Maple Glazed Bacon and Chive Shortbread: A Savory-Sweet Delight

Bacon. Shortbread. Two words that might not immediately spring to mind as a match made in culinary heaven. But trust me on this one – the combination is an absolute revelation. The salty, smoky richness of maple-glazed bacon perfectly complements the crumbly, buttery tenderness of chive shortbread, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about crafting an experience, a delightful dance between sweet and savory, soft and crisp. Prepare to elevate your brunch game, impress your guests, or simply treat yourself to a truly unique and unforgettable culinary adventure.

This Maple Glazed Bacon and Chive Shortbread is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the power of unexpected flavor combinations. The sweet maple glaze clinging to crispy bacon provides a delightful contrast to the savory, herbaceous shortbread. It’s a sophisticated take on comfort food, perfect for brunch, appetizers, or even a surprisingly elegant dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of bacon or chives – the possibilities are endless! This recipe is your canvas, and deliciousness is your masterpiece.

## The Magic Behind the Combination

The beauty of this recipe lies in the harmonious balance of contrasting flavors. The sweetness of the maple syrup is offset by the saltiness of the bacon, while the herbaceousness of the chives cuts through the richness of the shortbread. The crumbly texture of the shortbread provides a delightful contrast to the crispy bacon, creating a truly satisfying eating experience.

### Why This Recipe Works:

* **Sweet and Savory Harmony:** The maple glaze on the bacon introduces a delightful sweetness that complements the saltiness of the bacon and the savory notes of the chives in the shortbread.
* **Textural Contrast:** The crumbly shortbread provides a pleasing textural contrast to the crispy, chewy bacon.
* **Herbaceous Freshness:** The chives add a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the butter and bacon.
* **Unexpected Delight:** The unusual combination of ingredients creates a memorable and exciting culinary experience.

## Ingredients:

### For the Maple Glazed Bacon:

* 1 pound thick-cut bacon
* 1/4 cup maple syrup (preferably pure maple syrup)
* 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)

### For the Chive Shortbread:

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added savory depth)

## Equipment:

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper
* Large skillet or oven-safe griddle
* Mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or food processor
* Rolling pin
* Pizza cutter or sharp knife
* Wire rack

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

### Part 1: Preparing the Maple Glazed Bacon

1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

2. **Cook the Bacon:** Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy but not burnt. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your bacon, so keep a close eye on it.

*Alternative Method: If you prefer, you can cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Be sure to drain off any excess grease.

3. **Prepare the Maple Glaze:** While the bacon is cooking, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The Dijon mustard adds a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the maple syrup, while the red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick.

4. **Glaze the Bacon:** Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the oven (or skillet) and let it cool slightly. Brush each slice of bacon generously with the maple glaze, ensuring that both sides are coated. You can also dip the bacon in the glaze for a more intense flavor.

5. **Bake Again (Optional):** For an extra-crispy, caramelized glaze, return the glazed bacon to the oven for another 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

6. **Cool and Set:** Remove the glazed bacon from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. As it cools, the glaze will harden and become sticky.

### Part 2: Making the Chive Shortbread

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures that the salt is evenly distributed throughout the shortbread.

2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the pieces of butter, the more tender the shortbread will be. You can also use a food processor for this step, but be careful not to over-process the mixture. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. **Add Chives and Parmesan (Optional):** Stir in the chopped fresh chives and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). The chives add a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the shortbread, while the Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth. You can adjust the amount of chives to your liking.

4. **Form the Dough:** Gradually add 4-6 tablespoons of ice water to the flour mixture, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to add too much water, as this will make the shortbread tough. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.

5. **Shape the Shortbread:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together. Divide the dough in half and form each half into a disk. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender shortbread.

6. **Roll Out the Dough:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the dough into desired shapes, such as squares, rectangles, or triangles.

7. **Bake the Shortbread:** Transfer the shortbread shapes to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The baking time will vary depending on the thickness of your shortbread, so keep a close eye on it.

8. **Cool Completely:** Remove the shortbread from the oven and let it cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. The shortbread will crisp up as it cools.

### Part 3: Assembling and Serving

1. **Crumble the Bacon (Optional):** For a more even distribution of bacon flavor, you can crumble the maple-glazed bacon into smaller pieces. This is especially useful if you are serving the shortbread as an appetizer.

2. **Serve Together:** Arrange the chive shortbread on a platter or serving dish. Top each shortbread with a piece of maple-glazed bacon or a sprinkle of crumbled bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory combination!

## Tips and Variations:

* **Bacon Variations:** Experiment with different types of bacon, such as applewood-smoked bacon, hickory-smoked bacon, or even turkey bacon. Each type of bacon will impart a unique flavor to the dish.
* **Cheese Variations:** Try adding different types of cheese to the shortbread, such as cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or goat cheese. Each cheese will add a different flavor and texture to the shortbread.
* **Herb Variations:** Substitute the chives with other fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. Each herb will add a different aroma and flavor to the shortbread.
* **Sweetness Level:** Adjust the amount of maple syrup in the glaze to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the amount of maple syrup or add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
* **Spice Level:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the maple glaze for an extra kick.
* **Make-Ahead Tips:** The chive shortbread dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The maple-glazed bacon can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the bacon before serving.
* **Serving Suggestions:** Serve the Maple Glazed Bacon and Chive Shortbread as a brunch item, appetizer, or even a dessert. It pairs well with other brunch staples, such as eggs, fruit, and yogurt. It also makes a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.

## Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

* Calories: 250-350 (depending on serving size and ingredients)
* Fat: 15-25g
* Saturated Fat: 8-15g
* Cholesterol: 40-60mg
* Sodium: 300-500mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 5-10g

## Serving Suggestions:

This Maple Glazed Bacon and Chive Shortbread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

* **Brunch Star:** Elevate your brunch spread by including these savory-sweet shortbreads. They pair perfectly with scrambled eggs, a fresh fruit salad, and a mimosa or two.
* **Appetizer Delight:** Impress your guests with a unique and sophisticated appetizer. Arrange the shortbreads on a platter with a selection of cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a truly memorable culinary experience.
* **Dessert Surprise:** Surprise your dinner guests with a sweet and savory dessert. The combination of maple-glazed bacon and chive shortbread is sure to be a conversation starter.
* **Holiday Treat:** These shortbreads make a delightful addition to any holiday gathering. Their festive flavors and textures are sure to please even the most discerning palates.

## Conclusion:

The Maple Glazed Bacon and Chive Shortbread recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when unexpected flavors collide. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, familiar yet surprising. Whether you’re looking to elevate your brunch game, impress your guests with a unique appetizer, or simply treat yourself to a truly delicious experience, this recipe is sure to deliver. So go ahead, embrace the unexpected, and discover the delightful world of sweet and savory harmony. You won’t be disappointed!

Don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #MapleBaconShortbread! We can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy baking (and bacon-ing)!