They say bacon makes everything better—and this Taste of Home Award winner proves it.
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I have to admit something kind of embarrassing, but I think this is a safe space. Whenever I cook breakfast, in my head I sing the Gergich family “Breakfast Song” from a 2013 episode of Parks and Recreation. My apologies in advance. I’m sure this song is going to get stuck in your head for the next, oh, 13 years or so!
But the truth is, nothing could be simpler or more delicious than a breakfast meal of eggs, bacon and toast. So I’m happy that this little jokey sitcom song exists to celebrate it. And I was even more excited when I learned that noted breakfast meat purveyor Oscar Mayer was releasing a brand-new flavor: maple-bourbon thick-cut bacon. It’s made with Evan Williams bourbon, and man, it’s delicious.
It’s so good, I think it deserves its own song—and a Taste of Home Award.
Oscar Mayer Maple Bourbon Bacon
I Think Maple-Bourbon Bacon Was Made for Me
Pretty much everyone has a very specific way that they like to enjoy their bacon. I like it extra crispy, and before I eat it, I dunk it in maple syrup. So this new Oscar Mayer flavor is right up my alley. It’s undeniably sweet and cuts through the smokiness of the bacon quite nicely. The barrel-aged bourbon brings out a subtle caramel flavor, and I immediately thought it would make a perfect cocktail garnish. Bloody Mary, anyone?
In fact, I couldn’t stop thinking of ways to eat this bacon. It’s a great addition to chicken salad, cooked well and chopped into bits. I even layered it on a giant breakfast sandwich complete with tofu scramble, avocado and pickled red onions on an everything bagel. Sure, I might be the first person in the world to fry up some tofu scramble in bacon grease—but I wanted to infuse this flavor into everything.
How long will the new Oscar Mayer bacon be available?
That depends. Currently, it’s a limited-edition item that’s available at retailers starting in April, and it should stick around well into grilling season. Oscar Mayer says it’s releasing a slew of new products throughout the spring and into summer to see what customers gravitate toward the most. The result will be some of the new products joining its permanent collection. I’ll cast my vote now: Keep the maple bourbon bacon forever!
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