Roasted Bacon with Rocket
Prep
10 mins
Cook
20 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
You know what I love about this dish? It comes together in just 30 minutes, yet it tastes like you've been cooking all day. Crispy roasted bacon paired with peppery rocket is such a classic combination, and the best part is how affordable it is to make. Rocket is packed with vitamin K and antioxidants, so you're getting something genuinely good for you alongside all that delicious, smoky bacon. The balsamic vinegar and garlic add this wonderful depth that makes the whole thing feel fancy without any fuss. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that looks impressive but honestly couldn't be simpler.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12thick-cut bacon strips(cut in half lengthwise)
- 200 gfresh rocket (arugula)(loosely packed)
- 3 tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 3garlic cloves(thinly sliced)
- 2 tbspbalsamic vinegar(aged)
- 1shallot(finely minced)
- 1 tspsea salt
- ½ tspfreshly cracked black pepper
- 40 gparmesan cheese(shaved with a peeler)
- ½lemon(zested)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tip: High heat ensures the bacon becomes crispy rather than chewy.
- 2
Arrange the bacon strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them slightly apart so heat can circulate evenly.
Tip: Don't overlap the bacon pieces as this prevents proper crisping.
- 3
Roast the bacon in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and the fat is rendered. Remove and let cool on paper towels for 2 minutes, then break into bite-sized pieces.
Tip: Watch carefully towards the end to prevent burning; oven temperatures vary.
- 4
While the bacon roasts, warm the olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and minced shallot, stirring gently for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not browning.
Tip: Keep the heat low to infuse flavour without burning the delicate garlic.
- 5
Remove the oil from heat and stir in the balsamic vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Set the dressing aside to cool slightly.
Tip: Adding vinegar off the heat prevents its volatile compounds from cooking off.
- 6
Place the fresh rocket in a large serving bowl. Pour the warm garlic-infused dressing over the leaves and toss gently until lightly coated, about 30 seconds.
Tip: The warm oil will slightly wilt the rocket while maintaining its peppery bite.
- 7
Top the dressed rocket with the roasted bacon pieces, shaved parmesan cheese, and freshly grated lemon zest.
Tip: Add toppings just before serving to keep the bacon crispy.
- 8
Serve immediately while the bacon is still warm and the rocket has a slight wilted texture. Drizzle any remaining dressing from the bowl over the top.
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