Collar bacon is a hidden gem of pork perfection. Imagine thick, juicy slices of meat, glistening with a delicate layer of fat that crisps up to golden perfection when cooked. The rich, flavour bursts open with every bite, balanced by the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of the meat and the satisfying crunch of the crackling.

The best way to cook collar bacon is to let its natural flavours shine through with a technique that renders the fat perfectly while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Here's a mouth-watering method that brings out the best in collar bacon:

Crispy & Tender Pan-Fried Collar Bacon with Caramelized Onion and Apple
Ingredients:

Collar bacon slices (about 1-inch thick)

1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter

1 large onion, thinly sliced

1 apple (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith), thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the Pan:
Heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. If you have a cast-iron pan, this is the perfect moment to use it—it gives an amazing crispy texture to the bacon.

Render the Fat:
Add the collar bacon slices to the dry pan, skin side down (if it has skin). Let it cook slowly for 4-5 minutes, allowing the fat to render out. You'll notice the edges start to crisp up. Don’t rush this step—low and slow is key to achieving a perfect balance between crispy fat and tender meat.

Sear to Perfection:
Once the fat is mostly rendered, flip the collar bacon over and cook the meat side for another 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown and crispy. The bacon should be caramelized and crispy on the outside but still juicy and tender on the inside.

Sauté the Onions and Apples:
Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Toss in the thinly sliced onions and cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes until they soften and turn golden. Add the apple slices and garlic, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the apples are soft and lightly caramelized. Add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary for a burst of herbaceous flavour

Combine and Serve:
Return the collar bacon to the pan with the onions and apples. Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes so the flavours meld. Season with salt and freshly

Disclaimer

We take great care in providing you this product information however it is done in good faith and should not be considered a substitute for the information on the producer’s label. All products are subject to change which may affect the ingredients list and/or allergy advice given on this website. If you require further information please contact the producer direct using the information in this website or on the product label.