Ingredients
Method
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100ml of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Prepare the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until crispy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Make the chocolate coating: In the same skillet, reduce heat to low. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Add the maple syrup and mix well.
- Coat the bacon: Dip each crispy bacon strip into the melted chocolate mixture, ensuring it is well coated. Place the chocolate-covered bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Prepare the maple cream sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine spaghetti and sauce: In the skillet used for cooking bacon, add the drained spaghetti along with the butter and reserved pasta water. Toss to combine over low heat until heated through.
- Serve: Divide the spaghetti among four plates. Drizzle with maple cream sauce and top with pieces of chocolate-covered bacon.
Notes
Here are some creative variations for the Spaghetti with Chocolate-Covered Bacon and Maple Cream Sauce recipe:
- Peanut Butter and Bacon Spaghetti
- Replace the chocolate sauce with a creamy peanut butter sauce made from 100g peanut butter, 50ml heavy cream, and a splash of soy sauce for umami.
- Top with chocolate-covered bacon for a sweet and savory twist.
- Spicy Maple Bacon Spaghetti
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the maple cream sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use crispy bacon coated in a mixture of maple syrup and crushed black pepper before adding it to the dish.
- Caramelized Onion and Bacon Spaghetti
- Sauté 200g of thinly sliced onions until caramelized, then mix them into the spaghetti along with the chocolate-covered bacon.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction for an added depth of flavor.
- Bacon-Wrapped Spaghetti Bundles
- Cook spaghetti as usual, then wrap small bundles of spaghetti in strips of bacon and bake until crispy.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Chocolate-Covered Turkey Bacon Spaghetti
- Substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.
- Use dark chocolate and add chopped nuts (like pecans) on top for texture.
- Maple Pecan Bacon Spaghetti
- Mix chopped pecans into the maple cream sauce for added crunch.
- Use candied bacon by tossing cooked bacon in brown sugar before baking.
- Sweet and Savory Pumpkin Sauce
- Replace the maple cream sauce with a pumpkin sauce made from 200g pumpkin puree, 100ml heavy cream, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.
- Top with chocolate-covered bacon for an autumn-inspired dish.
- Chocolate-Covered Bacon Carbonara
- Make a traditional carbonara sauce using eggs, cheese, and black pepper, then add crispy chocolate-covered bacon pieces.
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bacon and Chocolate Alfredo
- Create an Alfredo sauce using 100g butter, 200ml heavy cream, and 100g Parmesan cheese.
- Stir in pieces of chocolate-covered bacon just before serving.
- Savory Chocolate Bolognese
- Prepare a Bolognese sauce using ground beef or turkey, tomatoes, onions, and garlic; stir in cocoa powder (20g) for depth.
- Serve over spaghetti topped with crumbled chocolate-covered bacon.