy complements the smoky and crispy in fun ways. This dish is like unlocking a new food experience, and it will change the way you see both bacon and ice cream. 

Macadamia nut ice cream is a great choice for bacon, as it features a buttery and nutty flavor that pairs well with the crispiness of bacon. The trick is to first candy the bacon by baking it with some brown sugar. This will add sweetness and also create a crackling texture. 

The goal is to achieve a balance of flavor. Only use a small handful of chopped candied bacon. Using too much will overpower the dish, whereas a small amount will cut through the sweetness and creaminess, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Bacon is a magical ingredient, so don’t limit its versatility. It’s so much more than a side for eggs. Indulge yourself and let bacon’s depth of flavor, smokiness, and texture elevate dishes. It can add a satisfying crunch to guacamole, a savory center to French toast, or turn an ordinary ice cream into something more gourmet.