What Is Arkansas Bacon? A Complete Guide to This Unique Pork Product

Arkansas bacon has become increasingly popular over the recent years, garnering attention from bacon lovers and foodies across the country. But what exactly is Arkansas bacon and how does it differ from regular bacon?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Arkansas bacon including how it’s made, what makes it unique, its flavor profile and texture, health benefits, top producers to try, and delicious recipe ideas. Read on to become a Arkansas bacon expert!

How Arkansas Bacon Is Made

Arkansas bacon is made using a specific cut of pork called the Boston pork shoulder blade roast. To make Arkansas bacon the pork shoulder blade roast is prepared by removing the neck bones rib bones, and blade bone or scapula. The dorsal fat covering and skin are also removed, leaving no more than 1⁄4 inch of fat on the meat.

Unlike regular bacon, Arkansas bacon is dry cured instead of wet brined. It is cured with a mixture of salt, sugar, spices, and nitrites. No additional water, phosphates, or preservatives can be injected into the pork during curing. After curing, the pork is smoked using only natural hardwood smoke, not liquid smoke.

The entire process of making Arkansas bacon—from the breed of hog and diet, to curing, smoking, slicing, and packaging—must take place within the borders of Arkansas in order to be considered true Arkansas bacon.

What Makes Arkansas Bacon Unique

There are several characteristics that set Arkansas bacon apart from other bacon varieties:

• Meatier texture: With less fat and more meat, Arkansas bacon has a beefier, chewier texture.

• Smoky flavor: The exclusive use of natural hardwood smoke lends a deep, savory smoky flavor.

• Lack of sweetness: Since sugar is not heavily used in curing, the flavor profile is not overly sweet or maple-y.

• Omega-3 content: Arkansas bacon has a higher omega-3 fatty acid content than regular pork.

• Thicker cut: Sliced thicker than regular bacon, Arkansas bacon holds its shape better during cooking.

• Small batch production: Often made in smaller quantities by local producers, ensuring quality.

Overall, the flavor and texture of Arkansas bacon is robust, smoke-forward, and distinctly porky. The meaty slices fry up chewy with a touch of crispness at the edges.

Health Benefits of Arkansas Bacon

While bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, Arkansas bacon does have some potential health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet:

• Higher ratio of monounsaturated fats compared to saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats may help lower LDL cholesterol.

• More omega-3 fatty acids than conventional pork due to diet and breed. Omega-3s provide anti-inflammatory effects.

• Good source of protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. These support energy, cell function, and brain health.

• Contains phosphorus, zinc, iron, magnesium, potassium, and selenium. These minerals strengthen bones, immunity, metabolism, and thyroid function.

• Very low in carbohydrates, making it keto and low carb diet friendly.

While no one food is a magic bullet for health, Arkansas bacon can be incorporated into a balanced diet in reasonable serving sizes.

How to Cook Arkansas Bacon

Cooking Arkansas bacon is easy, whether you prefer baking it in the oven or frying it in a skillet. Here are some tips:

• Oven method: Place bacon slices in a single layer on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.

• Skillet method: Cook the bacon in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and crispy. Pour off excess grease as needed.

• Microwave method: Place bacon between paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until cooked through.

• Grilling method: Place bacon directly on a hot grill or wrap around skewers. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side.

• Air fryer method: Lay bacon strips in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 370°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

No matter which cooking method you choose, resist the urge to press down on the bacon with tongs as it can make it stick. Let it cook undisturbed for best results.

Top Producers of Arkansas Bacon To Try

Several acclaimed producers in Arkansas make excellent quality bacon showcasing the state’s traditional curing and smoking techniques. Here are some top artisanal brands to look for:

• Ozark Mountain Pork – Located in the Ozark Mountains, they produce premium dry-cured bacon with Berkshire, Duroc, and Other White breed pigs.

• Petit Jean Meats – This 60-year old smokehouse offers peppered bacon, regular smoked slab bacon, and even bacon burnt ends from their family recipes.

• Coursey’s Smoked Meats – Specializing in smoked meats since 1974, their thick-sliced bacon is smoked with hickory for full flavor.

• Ham I Am – Using heritage pork breeds, this small-batch producer cold smokes their bacon over fruit and nut woods for 14 hours.

• Blue Smoke Bacon – Made by Brecke Ridge Farm in Harrah, OK, they use pasture-raised heritage hogs and fruitwood smoke.

Searching out bacon from these artisanal smokehouses will let you taste how delicious true Arkansas-style bacon can be.

5 Delicious Recipes Using Arkansas Bacon

From breakfast plates to dinners and appetizers, Arkansas bacon’s robust flavor pairs well with many ingredients. Here are 5 recipe ideas to inspire you:

1. Arkansas Bacon Cheeseburger

A juicy beef patty topped with melty cheddar cheese, crispy lettuce, onion, tomato, and pickles, all sandwiched between a toasted bun with thick slices of Arkansas bacon. The bacon adds great texture and smoky flavor.

2. Brussels Sprouts with Arkansas Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed with crispy chopped Arkansas bacon pieces, fresh lemon juice, and Parmesan for a tasty side dish. The bacon lends a nice salty, savory crunch.

3. Arkansas Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Jumbo shrimp are wrapped with Arkansas bacon and grilled or broiled until the bacon becomes crisp. The shrimp stays juicy and picks up lovely smoky notes.

4. Arkansas Bacon Green Beans

Blanched green beans are sautéed with cooked and crumbled Arkansas bacon, onion, butter, light brown sugar, and black pepper. A classic Southern side.

5. Arkansas Bacon Deviled Eggs

Hard boiled eggs are cut in half and the yolks mixed with mayo, Dijon, and crumbled Arkansas bacon to make the filling before stuffing back into the whites. The bacon provides a wonderful crunch.

As you can see, Arkansas bacon’s versatility allows it to flavor all kinds of dishes from casual to gourmet. Let your creativity lead the way!

Is Arkansas Bacon Worth Trying?

For bacon aficionados or anyone looking for a quality artisanal pork product, Arkansas bacon is absolutely worth trying. The carefully crafted smoking and curing process results in bacon with a pronounced smoky flavor, substantial meaty texture, and pleasant chewiness. It makes a significant difference in recipes compared to regular supermarket bacon.

Supporting regional producers and seeking out heritage breed pork also appeals to many bacon lovers who value small farms and humane animal treatment. While pricier than mass-market bacon, Arkansas bacon delivers superior flavor and is worth the splurge as an occasional treat. Just a few slices can really take breakfast, burgers, appetizers, or soups to the next level.

So for your next special brunch or backyard cookout, consider picking up some Arkansas bacon from a local butcher or order directly from an Arkansas smokehouse online. Look forward to enjoying the nuanced smoke-cured flavor that only authentic Arkansas-style bacon can provide. It offers an entirely unique pork experience compared to what you’ll find in standard grocery stores. Give it a try and we bet you’ll be converted to an Arkansas bacon fan in no time!