Bacon is a staple of American cuisine, and there’s no better place to find delicious, smoky strips of piggy goodness than in the state of Georgia. From sweet and savory to thick and crispy, Georgia offers a variety of bacon options that will make your taste buds dance. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best bacon in Georgia to help you find your new favorite.
What Makes Good Bacon Great?
Before we dive into our list of the best bacon in Georgia, let’s talk about what makes bacon great. What separates good bacon from great bacon? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Thickness: The perfect strip of bacon should be thick enough to hold up to cooking without becoming too crispy or burnt. Thin slices of bacon can easily become dry and overcooked.
- Crispiness: A great strip of bacon should be crispy on the outside but still tender and juicy on the inside. This requires a delicate balance of cooking time and temperature.
- Flavor: Bacon should have a deep, smoky flavor that complements the meat and enhances its natural richness. A touch of sweetness or spice can also take bacon to the next level.
The Best Bacon in Georgia
Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best bacon in Georgia:
Benton’s Bacon
While not technically from Georgia, Benton’s Bacon hails from the nearby state of Tennessee and is widely regarded as some of the best bacon around. Made using traditional methods, Benton’s bacon is slow-smoked over hickory wood for an incredibly deep, rich flavor. It’s thick-cut and perfectly crispy, making it a popular choice among both bacon purists and foodies alike.
The Spotted Trotter
The Spotted Trotter is a beloved Atlanta-based charcuterie that specializes in artisanal meats, with bacon being one of their standout offerings. Their bacon is thick and meaty, with a robust, smoky flavor that will keep you coming back for more. Try their maple bacon for a touch of sweetness or their black pepper bacon for a spicy kick.
Pine Street Market
Another Atlanta-based charcuterie, Pine Street Market is a favorite among locals for their handmade meats and sausages. Their bacon is made with locally-sourced pork and smoked over a blend of hickory, applewood, and cherrywood for a complex, layered flavor. Their classic bacon is a must-try, but don’t overlook their bourbon bacon or jalapeno bacon for a unique twist.
Broadbent’s Bacon
Broadbent’s Bacon is a family-owned and operated business located in Kentucky, but their bacon can be found in stores throughout Georgia. Their thick-cut bacon is slow-cured using a traditional family recipe and then smoked over hickory wood for a rich, savory flavor. It’s the perfect balance of salty and smoky and is great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Where to Buy the Best Bacon in Georgia
Now that you know where to find some of the best bacon in Georgia, you might be wondering where to purchase it. Many of these artisanal bacon producers sell their products online and offer nationwide shipping. Additionally, you can often find their bacon at local farmers’ markets or specialty food stores. Be sure to check their websites or social media pages for information on where to buy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a bacon enthusiast or simply looking to upgrade your breakfast routine, Georgia offers a wide array of delicious and unique bacon options to suit every taste. From thick and meaty to sweet and smoky, these artisanal bacon producers are taking this breakfast staple to the next level. Now, go forth and indulge in some of the best bacon in Georgia!