This Bacon Combination Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

There aren't many foods that beat the salty taste and crispy texture of perfectly cooked bacon. As a matter of fact, there's a scientific reason why bacon tastes good with everything. This favored meat's high fat content coupled with its savory flavor make it a highly adaptable food that pairs well with all sorts of ingredients. Speaking of which, if you happen to be looking for more creative ways to consume this versatile staple, pair bacon with bananas for a complex, one-of-a-kind treat.

Just like there are countless sweet foods that benefit from a pinch of salt, such as chocolate, ice cream, and other fruit, bananas taste extra-creamy and dessert-like when paired with a savory food like salt-cured pork. Especially if you're looking to wow your taste buds, chunks of banana wrapped in bacon is guaranteed to activate most taste receptors in your mouth.

Fortunately, there's more than one way to prepare this simple snack at home. All you need to do is cut peeled bananas into two to three-inch chunks and wrap each portion in halved slices of raw bacon. To keep the meat from unraveling, feel free to secure each assembled bite with a toothpick. Then, simply bake these two-ingredient snacks in an oven, air fryer, or over an open grill until the bacon becomes perfectly crispy. Fortunately, once you find your preferred cooking method, there are many creative ways to tailor this recipe more to your liking.

For starters, to make this food's sweet-and-salty flavor combination more impactful, make sure to use ripe bananas. To add sweetness, you can brush them with a bit of maple syrup or honey before cooking. Or, choose a bacon that has a bit of sweetness added with brown sugar or maple varieties. For toppings, use melted chocolate, whipped cream, or sweetened peanut butter. 

Conversely, you can add a bit of heat by wrapping your bananas in peppered bacon. Top them with smoky seasonings like chili powder, smoked paprika, or your favorite barbecue rub. Once fully cooked, top each banana bite with pickled jalapeños, chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

If you end up loving the combination of creamy bananas and crispy bacon, feel free to incorporate this salted pork into more banana-flavored treats and snacks. For example, add a savory flavor bomb to your banana bread with this addition. Or, swap out your next lunchtime grilled cheese for a toasted bacon and banana sandwich with peanut butter and honey.