From breakfast spreads to salad toppings, sandwich enhancements, and even just enjoyed on its own, bacon is one of the most versatile foods in the world. It steals the show in any meal or snack.
But with so many different types of bacon at your fingertips, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one. Two of the most popular are applewood vs hickory smoked bacon, each of which brings something unique to a dish.
So what’s the difference between applewood and hickory smoked bacon? Is applewood or hickory smoked bacon better? We’re here to help you choose between hickory smoked vs applewood smoked bacon in this guide.
Really it just comes down to flavor preferences. Applewood smoked bacon brings a subtle sweetness to your taste buds while hickory smoked bacon delivers a bold, intense flavor profile. If you haven’t tried them both, you’re missing out! That’s the best way to see which you prefer.
However, we have something even better than hickory or applewood smoked bacon in store for you here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. Our smoked bacon for sale online is rooted in more than a century of tradition with a one-of-a-kind mahogany flavor profile. Try it and see for yourself!
What’s the Difference Between Applewood and Hickory Smoked Bacon?
Bacon is a beloved staple in kitchens across the country, bringing a crispy, savory goodness to everything from breakfast platters to gourmet recipes like brussels sprouts, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, you name it.
All of this variety comes from the simple fact that there are so many different options to choose from, mostly thanks to unique smoking methods. So what’s the difference between applewood and hickory smoked bacon, then?
What is Applewood Smoked Bacon?
Applewood smoked bacon is known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor that comes from slow-smoking pork belly over applewood chips.
This infuses the meat with a delicate fruitiness, perfect for those who want a bit of nuance in a dish. It’s a really subtle flavor profile that lets the meat do the talking, with the applewood flavor serving more as a supporting act than the main character.
The natural sugars in applewood create a mellow, slightly sweet aroma. It pairs wonderfully with breakfast foods, sandwiches, and even sweet-savory recipes like maple-glazed bacon.
The actual process of smoking applewood bacon tends to take longer and works at a lower temperature than other styles, like hickory smoked bacon. It’s worth the wait, though, as the end result is tender, balanced bacon without an overpowering charred flavor.
What is Hickory Smoked Bacon?
On the other end of the applewood vs hickory smoked bacon debate, this style is all about bold, intense flavor. It brings a strong smoky and slightly earthy taste to the table, almost as if it was barbecued.
The hickory wood imparts a more traditional, richer smoked essence. This is the style we recommend to anyone who loves deep, complex flavors in their bacon.
Hickory smoking is known for bringing out a richer, almost nutty undertone, making this bacon perfect for savory and hearty dishes. The smoking process is typically shorter but at a higher temperature, resulting in a crisper texture.
Hickory smoked bacon pairs wonderfully with smoky baked beans, burgers, and chili. It works well with bold breakfasts as well - nothing beats a spicy breakfast scramble and strong coffee with hickory smoked bacon stealing the show.
Even southern comfort foods can be enhanced through the addition of hickory smoked bacon, like mac and cheese, collard greens, cornbread, the list goes on and on.
Applewood vs Hickory Smoked Bacon: Is Applewood or Hickory Smoked Bacon Better?
So, is applewood or hickory smoked bacon better for your culinary goals or personal preferences? If you’re still on the fence between applewood vs hickory smoked bacon, we’ll compare and contrast the two side by side for you below.
Flavor Profile
The main difference between applewood and hickory smoked bacon comes down to flavor. Applewood is known for its mild, slightly sweet smokiness with a fruity aroma. It’s less dominant in a dish and works well with lighter recipes.
On the other hand, hickory smoked bacon brings an unmistakable bold flavor profile to any dish. It’s strong, intensely smoky, and has earthy and slightly nutty undertones. These add richness to hearty meals.
So ultimately, choosing between hickory smoked vs applewood smoked bacon comes down to taste preferences. Applewood is the way to go for subtle, layered flavors, whereas hickory is your best bet for deep, smoky intensity.
Texture and Crispiness
Taste is what most people focus on in choosing between applewood vs hickory smoked bacon, but texture can be just as important. Think back to the subtle nuances in the smoking approach for each, and it’s easy to see which is crisper.
Applewood bacon is smoked at a lower temperature for a longer time which keeps the meat tender and juicy. It won’t crisp up nearly as much as hickory smoked bacon, which is smoked at higher temperatures for a shorter timeframe.
