Crispy, smoky and salty, bacon is one of the most loved foods on the breakfast table, and plenty of other tables too. National Bacon Day, on December 30, celebrates bacon in all its forms, from American streaky strips to Canadian back bacon, Italian pancetta and more. It's a perfect day for a leisurely breakfast during the holiday break, or for experimenting with bacon in unexpected dishes, from salads to desserts.
History of National Bacon Day
People have been curing pork for thousands of years. Ancient Chinese, Roman and other cultures preserved pork with salt, and cured pork belly was a staple across Europe. The word 'bacon' comes from Old French and Germanic words referring to the back or side of a pig.
In medieval England, bacon was an important source of fat and protein for ordinary people. The phrase 'bring home the bacon' is sometimes linked to a medieval tradition in Dunmow, England, where a married couple who could swear they hadn't quarrelled for a year and a day could win a side of bacon.
In the 18th century, commercial bacon production grew in England, especially in Wiltshire, which developed a famous wet-curing method. In the United States, bacon became a breakfast staple in the 20th century, helped in part by advertising campaigns that promoted bacon and eggs as the ideal hearty breakfast.
Today, bacon comes in many styles. American bacon is usually cut from the pork belly, while back bacon, popular in Britain and Ireland, comes from the loin. Who created National Bacon Day isn't documented.
Why National Bacon Day Matters
Bacon adds rich, savory flavor to countless dishes, which is why it shows up in sandwiches, salads, pasta, soups and even desserts.
It's also a food that brings people together, from weekend breakfasts to holiday brunches. Plant-based and turkey versions also let more people join in.
How to Celebrate National Bacon Day
- Bake bacon: cook it on a rack in the oven for even, crispy strips.
- Make a classic: enjoy a BLT or bacon and eggs.
- Try a new style: taste pancetta, guanciale or back bacon.
- Get creative: add bacon to a salad, pasta carbonara or maple-glazed Brussels sprouts.
- Try a twist: make candied bacon or chocolate-dipped bacon.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, a bacon-themed brunch can be a fun holiday-season treat, with vegetarian and turkey bacon options for colleagues who don't eat pork. In classrooms, the day can lead into lessons on food preservation, such as how salt and smoke prevent spoilage, or the history behind common expressions like 'bring home the bacon'. At home, cook a family brunch during the holiday break and let everyone choose their favorite bacon dish. Try baking bacon in the oven for an easier, less messy method, and save the rendered fat in a jar in the fridge for roasting vegetables. Leftover bacon can be crumbled into salads, soups and baked potatoes.
Fun Facts About National Bacon Day
- The word 'bacon' comes from Old French and Germanic words for the back.
- 'Bring home the bacon' is often linked to a medieval Dunmow tradition.
- American bacon usually comes from pork belly; back bacon comes from the loin.
National Bacon Day FAQs
When is National Bacon Day?
National Bacon Day is December 30.
What's the best way to cook bacon?
Many cooks prefer baking it on a rack at 400°F (200°C) for even, crispy results.
What's the difference between bacon and pancetta?
Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly that's usually not smoked; American bacon is typically smoked.
Is there an International Bacon Day?
Yes, some celebrate International Bacon Day on the Saturday before Labor Day.