Country Fried Floured Bacon takes the savory goodness of bacon and kicks it up a notch by coating it in a seasoned flour mixture and frying it to crispy perfection. The combination of smoky bacon with a crunchy, flavorful crust makes this dish an irresistible indulgence. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as an appetizer at your next gathering!
Ingredients for Country Fried Floured Bacon
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions for Country Fried Floured Bacon
1. Prepare the Flour Mixture
- In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
2. Dip the Bacon in Buttermilk
- Pour ½ cup buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each slice of thick-cut bacon into the buttermilk, making sure both sides are well-coated.
3. Coat the Bacon with Flour
- After dipping the bacon in buttermilk, dredge each slice in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the bacon to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and set the bacon aside on a plate.
4. Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet or deep frying pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking (around 350°F (175°C)). You can test the oil by dropping a small bit of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
5. Fry the Bacon
- Carefully place the floured bacon slices into the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Fry the bacon for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Turn the bacon halfway through cooking to ensure even frying on both sides.
6. Drain the Bacon
- Once the bacon is fried to crispy perfection, use tongs to remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.
7. Serve
- Serve the country fried floured bacon while hot and crispy. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favorite breakfast sides like eggs, biscuits, or grits.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the bacon in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bacon.
- Check the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is key to getting a crispy coating. Too hot, and the bacon will burn; too cold, and it will become greasy.
- Extra Crispiness: For even crispier bacon, you can double-dip the bacon by coating it in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
Variations for Country Fried Floured Bacon
1. Spicy Fried Bacon
- Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
2. Herb-Crusted Bacon
- Mix in 1 teaspoon dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for an herb-infused crust.
3. Sweet and Savory Bacon
- For a sweet twist, add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the flour mixture to create a sweet, caramelized coating when fried.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bake the floured bacon instead of frying?
Yes! If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the bacon. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the floured bacon on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through.
2. Can I make this bacon ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can fry the bacon ahead of time and reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore its crispiness.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover fried bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or in a skillet to maintain its crisp texture.
A Crispy, Savory Bacon Delight
Country Fried Floured Bacon is the ultimate comfort food, taking the already beloved bacon to the next level with a crispy, seasoned coating. This dish is sure to be a hit at breakfast or brunch, and it’s versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or snack for any occasion. With its crunchy exterior and smoky, savory interior, this fried bacon will leave everyone asking for seconds!
