Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple that can also be used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. But when you’re trying to follow a recipe that calls for a specific amount of bacon, it can be confusing to figure out how many slices you need.
In this article, we’ll explore the question of how many slices of bacon are in a 12-ounce pack. We’ll also provide some helpful tips for converting between slices and crumbled bacon, so you can confidently cook up your favorite recipes without any guesswork.
So grab a cup of coffee and let’s dive in!
How Many Slices Of Bacon Is 12 Oz?
When it comes to bacon, the quantity of slices in a 12-ounce pack can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the weight of the meat. However, as a general rule, a 12-ounce pack of bacon usually contains between 16 and 20 slices.
It’s important to note that the thickness of bacon slices can also vary. Bacon comes in thick, medium, and thin slices, and this can affect how many slices you need to use in a recipe. If you’re unsure about the thickness of your bacon, it’s always a good idea to cook up an extra slice or two just to be safe.
Understanding Bacon Serving Sizes
When it comes to bacon serving sizes, it’s important to pay attention to the recommended portion size and the number of calories and fat content in each serving. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, one serving of bacon is approximately 15 grams or one cooked slice. However, this can vary depending on the thickness and length of the slice.
For those who enjoy eating bacon, it’s important to keep in mind that it is considered a regular fat and contains higher-than-desired amounts of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Therefore, it’s recommended as an “okay sometimes” food for healthy individuals who are fairly active and do not have heart disease.
If you’re looking to incorporate bacon into your diet, it’s important to consider the rest of your diet and lifestyle. Clean eaters may have more leeway in consuming six slices per week, while those who already consume multiple servings of processed meat may need to limit their bacon intake.
It’s also worth noting that restaurant bacon is typically cut into thin slices, while regular slices are commonly found in grocery stores or residential kitchens. Thick slices can be used for making sandwiches or adding to pasta dishes but may not have the same crunchiness as thinner options.
Converting Between Slices And Crumbled Bacon
Converting between slices and crumbled bacon can be tricky, especially when recipes call for specific measurements. It’s important to note that the amount of crumbled bacon you get from a certain number of slices can vary depending on the thickness of the slices and how crispy you cook them. However, here are some general guidelines to help you convert between slices and crumbled bacon:
– 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 4 slices of bacon
– 1/3 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 5 slices of bacon
– 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 8 slices of bacon
– 2/3 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 10 slices of bacon
– 3/4 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 12 slices of bacon
– 1 cup of crumbled bacon or bacon bits = 16 slices of bacon
It’s important to keep in mind that these conversions are approximate and can vary depending on the thickness and crispiness of your cooked bacon. If a recipe calls for cooked and crumbled bacon, it’s best to cook up a few extra slices just to be safe.
If you’re creating crumbled bacon in a skillet, there’s no need to cook the strips whole and then break them up. Instead, cut the uncooked bacon into 1/2 inch to 1 inch pieces and fry them up pre-crumbled. This works directly from frozen as well. You can also cook up an entire package of bacon into bacon bits, drain, dry, and toss them into a freezer bag. Pre-cooked bacon will store extremely well in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Tips For Cooking With Bacon
Cooking with bacon can be a delicious and savory experience, but it can also be a bit tricky if you’re not familiar with the best techniques. Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect bacon:
1. Bring the bacon to room temperature: Before cooking your bacon, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will help the bacon cook more evenly and prevent it from curling up in the pan.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking bacon on the stove, make sure to leave enough space between each slice. Overcrowding the pan can cause the bacon to cook unevenly and prevent it from getting crispy.
3. Use a cold pan: Don’t preheat your skillet before cooking bacon. Instead, lay out the bacon strips in a cold pan without overlapping them. This will help the fat render slowly and produce consistently cooked strips.
4. Cook over medium heat: Cook your bacon over medium heat for even rendering. Turn the strips as needed until they reach your desired level of crispiness, which usually takes 8 to 12 minutes.
5. Roast instead of frying: If you’re cooking a large quantity of bacon, consider roasting it in the oven instead of frying it on the stove. Place the bacon on a baking sheet and roast at 375°F for about 15 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through cooking.
6. Use a splatter screen or add water to the pan: To prevent grease from splattering all over your stove, use a splatter screen or add a little bit of water to the pan before cooking your bacon.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to cook perfect bacon every time!
Conclusion: Enjoying Bacon In Your Favorite Recipes
Bacon is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. From breakfast dishes to desserts, bacon can add a savory and smoky flavor to any dish. Sara Perry’s book, Everything Tastes Better with Bacon, offers 70 fabulous recipes for every meal of the day, including bacon-flavored dishes and desserts.
When using bacon in your favorite recipes, it’s important to remember that bacon should be used as a flavoring agent and not as the main component of a dish. Pairing bacon with complementary flavors can create a well-rounded dish that is sure to please your taste buds.
Additionally, while bacon is often thought of as fatty and greasy food, there are some health benefits to eating bacon in moderation. Bacon is a good source of protein and contains nutrients such as vitamin B6 and iron.
To get the most out of your bacon, it’s important to store it properly. Cooked bacon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within two days. Leaving cooked bacon out at room temperature can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria.