Get the Secret Ingredient for Copycat Starbucks Bacon

The Starbucks Double-Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Egg Sandwich is a breakfast favorite, with its savory bacon, melted cheese and perfectly round egg served on a flaky croissant While you can always grab this satisfying sandwich from your local Starbucks, wouldn’t it be great to be able to make it at home anytime you want? Read on to learn the secrets to recreating Starbucks’ signature double-smoked bacon and build your own copycat sandwich

Why Starbucks Bacon is So Good

Crisp yet chewy, smokey and salty, the bacon on a Starbucks breakfast sandwich really makes the meal. Starbucks doesn’t skimp on quality when it comes to their bacon. They use thick-cut applewood smoked bacon which gives their sandwiches smokier flavor and a nicer texture than regular bacon. Applewood smoked bacon is slowly cured and smoked over an applewood fire, giving it signature hints of sweet apple and woodsy smoke.

Finding Double-Smoked Bacon

The “double-smoked” part of the Starbucks sandwich name refers to how they smoke their cured pork belly twice, intensifying the smoky flavors. To get as close as possible to Starbucks double-smoked bacon at home, look for a high-quality, thick-cut applewood smoked bacon at your grocery store or butcher shop. The smokier, the better! Here are some bacon brands to try:

• Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Wright Brand Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Trader Joe’s Applewood Smoked Bacon
• Oscar Mayer Naturally Hardwood Smoked Bacon
• Hormel Black Label Thick Cut Bacon

Thicker slices from the pork belly will mimic the hearty texture of Starbucks bacon. Stay away from thin or “breakfast” bacon cuts. And feel free to experiment with different wood smoked bacon varieties like hickory or pecan wood smoked.

Cooking Methods for Perfect Bacon

To get crispy, evenly browned bacon like the sandwiches at Starbucks, you’ll need to tweak your normal bacon cooking method. Avoid chewy or burnt bits by using these tips:

• Oven Bake: Lay bacon slices on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until browned and slightly crispy.

• Pan Fry: Cook bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat, flipping frequently, until browned and rigid. Sprinkle with brown sugar towards the end for caramelized flavor.

• Microwave: Place bacon between paper towels and microwave in 30 second intervals, adjusting time as needed. The towels absorb grease for crispier results.

• Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place bacon directly on grates and flip occasionally until crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.

• Deep Fry: Use a deep fryer or pot with 2-3 inches oil heated to 375°F. Fry bacon about 1 minute per side until lightly crisped. Drain on paper towels.

The key is using gentle, indirect heat and frequent flipping or rotation for even crispness without burning. Now that you’ve mastered the bacon, it’s time to build your sandwich.

Assemble Your Own Copycat Starbucks Sandwich

With perfectly cooked bacon ready, making your own version of the Starbucks sandwich at home takes just a few more steps. Here’s a quick recipe to assemble the copycat:

Ingredients:

• 2 croissant buns, toasted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 half slices double-smoked bacon, cooked
• 2 tbsp butter, divided

Steps:

1. Scramble eggs in rings in a skillet for rounded shape.
2. Layer scrambled egg, bacon, and cheese on bun.
3. Bake open-faced 1-2 mins to melt cheese.
4. Top with other bun half and enjoy!

Now you can satisfy your cravings with your very own Starbucks-style bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. Adjust the ingredients to your preferences and cook up a hearty homemade breakfast or snack any time. With the right cooking techniques and a good smoky bacon, you’ll feel like you’re eating straight from the Starbucks drive-thru without leaving your kitchen.