Belly of The Beast Bacon

Posted on December 4th, 2025.

The holidays are all about gathering, sharing good food, and making memories that last longer than the decorations. A thoughtful menu helps set the tone, from the first welcome bite to the final sweet treat. When each dish feels a little special, guests notice and remember.

Gourmet bacon is one of those ingredients that can quietly turn a familiar spread into something exciting. Its rich flavor, crisp texture, and aroma work beautifully at brunch, dinner, and even dessert. With a few smart ideas, it becomes more than a side; it becomes a star.

From elegant appetizers to show-stopping mains and clever sweets, bacon gives you countless ways to surprise your guests. Planning a Christmas menu around high-quality pork and beef bacon lets you add depth, contrast, and a touch of indulgence to every course.

The Art of Impressing with Bacon Creations

When friends and family walk in and catch the scent of bacon sizzling, you have already started the celebration. That aroma signals comfort and care, and it instantly draws people toward the kitchen. Using gourmet bacon in your holiday dishes takes that feeling and adds a layer of polish that feels intentional instead of casual.

Premium pork bacon brings smoky, savory richness that works beautifully in both simple and elaborate dishes. It shines in classics like bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese, where crisp saltiness meets creamy tang and natural sweetness. Premium beef bacon offers a slightly deeper, meatier flavor that pairs well with richer mains, such as steak or hearty stews. Choosing one or combining both gives you a wider range of options for different tastes and textures.

Starting your menu with bacon-forward appetizers is an easy way to impress without adding stress. Think bacon-wrapped asparagus for a fresh, crisp bite, or mini potato skins topped with crumbled bacon, cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream. These small plates look festive on a platter and are simple to serve as guests arrive. They also set expectations for the rest of the meal: flavorful, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent.

Bacon’s versatility really shows in the main course. A bacon-wrapped filet or a roasted chicken crowned with strips of crisp bacon instantly looks more celebratory. The fat bastes the meat as it cooks, keeping it juicy while adding layers of flavor you cannot get from seasoning alone. Even a simple pan of roasted vegetables takes on new life when tossed with chopped bacon and its rendered fat, turning a basic side into something guests reach for twice.

Brunch is another perfect place for gourmet bacon to shine during the holidays. A frittata loaded with vegetables and bacon, a tray of bacon and cheese breakfast sliders, or even a build-your-own bacon sandwich station can make a late-morning gathering feel special without being fussy. Pair these with fresh fruit and coffee, and you have a relaxed yet impressive spread.

Most importantly, using bacon as a central ingredient shows the thought that went into your menu. It is familiar enough that everyone feels comfortable, yet elevated enough to feel festive. When dishes look appealing, smell incredible, and taste even better, your guests will remember more than just the food; they will remember how it felt to be at your table.

Heavenly Holiday Bacon Recipes

The holiday bacon recipes that might pique your interest start with a bacon-wrapped, cheese-stuffed portobello mushroom. Imagine greeting your guests with these meaty fungi transformed into sumptuous vessels of flavor. Here's how you can create this accessible masterpiece in your kitchen:

• Gather Ingredients: Large portobello mushrooms, premium pork bacon, cream cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Preparation: Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems. Brush each cap with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
• Stuff and Wrap: Mix the cream cheese with chopped chives and garlic powder, then generously dollop the mixture onto each mushroom cap. Carefully wrap a slice of premium pork bacon around the cheese-stuffed base, securing with a toothpick if needed.
• Cook: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (205°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
• Serve Hot: Remove the toothpicks and plate these elegant morsels, garnishing with extra chives for a hint of green.

Next, for a mouthwatering main course, treat your guests to a beef bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. The interplay between the different meats introduces a contrasting texture and flavor that's truly captivating. Follow these steps for a full-bodied dish that impresses:

• Ingredients You'll Need: Pork tenderloin, premium beef bacon, whole grain mustard, fresh rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Quick Prep: Begin by slathering the pork tenderloin with olive oil, followed by a spread of whole grain mustard. Season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle with freshly chopped rosemary.
• Wrap and Secure: Use slices of premium beef bacon to fully wrap the seasoned tenderloin, ensuring an even layer around the entire cut of meat.
• Baking: Place the wrapped tenderloin in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), usually taking around 25–30 minutes.
• Rest and Slice: Allow the tenderloin to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing, ensuring the juices redistribute for a succulent bite.

