Chocolate Covered Bacon With Almonds: An Unlikely Indulgence

I’ll admit, the first time I heard about chocolate-covered bacon, I wrinkled my nose. Bacon? With chocolate? It sounded like a dare gone wrong. But then, at a quirky food festival in Portland, I saw a vendor with a line snaking halfway around the block. Curiosity, and the aroma of sizzling bacon, got the better of me. One bite, and I was a convert. The salty, smoky crispness of the bacon, enveloped in smooth, sweet chocolate and the satisfying crunch of almonds… it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that completely redefines what a “treat” can be. Now, I’m sharing this delightfully unusual recipe with you.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: 12 pieces
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free (unless using gluten-free chocolate)

Ingredients

• 1 lb sliced thick slab bacon
• 1/2 lb milk chocolate
• 1/4 lb toasted almonds, chopped

Equipment Needed

• Sheet tray
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Double boiler (or heatproof bowl and saucepan)
• Tongs or fork
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This will ensure the bacon crisps up beautifully without burning.

2. Lay the sliced thick slab bacon on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. The lining is crucial to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Ensure the bacon slices are not overlapping for even cooking.

3. Place the sheet tray with the bacon in the preheated oven and cook until crisp. This typically takes about 25 minutes, but keep a close watch. The bacon is done when it’s deeply golden brown and the fat has rendered out, leaving crispy edges. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the bacon.

4. While the bacon is cooking, prepare the chocolate. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a saucepan filled with about an inch of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water.

5. Break the milk chocolate into smaller pieces and place them in the double boiler (or your makeshift setup). Melt the chocolate over low heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth and glossy. Be patient and don’t rush the process; high heat can cause the chocolate to seize.

6. Once the bacon is cooked to crispy perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly on the sheet tray. This makes it easier to handle without burning yourself.

7. Using tongs or a fork, dip each piece of crispy bacon into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.

8. Place the chocolate-covered bacon back onto the sheet tray (lined with parchment or silicone).

9. Immediately sprinkle the toasted almonds, generously, over the wet chocolate. The almonds will adhere best while the chocolate is still melted.

10. Transfer the sheet tray to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and set. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the bacon easier to handle and eat.

11. Remove from the refrigerator just before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Bacon Quality Matters: Use high-quality, thick-cut bacon for the best results. Thinner bacon tends to crumble and break more easily.
• Even Cooking: To ensure the bacon cooks evenly, rotate the sheet tray halfway through the cooking time.
• Preventing Seizing: If your chocolate starts to seize, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening. This can help restore its smooth consistency.
• Toasting Almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Chocolate Tempering: For a truly professional finish, temper your chocolate. This involves heating and cooling the chocolate to specific temperatures to create a stable crystal structure, resulting in a glossy, snappy finish.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate for a subtle kick.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the chocolate-covered bacon chilled, straight from the refrigerator. Arrange them artfully on a platter for an unexpected and delightful dessert or snack.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chocolate may develop a slight bloom (a white coating) over time, but this is purely cosmetic and doesn’t affect the taste.

Freezing is not recommended, as the bacon may become soggy upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	331 kcal	17%
Total Fat	28g	43%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	30mg	10%
Sodium	330mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	13g	5%
Dietary Fiber	2g	8%
Sugars	10g	20%
Protein	8g	16%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

• Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
• White Chocolate: Experiment with white chocolate for a sweeter, milder treat.
• Nuts: Substitute the almonds with other nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or macadamia nuts.
• Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, chili powder, or sea salt to the chocolate for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure that the chocolate you are using is certified gluten-free to make this a gluten-free treat.
• Maple Bacon: Brush the bacon with maple syrup during the last few minutes of cooking for added sweetness and flavor.
• Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a mocha flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: While you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience, the texture will not be as crispy. It’s best to cook the bacon fresh for optimal results.

Q: What if my chocolate seizes up while melting?
A: Adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or shortening can help restore the chocolate’s smooth consistency. Avoid overheating the chocolate, as this is a common cause of seizing.

Q: Can I use a microwave to melt the chocolate?
A: Yes, you can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. However, using a double boiler provides more control and prevents burning.

Q: How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking when it chills?
A: Tempering the chocolate will help prevent cracking and ensure a smooth, glossy finish. Proper chilling also plays a role, so avoid sudden temperature changes.

Q: How long does chocolate-covered bacon last?
A: Chocolate-covered bacon will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed sooner rather than later for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate-covered bacon with almonds may sound like a culinary contradiction, but it’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, and spices to create your own signature version. Whether you’re looking for a unique dessert, a conversation-starting snack, or simply a fun culinary adventure, this recipe is sure to deliver. Give it a try, share your creations, and let the deliciousness unfold! Perhaps pair it with a strong dark roast coffee, or an ice-cold glass of milk. Enjoy!