Finding Benton’s Legendary Bacon in Knoxville: The Ultimate Guide

As a serious bacon lover living in Knoxville, I’m always on the hunt for the very best bacon I can get my hands on And when it comes to top-notch bacon, Benton’s is arguably the cream of the crop. Benton’s Bacon, made by Allan Benton in Madisonville, TN, has achieved an almost legendary status among chefs and foodies for its incredibly rich, smoky flavor But finding this bacon treasure in Knoxville can be trickier than you may think.

In this comprehensive guide I’ll share the inside scoop on where to procure this mouthwatering smoked bacon in Knoxville, so you can experience the magic of Benton’s right here in your own backyard.

Benton’s Bacon is crafted by Allan Benton, who runs Benton’s Smoky Mountain Country Hams in Madisonville, TN. Using heritage breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Duroc, Benton cures the pork bellies with salt and brown sugar before smoking them for at least 10 days over smoldering hickory wood. This old-fashioned process results in bacon with an intense smoky flavor and porky richness that’s become beloved by top chefs across the country. The bacon ends up on menus everywhere from Momofuku in NYC to Husk in Charleston.

But you don’t have to travel far to taste this bacon bliss — Benton’s can be found right here in Knoxville if you know where to look. Let’s explore the local markets and stores bringing Benton’s tasty bacon to East Tennessee.

The Allure of Benton’s Bacon

So what exactly gives Benton’s Bacon its cult following and high acclaim among bacon connoisseurs?

• Heritage Breed Pork – The use of heritage hog breeds like Berkshire and Tamworth contributes to the porky depth of flavor.

• Traditional Wood Smoking – Smoking for 10+ days over hickory wood gives the bacon its signature smoky essence.

• Small Batch Production – Made by hand in small batches, not mass-produced. Preserves quality.

• Allan Benton’s Craft – Benton himself is a master curer, using time-honored techniques.

• Rave Reviews – Adoration from big-name chefs and home cooks cements its status.

Even with its fame, Benton’s Bacon remains a humble Tennessee product, sending out surprise boxes with personal notes attached. If you want to taste this bacon greatness yourself, the good news is you can find it right here in Knoxville.

Where to Buy Benton’s Bacon in Knoxville

Thanks to several local markets and stores, getting your hands on Benton’s Bacon in Knoxville is entirely possible. Here are the top spots to pick up this smoky, mouthwatering bacon:

• Three Rivers Market – A Knoxville staple for over 37 years, this local grocer offers Benton’s Bacon.

• Archer’s Food Center – Family-owned store in Norris, TN with local goods and an in-house butcher. Sells Benton’s.

• Farm Fresh Produce – Store with locally grown produce and goods like honey and milk. Carries Benton’s Bacon.

• French’s Market – Family-owned market with seasonal local produce and plants. Stocks Benton’s.

• Horn of Plenty Market – Sells local honey, produce, and Benton’s Bacon.

• Pratt’s Country Store – Broad selection of local produce, honey, and artisan goods, including Benton’s Bacon.

Other Local Products

Beyond Benton’s Bacon, these stores also offer an array of fantastic locally-sourced goods: honey, fresh produce, preserves, cheese, chow-chow, salsa, soaps, candles, nursery plants, and much more. It’s a one-stop shop to support local makers and farmers in the Knoxville area.

So for superlative bacon and other amazing local finds, be sure to check out these family-owned Knoxville markets and stores. You’ll come away with incredible Benton’s Bacon and taste the best of what this region has to offer.

Tips for Buying Benton’s Bacon

Once you’ve found a source for Benton’s Bacon in Knoxville, here are some tips to ensure you select the best packages:

• Check Packaging – Look for pristine, undamaged packaging without tears or stains.

• Examine Color – Opt for packages with rich red bacon slices instead of pale or brown.

• Confirm Smokiness – Packages should smell robustly smoky when opened.

• Review Fat – Fat should be white and firm, not yellow or soft.

• Check Sizes – Pick package sizes suited for your expected use and consumption.

• Know Shelf Life – Unopened Benton’s packages last 4-6 weeks refrigerated.

• Freeze Extras – Freeze additional packages for longer storage. Thaw refrigerated overnight before use.

Following these guidelines will lead you to the finest packages of Benton’s Bacon available in Knoxville markets.

Enjoy Unparalleled Bacon From a Tennessee Original

As a food-focused Tennessee native, I’m delighted that Benton’s legendary bacon can be found right in my hometown of Knoxville. Thanks to wonderful local markets like Three Rivers, Archer’s, and Pratt’s, I can enjoy this exceptional smoked bacon whenever a craving strikes. Their dedication to stocking local goods makes experiencing staples like Benton’s Bacon easy and accessible. With such high-quality bacon on hand, I can create indulgent breakfasts, BLTs, baked beans, and many more drool-worthy dishes. Benton’s Bacon elevates everything it touches, and I’m grateful I can source it close to home.