A bacon sandwich is a timeless favourite, simple and comforting. But according to sandwich expert Chris from Something About Sandwiches, the choice of bacon could be holding it back. He claims that back bacon, not streaky bacon, makes the 'most delicious' bacon sandwich.
Back Bacon vs Streaky Bacon
Chris explains: 'For a bacon sarnie it’s back bacon over streaky bacon. If you’ve been a reader of mine for a while you know my love for streaky bacon, but back bacon is where it’s at for a bacon butty. You still get the nice crispy part of the tail, but more of the meat with the medallion.'
He also recommends smoked bacon over unsmoked: 'In terms of smoked vs unsmoked, I highly recommend smoked. You’re just missing out on flavour otherwise! Remember, bacon is the only main ingredient here, let it shine!'
The Importance of Bread
According to Chris, the best bacon sandwich starts with thick, soft white sandwich bread. Thick slices are essential because they hold up against the buttery, saucy filling without falling apart. Soft bread provides contrast to crispy bacon. He believes white bread is the only real option, as wholemeal and seeded loaves distract from the sandwich's simplicity. He also recommends standard sandwich bread over artisan loaves.
How to Make the Perfect Bacon Sandwich
Chris shares his method for the perfect bacon sandwich. You will need two thick slices of soft white bread, four smoked back bacon, salted butter to taste, and ketchup or brown sauce if preferred.
Cook the bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until the fat renders and it's mostly crisp but still slightly meaty. Generously butter both slices of bread. Layer four slices of bacon across the bread—Chris notes bacon shrinks, so two per side. Add ketchup to taste, top with the second slice, cut in half, and serve immediately.
