At Allrecipes, we take bacon pretty seriously. We’ve tested the best brands, perfected cooking methods, and even found clever ways to put leftover bacon fat to good use.
But lately, bacon has been coming to the table in new, unconventional ways—with added flavors. And honestly, we’re here for it. Yes, we love incorporating bacon into recipes, but nothing beats a crisp, perfectly fried strip on its own. Add another layer of bold flavor? Even better.
The first major flavor breakthrough came from an unexpected mash-up of breakfast icons: bacon and cereal. To our surprise, the Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cinnadust-coated strips struck that irresistible balance of savory and sweet, like a store-bought take on Million Dollar Bacon.
Now, another major brand is trying to make a name in the bacon category, and we have to say—we’re almost certain it’ll be a success.
Smithfield Launches New Mike’s Hot Honey Bacon
Allrecipes / Smithfield
Mike’s Hot Honey is coming to the breakfast table like never before, teaming up with Smithfield to launch the first-ever hot honey-flavored bacon available nationwide.
Mike’s Hot Honey has been putting its “swicy” spin on just about everything lately, from Jersey Mike’s subs to Taco Bell specials. But bacon? That feels like a duo destined to happen. In fact, hot honey bacon has already been popular in fast food test runs, featured in Dunkin’s Hot Honey Bacon Sandwich and McDonald’s Hot Honey McCrispy with Bacon (which appeared in limited Canadian markets). So, clearly, there’s an appetite for it.
And Smithfield, one of the biggest names in bacon (and producer behind most of Costco’s signature strips), is the perfect partner to bring it mainstream. The brand is already known for its cured, hickory-smoked slices, and with Mike’s iconic sweet heat infused through them, this is bound to be its most flavorful bacon yet.
“Smithfield has always stood for quality, and the collaboration with Mike’s Hot Honey reflects our commitment to innovating in ways that resonate with today’s consumer,” said Marianne Radley, Managing Director of Marketing for Smithfield Foods, in a press release. “The partnership brings a bold new flavor experience that feels both authentic and distinctive. It’s the best of tradition and trend on one plate.”
Smithfield’s Mike’s Hot Honey Bacon will hit shelves nationwide this month at Kroger, Publix, Meijer, and other major retailers.
So, if you’re as serious about bacon as we are, here’s your chance to snag a one-of-a-kind strip while it lasts. It can stand proudly on its own, sweeten up your jalapeño poppers, or make an average breakfast sandwich taste like a fast food treat. Truthfully, if you’re an Allrecipes community member, you probably don’t need us to tell you how to use bacon.
