When I am in the small town of Twin Falls, Idaho I have to go to Tomato's Bar and Grill and get their Bacon Spezie. It is a spicy, cajun inspired alfredo with bacon, chicken and mushrooms. I am serious when I tell you it's amazing.
I was craving this dish at home in Alabama and decided to google it, it is original, like no one, not even the internet has this recipe except for a small restaurant in small Twin Falls, Idaho. At least they got that going for them. But I NEEDed it! So I tried a recipe and failed and tried again and voila! It is perfect.
Here is my gift to you internet world! And everyone who has been wanting this recipe for their home.
Amendment 2025- Hey, this is Tori. I went back to Idaho after my dad passed away and a surprising amount of people recognized me from this recipe! I just wanted to say I'm happy you enjoy this copy cat recipe for bacon spezie which is definitely not authentic Italian and dont even ask nona to share her recipes because she doesn't do that.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 5 slices of bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups italian blend shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or more for thinning
- 2 TBSP butter
- 8 white mushrooms, washed and sliced
- 3 to 4 green onions
- a healthy heaping spoonful of sun dried tomatoes
- 1 TBSP minced garlic
- cajun spice mix ( 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 dried thyme) This is approximately how much I used.
Start by slicing chicken in thin slices and cutting bacon into 1 inch pieces. Fry together, on medium-high heat for 4 to 5 minutes. Season with cajun seasoning. Add garlic, mushrooms and butter. Once the mushrooms, chicken and bacon are golden, (in bacon case crisp) turn down the heat to a simmer and add cream, chicken broth and green onion. When simmering add cheese and let melt. Adjust any seasoning to taste and enjoy. Serve over penne.
Tomato's does melt a smoked gouda over the top under the heat of an oven. Although really tasty, I chose to leave this step out because I don't have any gouda ATM. I hope you enjoy this dish, it is seriously delicious.
