Oscar Mayer bacon adds a delicious savory touch to wrapped dishes. This versatile ingredient can elevate appetizers, main courses, and even desserts with its rich, smoky flavor.
For perfect bacon-wrapped creations, precook Oscar Mayer bacon slightly before wrapping to ensure it crisps up nicely during final cooking. This technique works well for wrapping meats like pork tenderloin or asparagus spears. The fully cooked bacon varieties offer a convenient option for quick wraps that require minimal additional cooking.
Oscar Mayer’s thick-cut bacon provides extra flavor and texture for heartier wrapped dishes. Its robust flavor stands up well to strong ingredients like dates or jalapeños in bacon-wrapped appetizers. The center cut bacon offers a leaner option that works nicely for lighter wraps around seafood or vegetables.
Essential Ingredients and Supplies
To create savory bacon wraps, you’ll need high-quality bacon, complementary ingredients, and the right cooking tools. Selecting the proper bacon type and preparing your kitchen with the necessary supplies ensures delicious results.
Choosing the Right Bacon
Oscar Mayer offers several bacon varieties ideal for wraps. Their center cut bacon provides a leaner option with a balanced meat-to-fat ratio. For a heartier wrap, thick-cut bacon delivers robust flavor and texture. 100% real bacon ensures authentic taste in every bite.
Consider the flavor profile of your wrap when selecting bacon. Classic Oscar Mayer bacon works well for versatile recipes. For sweet and savory combinations, try bacon infused with brown sugar or maple syrup.
Store bacon properly in the refrigerator until ready to use. Check the packaging for expiration dates to ensure freshness.
Additional Ingredients
Pair bacon with complementary ingredients to create flavorful wraps. Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and avocados add crunch and nutrition.
Cheeses such as cheddar, cream cheese, or goat cheese enhance richness. For protein, consider adding grilled chicken, turkey, or scrambled eggs.
Condiments play a crucial role in flavor development. Mayo, mustard, or ranch dressing can elevate the taste profile. Experiment with herbs and spices like black pepper, garlic powder, or fresh basil for added depth.
Tortillas or large lettuce leaves serve as the base for your wraps. Choose options that complement your fillings and dietary preferences.
Required Cooking Supplies
A reliable skillet or frying pan is essential for cooking bacon. Non-stick surfaces help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. For oven-baking methods, a rimmed baking sheet with a wire rack allows excess grease to drip away.
Paper towels are crucial for draining cooked bacon and reducing excess fat. Tongs help safely handle hot bacon slices during cooking and assembly.
A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for preparing additional ingredients. Consider using a food thermometer to ensure bacon reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
For easy cleanup, keep dish soap and scrub brushes handy. Proper ventilation in your kitchen helps manage cooking odors and smoke.
Preparing the Bacon
Proper preparation is key to achieving perfectly cooked Oscar Mayer bacon for savory wraps. The following steps will ensure crispy, flavorful results.
Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper Setup
Begin by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a rimmed baking sheet large enough to accommodate the bacon slices without overcrowding. Line the sheet with parchment paper, extending it slightly over the edges to catch any grease.
This setup prevents the bacon from sticking and makes cleanup easier. The rimmed edges of the baking sheet contain any rendered fat, reducing oven splatter.
Laying out Oscar Mayer Bacon
Remove the Oscar Mayer bacon from its packaging. If using fully cooked bacon, separate the slices carefully. Arrange the bacon in a single layer on the parchment paper, leaving small gaps between each slice.
Avoid overlapping the bacon to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness. For regular bacon, expect some shrinkage during cooking. Fully cooked bacon may require less space.
Seasoning for Extra Flavor
While Oscar Mayer bacon is flavorful on its own, additional seasoning can enhance its taste for savory wraps. Sprinkle black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika lightly over the bacon before baking.
For a sweet-savory profile, brush the bacon with maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar. Be cautious with salt, as bacon is naturally salty. These seasonings will caramelize during baking, creating a delicious crust.
Baking Techniques
Mastering the art of baking Oscar Mayer bacon for savory wraps requires attention to detail and precision. The right techniques ensure crispy, evenly cooked bacon perfect for wrapping.
Understanding the Cooking Time
Bacon cooking time varies based on thickness and desired crispiness. For standard Oscar Mayer bacon, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Thicker cuts may need up to 25 minutes.
Check the bacon at 12 minutes and every 2 minutes after. Remove when it reaches your preferred doneness. The bacon will crisp slightly more as it cools.
