10 Ways to Cook With Bacon’s Fancier Cousin, Pancetta

Because this season calls for comfort food, we've compiled 10 pancetta (Italian bacon) recipes to get your taste buds excited and your dinner table ready. Just hearing that crackle in a skillet or smelling the salty aroma wafting through your home is going to make you feel so cozy — and hungry. Scroll on and get cooking!

Pancetta Crisps With Goat Cheese and Figs: Entertaining doesn’t have to mean the same old cheese tray. Top salty pancetta with creamy goat cheese, sweet figs, and crisp arugula for a bite that your guests will be talking about well into the New Year. (via Taming of the Spoon)

Crispy Chicken Pancetta, Mushrooms, and Bourbon: You don’t have to be a fan of brown liquor to enjoy this bourbon cream recipe. The crispy pancetta and earthy mushrooms in this dish balance each other out for a decadent chew. (via Salt and Lavender)

Cranberry, Brie, and Pancetta Tart: Doesn’t this recipe just look like fall on a puff pastry? We are so into the thick slices of Brie topped with salty pancetta on a bed of spiced cranberries and flaky crust. (via Bakerita)

Chipotle Potato Corn Chowder With Pancetta: This creamy, comforting chowder is veggie-packed and bursting with flavor. (via Kevin Is Cooking)

Tomato Basil Soup: There’s just something about tomato basil soup that reminds us of those glorious snow days sledding down hills with our siblings. We're all grown up now so we can appreciate the canned beans AND fiber. (via The Cozy Apron)

Chicken Scallopini With Mushrooms and Artichokes: The ingredient list might cause a fright, but it's all staples that you're sure to have on hand. Trust us; it's totally worth it for this hearty meal that packs a mean salty punch with capers and rendered pancetta. (via Viktoria’s Table)

Goat-Cheese-Stuffed Figs and Pancetta: You’re going to want to stand as close to the kitchen as possible when these babies are ready to go. With this recipe, a full range of sweetness, saltiness, and creaminess comes out. (via Snixy Kitchen)

Asparagus Pancetta Skillet Hash: No matter if you cook this hash at a campground or in the comfort of your home, it’s going to make you rethink the way you view asparagus. The best part is you can eat this meal any time of day. (via Fresh Off the Grid)

Brussels Sprouts With Glazed Pancetta and Pecans: You will be begging to eat your veggies once you've seen these mini cabbages roasted with glazed pancetta. (via From Jessica’s Kitchen)

Coconut Shrimp With Pancetta and Basil: Dig in to dinnertime with a piece of crusty bread in one hand to drench in the sauce as you shovel these succulent shrimp into your mouth. After all, the dinner table is a no-judgement zone. (via Foodness Gracious)