With football season well underway, it’s time to think about the part of the game everyone can enjoy – win or lose – the delicious food. And no tailgating spread, or homegate if you prefer to enjoy the game from the comfort of your own couch, can be complete without one star ingredient – bacon.

Hand-trimmed and slow smoked over real hardwood hickory chips, Farmland Hickory Smoked Bacon – available in multiple varieties, including thick cut, classic cut and low sodium – packs the perfect punch to take your tailgate to the next level. While a perfect topping for grilled fare, such as cheeseburgers, bacon can also be used to take other go-to game food up a notch.

Treat yourself to a classic appetizer, such as onion rings, only wrap them in bacon for an added flavor kick, or add a couple slices to a tried-and-true cold weather favorite, grilled cheese, along with some zesty jalapenos to push your pre-game meal to the extreme.

For more ideas to boost your tailgate, bacon lovers can visit farmlandbaconclub.com to find original videos, contests, giveaways and extreme bacon recipes.

Jalapeno Bacon Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• 4 strips Farmland Hickory Smoked Classic Cut Bacon
• 2 good sized jalapenos
• 4 bread slices
• 2 slices mozzarella, cheddar or pepper jack cheese

Preparation

1. Cook bacon over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
2. Slice jalapenos in half circles and saute in left over bacon fat.
3. Butter non-greased side of bread. Sprinkle on jalapenos and bacon.
4. Top with cheese of your choice.
5. Top with another slice of bread, greased side facing out.

Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

Ingredients

• 2 large onions (Vidalia or otherwise)
• 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar
• 1/2-1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
• 1 pound Farmland Hickory Smoked Thick Cut Bacon

Preparation

1. Remove stem and blossom ends of onion and slice into 1/2-inch slabs, peels removed, and separate into two-ring sections.
2. Line half sheet pan with layer of heavy duty foil, parchment or Silpat. In pie plate, use fork to toss together brown sugar, cayenne pepper, salt, granulated garlic and onion until evenly combined.
3. Take one slice of bacon and gently stretch it to lengthen it. Hold one edge against an onion ring and wrap it around the onion, overlapping bacon by 1/8-inch or so. If needed, use part of second strip to finish wrapping onion. Use toothpick to secure bacon to onion. Place bacon wrapped onion ring in bowl of brown sugar and flip. Ensure entire onion ring is covered with brown sugar mixture. Place on prepared pan.
4. Repeat with remaining bacon and onion rings. Place in a cold oven and turn temperature to 325°F. Bake for 30 minutes before removing from oven and gently flipping onion rings. Bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until bacon is crispy and deep mahogany in color. Transfer to paper towel or paper bag-lined plate to cool in single layer for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Sponsored by Farmland Foods