Bacon Snow – The Fluffy, Crispy Winter Treat

As temperatures drop and snow starts falling, there’s nothing better than warming up inside with a hot, fresh-from-the-oven treat Bacon snow is the ultimate winter comfort food – fluffy mashed potatoes topped with crispy bits of bacon This simple yet crowd-pleasing recipe is sure to become a cozy seasonal staple.

What is Bacon Snow?

Bacon snow consists of creamy mashed potatoes covered in crispy fried bacon pieces. When baked, the bacon fat drizzles down into the potato layer, creating irresistible pockets of savory flavor

With its textured layers resembling freshly fallen snow this dish got its fun name because it’s perfect for chilly weather. The combo of soft potato “snow” and crunchy bacon “ice crystals” makes this comfort food indulgence feel just like winter in your mouth!

Origins of Bacon Snow

While the exact origins are unknown, bacon snow likely emerged in the Midwestern United States, where hearty, bacon-laden dishes are a specialty. The concept of topping creamy potatoes with crispy pork is reminiscent of several traditional recipes:

• Funeral potatoes – Cheesy potato casserole with corn flakes topping
• German kartoffelpuffer – Shredded potato pancakes with bacon
• Pigs in a blanket – Sausages wrapped in biscuit dough or mashed potatoes

By combining the satisfying textures of fried bacon and fluffy, buttery mashed potatoes, bacon snow became a cherished potluck and holiday tradition.

How to Make Bacon Snow

Making this simple, scrumptious dish requires just a few easy steps:

Potatoes – Boil russet or Yukon gold potatoes until tender, then mash with butter, milk and seasonings.

Bacon – Fry bacon strips until crispy; crumble or chop into bits.

Assembly – Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon pieces.

Bake – Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.

The potato base can be made ahead of time for easy assembly later. Customize your bacon snow with different mix-ins like cheese, scallions or sour cream.

What Kind of Bacon Works Best?

While any bacon imparts welcome crunch and flavor, traditional American-style bacon is ideal. The high fat content renders while baking, further infusing the potatoes.

Thicker slices provide more textural contrast. Smoked bacon lends a deeper, smoky nuance. Pancetta or bacon lardons would also be delicious for a slight Italian twist.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Bacon Snow

Follow these tips for bacon snow that delights on every level:

• Generously season the mashed potatoes with butter, cream and salt.
• Use starchy potatoes like Russets for fluffier, creamier spuds.
• Fry the bacon extra crispy so it stays crunchy when baked.
• Sprinkle bacon over potatoes, don’t overmix them together.
• Bake until hot and bubbling; broil at the end for crunchier bacon.

Getting the ratios of potato to bacon just right is key for irresistible flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Bacon Snow

This versatile dish works for breakfast, lunch or dinner:

• Breakfast – Serve bacon snow with eggs for a hearty eye-opener.

• Lunch – Pile it high on a plate or hollow it out in bread bowls.

• Dinner – Pair it with roasted chicken or pork for a complete meal.

• Potlucks – Always a crowd-pleasing contribution as a side dish.

• Parties – Ideal as an appetizer or late-night snack to soak up drinks.

You can also scale up the recipe for a party-sized traybake to feed a hungry crowd.

Creative Ways to Customize Bacon Snow

While delicious in its classic form, feel free to put your own spin on bacon snow:

• Mix in sharp cheddar, gruyere or blue cheese for added flavor.

• Add caramelized onions, roasted garlic or mushrooms.

• Use thick-cut pub-style potato chips instead of bacon for a creative crunch.

• Top with extra bacon bits, scallions, sour cream or chives before serving.

• Drizzle with ranch dressing, salsa verde or gravy for bonus flavor.

• For breakfast, top with a fried egg for the ultimate savory start to your day.

Is Bacon Snow Healthy?

With its hefty portions of bacon and full-fat dairy from butter and cream, bacon snow is more of an occasional indulgence. However, both potatoes and bacon deliver key nutrients. Potatoes offer vitamin C, potassium and fiber, while bacon provides protein, zinc and iron.

When enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet, bacon snow can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Consider smaller portions or healthier substitutions like turkey bacon, plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese.

Why People Love Bacon Snow

There are several reasons this comfort food classic has stood the test of time:

• Satisfying mix of textures – soft and creamy meets crunchy

• Savory, bacon flavor punch in every bite

• Warming, nostalgic, and quintessentially winter

• Simple staple ingredients most people have on hand

• Endlessly adaptable to customize with different add-ins

• Brings people together as the perfect potluck or party food

With its irresistible taste and texture, ol’ fashioned charm and flexible recipe, it’s easy to see why bacon snow elicits such devotion.

Give Bacon Snow a Try This Winter

As temperatures drop, warm your heart, home and stomach with a bubbling-hot pan of bacon snow. Crispy, salty, savory and smooth, this iconic recipe satisfies comfort food cravings in delicious style. So grab your mittens, crank up the fire and let it snow – bacon snow, that is!