This means hickory smoked bacon will have a somewhat drier feel than applewood bacon, which retains more moisture. Want a slightly chewy bite? Hickory smoked bacon might not be right for you, but applewood smoked bacon is! For crispy, crackling bacon, stick with hickory.
Uses in Different Dishes
The choice between hickory smoked vs applewood smoked bacon becomes a bit easier if you plan on using bacon as one ingredient in a specific dish. Each pairs well with certain recipes.
For instance, applewood smoked bacon works great alongside classic breakfasts such as pancakes, eggs, and french toast where the delicate flavor doesn’t overpower. It’s perfect for salads and sandwiches where you want a hint of smokiness without dominating the dish, too.
We’ve even seen applewood smoked bacon serve as the centerpiece of glazed or candied bacon recipes since it already brings a hint of sweetness to the taste buds. So where does hickory smoked bacon fit in?
As touched on earlier, it’s great for BBQ and hearty dishes like chili, baked beans, or burgers where boldness matters. It can complement ribs, brisket, sausages, and other grilled meats, too. We also love using it alongside Southern comfort foods.
Think about your goals with a recipe. For versatility and subtlety, applewood wins without question. But if you want something that packs a powerful, smoky punch, look no further than hickory smoked bacon.
Nutritional Variances
One of the most common misconceptions about choosing between applewood vs hickory smoked bacon is the only difference is flavor profile and crispiness. But that’s not the case.
Sure, they’re pretty similar from a nutritional perspective. But there are subtle differences in fat content. Hickory-smoked bacon tends to have a lower moisture content because of the higher temperatures at which it is smoked.
This melts away more fat in comparison to applewood smoked bacon, so there may be a slightly lower fat per serving for hickory smoked bacon. Other than that, though, you’re getting pretty much the same amount of protein, sodium, and calories.
On a nutritional note, though, make sure you’re purchasing high-quality bacon. This can make or break not just the health side of adding bacon to your meals but flavor and texture as well. Fortunately, you can shop with peace of mind here at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
So, is Applewood or Hickory Smoked Bacon Better?
Just like in comparing biltong vs jerky or kielbasa vs smoked sausage, there’s really no one-size-fits-all answer to - is applewood or hickory smoked bacon better?
It’s entirely dependent on your personal preferences and the way you’re trying to use the bacon. Each brings something unique to the table. Here’s a summary of the difference between applewood and hickory smoked bacon:
- Choose Applewood smoked bacon if you want a mild, subtly sweet smoke flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods.
- Choose Hickory smoked bacon if you prefer bold, intense smokiness that enhances grilled and BBQ-style dishes.
You can also consider trying both if you haven’t already to find out for sure which is more in line with your tastes. But as we said from the start, we have something even better than hickory and applewood smoked bacon in store for you at Mahogany Smoked Meats…
Find Your New Favorite Smoked Bacon at Mahogany Smoked Meats Today!
Since 1922 we’ve been slow-smoking meats to perfection, and now, we’re able to ship these gourmet varieties straight to your doorstep. We’re the only smokehouse in the nation that uses fallen mahogany logs in a deep pit, imparting a flavor unlike anything you’ve had before.
Unlike mass-produced bacon, our small-batch smoking process ensures a rich, smoky taste with just the right balance of crispness and tenderness. Whether you're cooking up a hearty breakfast, upgrading your burgers, or fixing up a salad, our bacon brings depth to any recipe.
We also have Canadian bacon for sale if you want to spice up your meals with something more unique (and potentially healthier). No matter what you buy, you can rest assured you’re in for a real treat. Order today and taste the difference a century of tradition makes!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Hickory Smoked vs Applewood Smoked Bacon
That does it for our comparison of applewood vs hickory smoked bacon. While each has its place in the culinary world we hope you have a more clear understanding of the difference between applewood and hickory smoked bacon and which is right for you.
Our blog has more resources if you want to learn about the wide world of bacon, such as how long does bacon last in the fridge or can you eat smoked bacon raw. We even have tips on cooking bacon in a smoker to help you create your own culinary masterpiece.
But whether you prefer Canadian bacon vs bacon, remember that Mahogany Smoked Meats has you covered with the most unique recipes available online, shipped straight to your door.
With more than a century of tradition behind every batch you can rest assured you’re getting the quality you deserve - or your money back. Spoil yourself and your loved ones with expertly smoked bacon at Mahogany Smoked Meats today!
