Volume 4: Bacon

Welcome to the fourth edition of MenuQuest, a newsletter designed to deliver the latest trends and delicious menu ideas. This volume is all about crispy, crave-worthy bacon – the hottest culinary craze in years. Take a look to learn how bacon can help you build a better menu.

Chef-mike

Chef Mike Wales

JMFG MenuQuest

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon

Pair crispy bacon with baked macaroni and cheese for a delicious twist on a creamy classic. Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 7 tbsp. butter, divided
  • 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp. dry mustard
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ½ tsp. coarsely ground black pepper
  • 3 c. whole milk
  • 1 lb. sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 lb. short-noodle pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
  • 12 oz. bacon, cooked, drained and coarsely chopped
  • ½ c. plain panko bread crumbs

Directions

  • 1. Melt 6 tbsp. butter in medium saucepan on medium heat, then whisk in flour, Worcestershire sauce and spices until smooth.
  • 2. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Bring to boil until thickened, stirring frequently.
  • 3. Reduce heat to low and whisk in cheese until completely melted.
  • 4. Combine cooked pasta, bacon and cheese sauce. Pour into well-sprayed half-hotel pan.
  • 5. Melt remaining butter in small saucepan. Stir in bread crumbs until coated and sprinkle crumbs over top of macaroni mixture.
  • 6. Bake in 325°F convection oven 13 to 15 minutes or until top is light golden brown and mixture is bubbly.
  • NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER 1 SERVING:
  • Calories 688; Total Fat 39g; Saturated Fat 22g; Trans. Fat < 1g; Cholesterol 107mg; Sodium 833mg; Total Carbohydrate 55g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Total Sugars 7g; Protein 28g

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER 1 SERVING: Calories 688; Total Fat 39g; Saturated Fat 22g; Trans. Fat < 1g; Cholesterol 107mg; Sodium 833mg; Total Carbohydrate 55g; Dietary Fiber 2g; Total Sugars 7g; Protein 28g

Bacon Across the Menu

Over 75% of bacon dishes are entrée menu items, including sandwiches, salads, burgers and pizza.

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Everything is Better with Bacon

Bacon pairs well with a wide variety of sandwich ingredients.

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Bacon Sandwiches

Bacon is the 2nd most popular sandwich protein. It’s typically menued alongside another protein, or as the primary part of a BLT.

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Bacon on Burgers

Overall, operators charge an average of over $1 more for burgers topped with bacon.

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Recipe Concepts

Scallop & Arugula Salad
Top fresh arugula with seared scallops, crispy bacon, leeks, Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of green goddess dressing.
Santa Fe Flatbread
Try a breakfast flatbread topped with scrambled eggs, bacon, chipotle peppers and Cheddar cheese.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Serve spaghetti with a creamy sauce made with crisp bacon, eggs, Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Bacon-Wrapped Pork Loin
Wrap a tender pork loin roast in bacon, then serve it with raspberry sauce and Pinot Noir-braised onions.

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