Bacon-Infused Ice Cream Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight
The combination of sweet and savory flavors with our bacon-infused ice cream recipe. Perfect for adventurous foodies and dessert lovers. Here you can see, how I am making this Bacon-Infused Ice Cream masterpiece step by step.
Ingredients for Bacon-Infused Ice Cream
To make this unique dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Bacon Infusion:
- 4 slices of thick-cut smoked bacon
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups of heavy cream
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 3/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Step 1: Preparing the Bacon
Start by cooking the bacon to crispy perfection:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Coat the bacon: Place the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle them evenly with brown sugar for a caramelized glaze.
- Bake the bacon: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crispy. Remove from the oven and let it cool. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Making the Ice Cream Base
The creamy foundation of your ice cream is crucial to balancing the bold bacon flavor:
- Heat the dairy: In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream and whole milk. Heat the mixture over medium heat until it begins to steam, but don’t let it boil.
- Whisk the yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
- Temper the yolks: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
- Combine and cook: Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add flavoring: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt for enhanced flavor.
Step 3: Infusing the Bacon Flavor
- Blend the flavors: Add half of the chopped bacon to the warm ice cream base. Stir well to allow the smoky flavor to infuse.
- Chill the mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solid bits. Transfer the strained liquid to a clean bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step ensures a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 4: Churning the Ice Cream
- Prepare the ice cream maker: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to set up your ice cream maker.
- Churn the mixture: Pour the chilled ice cream base into the ice cream maker. Churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency, which usually takes 20-25 minutes.
- Add bacon bits: During the last 5 minutes of churning, add the remaining chopped bacon pieces for texture and bursts of flavor.
Step 5: Freezing and Serving
- Transfer and freeze: Spoon the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to achieve a firmer texture.
- Serve: Scoop the bacon-infused ice cream into bowls or cones. Garnish with extra bacon bits or a drizzle of maple syrup for a decadent touch.
Tips for the Perfect Bacon-Infused Ice Cream
- Use quality bacon: The flavor of your ice cream depends on the quality of the bacon. Opt for thick-cut, smoked varieties for the best results.
- Balance sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, consider adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the base.
- Experiment with textures: For added crunch, sprinkle candied bacon bits on top just before serving.
- Pair with complementary flavors: Serve your bacon-infused ice cream with pancakes, waffles, or as a topping for apple pie.
Why You Should Try Bacon-Infused Ice Cream
Bacon-infused ice cream is more than a novelty dessert. It’s a testament to the endless possibilities of culinary creativity. The smoky, savory notes of bacon blend harmoniously with the creamy sweetness of traditional ice cream, creating a flavor profile that’s both surprising and satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until it’s fully frozen.
2. How long can I store bacon-infused ice cream?
Keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks for optimal freshness.
3. Can I substitute turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon offers a leaner alternative without compromising the smoky flavor.
