James Martin, the renowned celebrity chef and seasoned professional from some of the world’s finest kitchens, insists that the secret to crafting the perfect bacon sandwich lies in one key ingredient—bacon fat. The 53-year-old culinary expert, known for his time at Michelin-starred Maison Troisgros in France, shared this tip during a recent podcast appearance.
Hailing from a farming background in North Yorkshire, Martin favors simplicity over extravagance when it comes to his morning bacon butty. He’s been outspoken about his belief that poorly made bacon sandwiches are nothing short of a “national disgrace.” During the Routes podcast, he recounted hosting a breakfast for several top chefs at his Hampshire home. Guests included Gareth Ward, acclaimed as one of the UK’s most celebrated chefs, and Richard Bertinet, one of the finest bakers he’s ever met.
Despite the superstar guest list, Martin chose to serve a humble bacon sandwich for breakfast—white sliced bread buttered to perfection, deliberately avoiding artisanal sourdough. “You wake up with 10 chefs staying at your place, what do you cook? A bacon sandwich,” he said, emphasizing the importance of getting this classic right.
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Ketchup, he notes, is optional, not essential. His personal preference is to incorporate chopped Isle of Wight tomatoes grilled alongside the bacon. When it comes to bacon, thickness is critical; it must be smoked and cooked to a delicious crisp.
But the real secret to elevating the bacon sandwich? Martin advises saving the rendered bacon fat from the pan and pouring it directly onto the bread before layering on the bacon. This simple step infuses the sandwich with rich, smoky flavor and a crispy texture that sets it apart.
He also insists on frying the bread briefly in the leftover bacon fat prior to assembling the sandwich—adding an extra dimension of indulgence. However, Martin draws the line at trendy additions like avocado: “Avocado or bacon fat? It’s bacon fat,” he remarks firmly.
Famous for his work on TV shows like Ready Steady Cook and Saturday Kitchen, James Martin now hosts James Martin’s Saturday Morning. His show returns with new episodes featuring guests including former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher and prominent chefs Chantelle Nicholson, Andres Alemany, and Paul Foster.