On the sweeter side, consider whipping up bacon and maple pecan tarts for dessert, combining the sweetness of baked pecans with the hint of smoky bacon. It’s a unique twist on traditional holiday sweetness that invites curiosity and delight. Here’s how you can add this to your repertoire:

• Essentials: Pre-made tart shells, chopped pecans, premium pork bacon bits, maple syrup, brown sugar, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Mix and Match: Stir together the pecans and premium pork bacon bits in one bowl. In another, mix melted butter, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to form a luscious batter.
• Assembly: Spoon the pecan and bacon mixture into each tart shell. Pour the syrupy batter over the top until each shell is filled to just below the rim.
• Baking: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the filling has set and the tops are golden.
• Cooling: Let the tarts cool before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Elevate your Christmas dessert table by introducing these sweet yet savory tarts, differentiation embodied in every satisfying bite. They manifest the spirit of the season: warmth, indulgence, and the joy of shared company. By incorporating these gourmet bacon recipes into your celebration, you’ll create a Christmas menu that’s not only incredibly delicious but also unforgettable.

Show-Stopping Bacon-Wrapped Delights

When you want a centerpiece that draws admiring looks before anyone takes a bite, a honey-glazed bacon-wrapped ham fits the moment. The layers of crisp bacon over the scored surface of the ham create a striking pattern, while the glaze caramelizes into a glossy coating. It is a main dish that feels classic and festive with a modern, indulgent twist.

The process stays manageable when you break it down:

• Start with a quality bone-in ham, premium pork bacon, honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and whole cloves.
• Score the surface of the ham in a shallow criss-cross pattern.
• Wrap strips of bacon over the ham, securing some intersections with cloves.
• Whisk the honey, mustard, brown sugar, and vinegar into a smooth glaze and brush over the ham.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 2 hours, basting regularly, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

After a short rest, each slice reveals both tender ham and crisp bacon, with the glaze tying everything together in a sweet-savory finish.

Another impressive option is an apple and bacon stuffed pork loin. This dish brings together tart apples, aromatic herbs, and savory bacon in a rolled roast that looks beautiful when sliced. The spiral of stuffing inside each slice adds both visual appeal and layers of flavor, making it ideal for a Christmas main course or special holiday dinner.

You can approach it step by step:

• Gather a pork loin, Granny Smith apples, chopped onions, garlic, crisp bacon pieces, fresh thyme, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
• Cook the bacon until crisp, then use some of the fat to sauté the onions, apples, and garlic.
• Stir in thyme and breadcrumbs, seasoning to taste.
• Butterfly the pork loin, spread the apple-bacon mixture over the surface, then roll and tie it with kitchen twine.
• Brush with olive oil, season again, and roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 60 minutes, until it reaches 145°F (63°C).

Presentation helps these bacon-wrapped dishes feel truly special. A large white or neutral platter sets off the rich colors of the meat and glaze. Simple garnishes go a long way: sprigs of rosemary, slices of orange, or a scattering of pomegranate seeds add freshness without extra effort. Arranging slices slightly overlapped gives height and structure, making the platter look abundant.

Side dishes can subtly echo the flavours of your mains. Roasted vegetables cooked in a little bacon fat, a crisp salad with apple slices, or creamy mashed potatoes all support the star of the show without competing. 

Related: Tasty Twist: 10 Ways to Incorporate Bacon into Thanksgiving 

Bring Gourmet Bacon To Your Holiday Table

At Belly of The Beast Bacon, we believe every Christmas table deserves bold flavor and quality ingredients. Our premium pork and beef bacon, along with our Belly Snacks and Belly Essentials ranges, are crafted to help you build the kind of dishes guests rave about long after the holidays.

Whether you are planning a simple brunch or a full multi-course feast, our products give you a solid foundation for creative, crowd-pleasing recipes. From starters to centerpieces to desserts, gourmet bacon adds the richness and character that make a menu feel truly festive.

Ready to impress your guests this holiday season? Elevate your Christmas celebrations with gourmet bacon dishes that everyone will remember. Explore the array of options that can turn your culinary vision into reality.

Have questions on how best to incorporate these gourmet meats into your menu? Call us anytime at (346) 207-2002 or send us a message at [email protected].