Are you tired of recipes calling for a certain amount of cooked and crumbled bacon, but not specifying how many slices you need to cook?
It can be frustrating to have to look up the conversion every time. But fear not, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll break down the conversion from cups of cooked and crumbled bacon to slices of raw bacon. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to cut your bacon for even cooking and how to make perfect bacon bits for seasoning your cast iron pan.
So grab a slice (or 16) of bacon and let’s get started!
How Many Slices Of Bacon Make A Cup?
The conversion from cups of cooked and crumbled bacon to slices of raw bacon can vary depending on the thickness of the bacon and how much fat is rendered during cooking. However, we’ve compiled a handy guide to help you out:
– 1/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 4 slices of raw bacon
– 1/3 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 5 slices of raw bacon
– 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 8 slices of raw bacon
– 2/3 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 10 slices of raw bacon
– 3/4 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 12 slices of raw bacon
– 1 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon = 16 slices of raw bacon
Keep in mind that these conversions are approximate and may vary depending on the type of bacon you use. Thinner or thicker slices may require an extra piece or two, so it’s always best to have a few extra slices on hand just in case.
Understanding The Bacon-to-Cup Conversion
When it comes to cooking with bacon, understanding the bacon-to-cup conversion can be a bit tricky. While diced, raw bacon is roughly the same weight for cup measure as liquids, many recipes call for precooked, crumbled bacon. Since bacon is mostly fat, which will render or melt off when fried, you need a lot of bacon for a relatively small amount of crumbled bacon.
To make matters more confusing, some recipes list bacon in cups of cooked and crumbled, rather than slices of raw bacon. This can be frustrating because it doesn’t tell you how many slices of bacon you need to cook. However, with the handy conversion guide above, you can easily figure out how many slices of raw bacon you need for any recipe calling for cooked and crumbled bacon.
It’s important to keep in mind that these conversions are approximate and may vary depending on the type of bacon you use. Thinner or thicker slices may require an extra piece or two, so it’s always best to have a few extra slices on hand just in case.
How To Cut Bacon For Even Cooking
To ensure that your bacon cooks evenly and to avoid any uncooked or burnt spots, it’s important to cut the bacon slices into uniform sizes. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by removing the bacon from its packaging and separating the slices.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the bacon slices in half lengthwise. This will give you two long, skinny strips of bacon from each slice.
3. Cut the strips of bacon into smaller pieces, depending on your preference. You can cut them into thirds or quarters, or even smaller if you like.
4. Make sure that each piece of bacon is roughly the same size as the others. This will ensure that they cook evenly and at the same rate.
5. If you’re cooking a large batch of bacon, consider using kitchen shears instead of a knife. This can make the process faster and easier, and will also help you achieve more uniform pieces.
By taking the time to cut your bacon into even pieces, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked bacon every time. Whether you’re pan-frying or baking it in the oven, this simple step can make a big difference in the final result.
Tips For Making Perfect Bacon Bits
Making bacon bits is a great way to add flavor and texture to your dishes. Here are some tips to help you make perfect bacon bits every time:
1. Freeze the bacon: Freezing the bacon for about 30 minutes before cutting will make it easier to slice into thin, uniform pieces.
2. Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to cut through the frozen bacon without tearing it.
3. Cut the bacon into small pieces: Stack the bacon strips on top of each other and cut them in half lengthwise before cutting them horizontally into small pieces. This will help the bacon cook evenly and give you perfectly sized bacon bits.
4. Cook over medium-high heat: Cooking the bacon bits over medium-high heat will help them crisp up nicely without burning.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the bacon bits in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the bacon to steam instead of crisp up.
6. Drain on paper towels: Once the bacon bits are done cooking, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to remove any excess grease.
7. Save the bacon grease: Bacon grease can add a lot of flavor to other dishes, so consider saving it in a jar in your fridge for future use.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect bacon bits every time, adding delicious flavor and texture to your favorite dishes.
Recipes That Call For Cooked And Crumbled Bacon
If you have some leftover cooked and crumbled bacon, there are plenty of delicious recipes you can create. Here are some ideas:
1. Bacon Guacamole – Add some crunch and smokiness to your guacamole by mixing in some cooked and crumbled bacon. It’s a great dip for chips or veggies.
2. Bacon Reuben – Make a classic Reuben sandwich even better by adding some bacon to the mix. Spread Russian dressing on rye bread, top with Bacon Kraut (No. 4), Swiss cheese, and broil until melted.
3. Bacon-Apple Sandwiches – This sweet and savory sandwich is perfect for lunch. Spread honey mustard on a split baguette, fill with cooked bacon, sliced Brie, apple, and lettuce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cobb Club – Take your club sandwich to the next level by adding some bacon. Spread blue cheese and mayonnaise on three slices of toast, layer with grilled chicken, cooked bacon, avocado, tomato, romaine, and hard-boiled egg to make a double-decker sandwich.
5. Bacon Carbonara – If you’re a fan of warm pasta dishes, try substituting cooked and crumbled bacon for pancetta in a spaghetti carbonara recipe. The salty flavor of the bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
6. Bacon Brussels Sprouts Salad – Thinly slice some Brussels sprouts and toss them with crumbled bacon, fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice, almonds, and pecorino romano cheese for a hearty salad that’s great any time of day.
With these recipes, you can easily repurpose your leftover cooked and crumbled bacon into delicious new dishes that your family and friends will love.