Country Fried Floured Bacon: A Southern Comfort Food Delight

Country fried floured bacon, also known as fried bacon fritters, is a delightful twist on classic bacon. It elevates the humble strip of pork to a crispy, savory, and utterly irresistible treat. This recipe takes inspiration from classic Southern cooking techniques, transforming bacon into something truly special. Imagine biting into a crunchy, seasoned exterior that gives way to a smoky, savory interior – that’s the magic of country fried floured bacon. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s an experience.

This recipe walks you through each step, from preparing the bacon to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. We’ll cover everything you need to know about selecting the right ingredients, creating the flavorful batter, and mastering the frying technique. So, grab your apron, and let’s embark on this culinary adventure!

## Why Country Fried Floured Bacon?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s explore why this dish is worth the effort. Country fried floured bacon offers several advantages over regular fried bacon:

* **Enhanced Texture:** The flour coating creates a crispy, crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender, smoky bacon inside.
* **Increased Flavor:** The flour mixture can be seasoned with various spices and herbs, adding depth and complexity to the bacon’s natural flavor.
* **Versatility:** Country fried floured bacon can be served as a breakfast side, appetizer, snack, or even a topping for salads and sandwiches.
* **Elevated Presentation:** The golden-brown, crispy bacon looks more appealing and inviting than regular fried bacon.
* **Fun Factor:** It’s a unique and unexpected way to enjoy bacon, making it a conversation starter at any gathering.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for this recipe. Quality ingredients are key to achieving the best results.

* **Thick-Cut Bacon:** About 1 pound. Thick-cut bacon holds up better during the frying process and provides a meatier texture. Look for bacon with a good balance of fat and lean meat.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup. This forms the base of the batter and helps create a crispy crust. You can also use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
* **Cornstarch:** 1/4 cup. Cornstarch adds extra crispness to the batter and helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Baking powder helps the batter puff up during frying, creating a lighter and airier texture.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon. Enhances the flavor of the bacon and the batter.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a touch of spice and complements the smoky bacon flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a savory note to the batter.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon. Enhances the savory flavor profile.
* **Paprika:** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
* **Cayenne Pepper (optional):** 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
* **Milk or Buttermilk:** 1/2 cup. Provides moisture to bind the batter together. Buttermilk adds a tangy flavor and helps create a more tender crust.
* **Egg:** 1 large. Acts as a binder and adds richness to the batter.
* **Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil:** For frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning during frying. Peanut oil is also a good option.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Bowl:** For mixing the batter.
* **Shallow Dish or Plate:** For dredging the bacon in the flour mixture.
* **Tongs:** For handling the bacon during frying.
* **Large Skillet or Deep Fryer:** For frying the bacon. A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution.
* **Paper Towels:** For draining excess oil from the fried bacon.
* **Wire Rack (optional):** For keeping the bacon crispy after frying.
* **Thermometer (optional):** For monitoring the oil temperature.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the recipe itself. Follow these detailed instructions to create perfect country fried floured bacon every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Bacon**

1. **Cut the Bacon (Optional):** If you prefer shorter pieces of bacon, you can cut the strips in half or thirds before frying. This makes them easier to handle and serve.
2. **Pat the Bacon Dry:** Use paper towels to pat the bacon strips dry. This helps the flour mixture adhere better and prevents the oil from splattering excessively during frying.

**Step 2: Prepare the Batter**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. **Add Wet Ingredients:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk (or buttermilk) and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough batter. A few lumps are okay.

**Step 3: Heat the Oil**

1. **Pour Oil into Skillet:** Pour enough vegetable oil or canola oil into a large skillet or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 1/2 inch. The amount of oil will depend on the size of your skillet.
2. **Heat the Oil:** Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into it. If the batter sizzles and turns golden brown in a few seconds, the oil is ready.

**Step 4: Dredge and Fry the Bacon**

1. **Dredge the Bacon:** One at a time, dip each bacon strip into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides. Let any excess batter drip off before placing the bacon in the hot oil.
2. **Fry the Bacon:** Carefully place the battered bacon strips into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bacon.
3. **Fry Until Golden Brown:** Fry the bacon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the bacon and ensure even cooking.
4. **Remove and Drain:** Once the bacon is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the oil using tongs and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. You can also place the bacon on a wire rack to keep it crispy.

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Serve Immediately:** Country fried floured bacon is best served immediately while it’s still hot and crispy.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** You can garnish the bacon with a sprinkle of chopped parsley, green onions, or a dusting of paprika for added visual appeal.
3. **Enjoy!** Serve the country fried floured bacon as a breakfast side, appetizer, snack, or topping for your favorite dishes. Consider serving it with maple syrup, hot sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

## Tips for Perfect Country Fried Floured Bacon

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the best results:

* **Use Thick-Cut Bacon:** Thick-cut bacon holds its shape better during frying and provides a meatier texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Frying too many bacon strips at once can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bacon. Work in batches to ensure even cooking.
* **Maintain the Oil Temperature:** Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent temperature of 350-375°F (175-190°C).
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the batter to your liking. Add more or less salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
* **Experiment with Different Flours:** You can experiment with different types of flour, such as gluten-free all-purpose flour, to create variations of this recipe.
* **Use Buttermilk for Extra Tang:** Using buttermilk instead of milk in the batter adds a tangy flavor and helps create a more tender crust.
* **Keep the Bacon Warm:** If you’re making a large batch of bacon, you can keep it warm in a preheated oven (200°F/95°C) while you finish frying the rest.

## Variations and Additions

Here are some creative variations and additions to try with your country fried floured bacon:

* **Spicy Bacon:** Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter for a spicy kick.
* **Sweet and Savory Bacon:** Drizzle maple syrup or honey over the fried bacon for a sweet and savory treat.
* **Herb-Infused Bacon:** Add chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage, to the batter for a fragrant and flavorful twist.
* **Cheese-Stuffed Bacon:** Before frying, make a small slit in each bacon strip and stuff it with your favorite cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack.
* **Chocolate-Covered Bacon:** For a decadent dessert, dip the fried bacon in melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.

## Serving Suggestions

Country fried floured bacon is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:

* **Breakfast Side:** Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, pancakes, waffles, or toast for a hearty breakfast.
* **Appetizer:** Offer it as an appetizer at parties and gatherings. Serve it with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard.
* **Snack:** Enjoy it as a satisfying snack any time of day.
* **Salad Topping:** Crumble it over salads for added flavor and texture.
* **Sandwich Filling:** Use it as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
* **Burger Topping:** Top your burgers with country fried floured bacon for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
* **Pizza Topping:** Crumble it over pizza for a salty and savory twist.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover country fried floured bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store it in a single layer to prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the bacon in a preheated oven (350°F/175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, but it may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 200-300 per serving (depending on the amount of bacon and batter)
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Saturated Fat: 5-10 grams
* Cholesterol: 30-50 mg
* Sodium: 400-600 mg
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
* Protein: 10-15 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.* It is important to remember that bacon is high in fat and sodium. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

## Conclusion

Country fried floured bacon is a delicious and unique way to enjoy bacon. Its crispy, savory, and flavorful profile makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it as a breakfast side, appetizer, snack, or topping, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed! With a little practice, you’ll be able to create perfect country fried floured bacon every time. Happy cooking!