Roasted Bacon with Watercress
Prep
12 mins
Cook
25 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dishes that feels fancy but comes together in under forty minutes. Crispy roasted bacon paired with peppery watercress makes for a surprisingly elegant combination, and the best part is how simple it really is. Watercress is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, so you're getting something truly nourishing along with all that delicious bacon flavor. The balsamic vinegar and honey create a beautiful glaze that ties everything together, and since most of these ingredients are pantry staples, you probably won't need a special trip to the store. Trust me, this one will become a regular in your rotation.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 12bacon strips(cut into thirds)
- 946 mlfresh watercress(packed, stems trimmed)
- 237 mlpine nuts(raw)
- 3 tablespoonsbalsamic vinegar
- 1shallot(minced)
- 1 teaspoondijon mustard
- 1 tablespoonhoney
- 2 tablespoonsolive oil
- 1 teaspoonsea salt(to taste)
- 1 teaspoonblack pepper(freshly ground)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Tip: Using parchment paper prevents bacon grease from sticking to the pan.
- 2
Arrange bacon pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't overlap too much.
Tip: Bacon cooks more evenly when pieces have space around them.
- 3
Roast bacon for 20-22 minutes until crispy and golden brown, stirring halfway through cooking time.
Tip: Roasting gives you evenly crispy bacon without constant stovetop attention.
- 4
While bacon cooks, toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden. Transfer to a plate.
Tip: Toasting releases the nuts' natural oils and deepens their flavor.
- 5
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, minced shallot, Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Tip: The mustard and honey balance the sharpness of the vinegar beautifully.
- 6
Remove bacon from oven and drain on a paper towel-lined plate for 1 minute.
Tip: Blotting removes excess grease while keeping bacon crispy.
- 7
Arrange fresh watercress on a serving platter or individual plates, creating a bed for the bacon.
Tip: The peppery watercress complements the salty bacon perfectly.
- 8
Top watercress with warm roasted bacon pieces and drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything. Finish with toasted pine nuts and a crack of fresh black pepper.
Tip: Serving while bacon is still warm allows the glaze to meld with the ingredients.
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