For extra crispy bacon, increase baking time by 2-3 minutes. Be vigilant to prevent burning.
Using a Wire Rack
A wire rack elevates bacon above the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate. This results in crispier bacon with less grease.
Place a wire rack on a foil-lined baking sheet. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on the rack, avoiding overlap.
The elevated position lets fat drip away, reducing splatter and cooking time. It also eliminates the need to flip the bacon midway through cooking.
Achieving Evenly Cooked Bacon
Even cooking ensures consistent texture and flavor throughout each strip. Start with bacon at room temperature for uniform cooking.
Arrange strips in a single layer, leaving space between each. This allows hot air to circulate freely.
For extra evenness, rotate the baking sheet halfway through cooking. This compensates for any oven hot spots.
Pat excess grease with paper towels after cooking to maintain crispiness. Let bacon cool on a wire rack to prevent sogginess from residual heat.
Crafting Savory Wraps
Oscar Mayer bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to wraps. Its versatility allows for creative combinations in both hot and cold preparations.
Wrap Recipes
Bacon and cheese wraps make an excellent quick meal or appetizer. Start with a flour tortilla and layer crispy Oscar Mayer bacon strips. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and fold the tortilla corners over to seal. Brush with beaten egg and bake until golden brown.
For a breakfast wrap, combine scrambled eggs, crumbled bacon, and diced tomatoes in a warm tortilla. Add a sprinkle of cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Create a club sandwich wrap by layering turkey, bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a large tortilla. Spread mayo or avocado for creaminess.
Innovative Filling Ideas
Pair bacon with unexpected ingredients for unique flavors. Try a wrap with bacon, roasted sweet potato, and arugula for a sweet-savory contrast.
For a twist on pasta salad, wrap cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and spinach in a tortilla with ranch dressing.
Make a brunch-inspired wrap with bacon, thin apple slices, and brie cheese. Drizzle with honey before rolling.
Experiment with different spreads like hummus or tzatziki to complement the bacon’s smokiness.
Wrapping Techniques
To prevent wraps from falling apart, avoid overfilling. Place ingredients in the center of the tortilla, leaving space around the edges.
For hot wraps, lightly toast the tortilla before filling to improve flexibility. This helps prevent tearing when rolling.
Use the burrito-style technique: fold the bottom up, then the sides in, and roll from the bottom up. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
For cold wraps, chill the filled wrap for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps ingredients set and makes cutting easier.
Serving and Presentation
Presenting savory bacon wraps attractively enhances the dining experience. Proper plating and thoughtful accompaniments can elevate these tasty appetizers.
Plating Your Savory Wraps
Arrange bacon wraps on a clean white plate for a classic look. Use odd numbers like 3 or 5 for visual appeal. Place wraps slightly overlapping for an artful display.
For a rustic touch, serve on a wooden board. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add color.
Cut wraps diagonally and stand them upright for an eye-catching presentation. This also showcases the fillings.
Suggested Accompaniments
Pair bacon wraps with dipping sauces for added flavor. Offer Heinz tomato ketchup, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.
Serve with a side salad of mixed greens to balance the richness. Add cherry tomatoes and cucumber for freshness.
Provide small bowls of pickles or olives as tangy palate cleansers. These complement the savory bacon flavor.
For a complete appetizer spread, include cheese cubes and fresh fruit. This offers variety in textures and tastes.
Consider the nutrition facts when planning accompaniments. Balance indulgent bacon wraps with lighter options.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure Oscar Mayer bacon stays fresh and tasty for savory wraps. Following recommended practices maximizes flavor and food safety.
Storing Leftover Bacon
Store unopened packages of Oscar Mayer fully cooked bacon in the refrigerator until the “use by” date. Once opened, transfer remaining bacon to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerate for up to 7 days.
For longer storage, freeze bacon for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag. Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
Always label containers with the date to track freshness. Discard bacon if it develops an off odor, slimy texture, or visible mold.
Reheating for Best Quality
Microwave: Place bacon strips on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Heat 3-4 slices for 15-20 seconds or 6-8 slices for 20-25 seconds. Add time in 5-second intervals for desired crispness.
Skillet: Arrange bacon in a single layer in a cold pan. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, turning once.
Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Spread bacon on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes.
Always check that bacon reaches 165°F internal temperature before consuming. Let stand for 30 seconds after reheating to allow heat to distribute evenly.