The menu penetration of bacon has increased every year since 2012, as chefs find new methods of incorporating it throughout the day in appetizers, entrées, sides and desserts. At the same time, operators are expanding breakfast selections in response to customers’ evolving needs—39 percent of millennials want more restaurants to serve turkey at breakfast, while 77 percent of consumers surveyed eat turkey bacon or sausage because they think it’s healthier than the pork version.
To give operators even more ways to meet patrons’ demand for turkey bacon, Butterball Foodservice has introduced Premium Turkey Thigh Bacon. This new variety is made with premium thigh meat and has one-third fewer calories and 60 percent less fat than pork bacon, with similar texture and smoky taste.
The thick cut makes this product easy to handle and unlikely to overcook, while the dark meat complements all kinds of flavors. As a side dish, topping or ingredient, Butterball’s premium turkey bacon can substitute for lardon, pancetta and more. These recipes give chefs a starting point for culinary exploration:
Country Fried Turkey Waffler: Honey-flavored candied turkey bacon and turkey filets that have been battered and fried top Belgian waffles in a Southern-inspired brunch option that combines savory, sweet and spicy flavors
Empire State Bagel: Turkey bacon is cooked to a crisp and combined with smoked turkey breast, house-made watercress cream cheese and more for a modern twist on the New York bagel club
Ugly Tomato BLTT: To go beyond the traditional BLT, turkey bacon tops mixed greens, heirloom tomatoes and sliced turkey breast on toasted focaccia bread spread with avocado mayonnaise
Butterball Foodservice Marketing Manager Heather Ness said, “Different types of recipes call for different cuts of meat, so we’ll continue to grow our turkey portfolio to provide choices for operators. Our new turkey bacon is absolutely delicious and versatile to work in every daypart, giving diners another better-for-you alternative to one of their favorite foods.”
To learn more about Butterball’s premium turkey bacon, view the full product details. Operators can contact their local foodservice broker for purchasing information.
