Putting raw bacon in beans is not recommended from a food safety perspective. However, some people do add raw bacon to dishes like baked beans or other bean recipes. There are a few things to consider if you want to cook beans with raw bacon.
Food Safety Concerns
The main concern with adding raw bacon to beans is proper cooking to eliminate potential foodborne illness risks. Bacon can contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These bacteria are destroyed through proper cooking. Beans also need thorough cooking to destroy toxins and make them safe to eat.
When beans and bacon are combined, it can be tricky to ensure the bacon cooks thoroughly, especially if using a slow cooker or baking beans with bacon on top. The bacon may not reach high enough internal temperatures to kill bacteria. Undercooked bacon could contaminate the beans.
Cooking Recommendations
To safely cook beans with raw bacon:
- Pre-cook the bacon first – Fry or bake bacon until crispy before adding to bean dishes.
- Cook beans and bacon together in a sauce – Adding bacon to bean stews, braises, or simmered bean dishes helps the bacon cook through.
- Bake at high heat – For dishes like baked beans, bake at 400°F or higher to ensure the bacon is cooked through.
- Stir well – Frequently stir dishes with bacon and beans to distribute heat evenly.
- Check internal temperature – Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the beans, it should reach at least 165°F.
Consider Pre-Cooked Bacon
Another option is to use pre-cooked bacon in bean recipes. This eliminates the safety concerns of raw bacon. Pre-cooked bacon options include:
- Pre-cooked bacon strips or bits
- Bacon crumbles
- Pre-rendered bacon fat or lard
The flavor will be slightly different than raw bacon, but pre-cooked bacon still adds that smoky, salty, rich taste to beans. Just stir it in toward the end of cooking.
Should You Avoid Adding Bacon to Beans?
While raw bacon carries some risk, the risk is low if bacon is fully cooked to 165°F. Properly cooked bacon can be safely enjoyed in bean dishes. To eliminate any risk, use pre-cooked bacon or cook bacon thoroughly before adding to beans. Taking steps to ensure food safety means you can still enjoy the classic flavor combo of bacon and beans.
Conclusion
Adding raw bacon to bean dishes introduces potential food safety issues if the bacon is not fully cooked. Pre-cooking the bacon first or using pre-cooked bacon products are safer options. When cooking beans with raw bacon, take steps to ensure the bacon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F by baking at a high heat, stirring frequently, and checking with a thermometer. With proper precautions, you can safely reap the rewards of adding bacon flavor to beans.