Bacon bits are a convenient way to add smoky, salty flavor to salads, baked potatoes, soups, and more The crispy little bits pack lots of taste without having to cook up whole slices of bacon But if you’re used to portioning recipes with bacon slices, how can you determine the equivalent in bacon bits? Let’s find out how many bacon bits equal a slice of bacon.
Bacon Bits vs. Real Bacon
To start it’s helpful to understand a few key differences between real crumbled bacon and bacon bits
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Bacon bits are made from small, crumbled bits of bacon that are then dried and fried. Some are real bacon, while others contain soy as a bacon alternative.
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Real crumbled bacon is freshly cooked bacon chopped into smaller bits. It has more moisture than packaged bacon bits.
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Bacon bits are highly seasoned and saltier than real bacon. They also have a crisper, crunchier texture.
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Bacon bits contain added preservatives to prolong shelf life. Real bacon bits should be eaten within 3-5 days.
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Bacon bits are ready to eat straight from the package. Real bacon must be cooked before crumbling.
Both can add great bacon flavor, but bacon bits pack a stronger punch of salt, spice, and crunch. Keep this in mind when substituting.
How Many Bacon Bits Equal a Slice?
The amount of bacon bits equal to one slice of bacon depends on a few factors:
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Real crumbled bacon vs. bacon bits: 2-3 teaspoons of real crumbled cooked bacon is equal to 1 slice. For store-bought bacon bits, use just 1-2 teaspoons per slice.
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Thickness of original bacon: Thinner slices will equal less bacon bits when crumbled compared to thick-cut slices.
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Crumble size: Finer crumbles take up less space than bigger chunks.
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Brand of bacon bits: Some include more filler than others, affecting volume.
In general, here is how bacon bits compare to bacon slices:
- 1 tablespoon bacon bits = About 2 slices bacon
- 2 teaspoons bacon bits = Approximately 1 slice bacon
- 1/2 tablespoon bacon bits = About 1 slice bacon
For recipe substitution, start with 1-2 teaspoons of bacon bits per slice, then adjust to taste. The crunch and saltiness of bits can sometimes overpower the bacon flavor you may want.
Bacon Bit Nutrition Facts
Bacon bits are often used as a low-calorie alternative to real bacon. But are they really healthier? Here are the nutrition facts for 2 teaspoons of bacon bits compared to 1 slice of pan-fried bacon:
2 tsp bacon bits (about 6g)
- Calories: 25
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 1g
1 medium slice bacon (about 8g)
- Calories: 43
- Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 3g
As you can see, the bacon bits are lower in calories, fat, and protein compared to an equal portion of real bacon. However, they can be significantly higher in sodium. Moderating portion sizes is key for both options.
Tips for Using Bacon Bits
Bacon bits are very versatile for adding flavor. Here are some serving tips:
- Sprinkle on top of salads, baked potatoes, and soups
- Stir into dips, cheese spreads, and scrambled eggs
- Mix into burger or hot dog toppings
- Garnish macaroni and cheese or green beans
- Add crunch to pasta salads or potato salad
- Use as pizza topping instead of regular bacon
- Mix into stuffings, rice pilaf, quinoa, or hash browns
- Sprinkle on popcorn or roasted chickpeas
- Add to cheesy crackers as an appetizer
- Stir into omelets, frittatas, and breakfast tacos
Enjoy bacon bits in moderation as a quick flavor boost to all types of savory foods.
FAQs About Bacon Bits and Slices
Here are answers to some common questions about bacon bits and slice equivalents:
Are bacon bits considered processed meat?
Yes, bacon bits are considered a processed meat product since they are made from cured and preserved bacon. Even veggie bacon bits contain highly processed soy or other ingredients.
What’s the shelf life of an opened package of bacon bits?
Properly stored, an opened package of bacon bits will last about 6-9 months past the printed “best by” date. Keep the bits in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
How long can I keep real crumbled bacon?
Freshly cooked and crumbled bacon keeps 3-5 days in the fridge in an airtight container. You can also freeze crumbled bacon for 1-2 months.
What are some substitutes for bacon bits?
Some alternatives include chopped nuts, sesame seeds, shredded coconut, crispy fried shallots, nutritional yeast flakes, dried onions, or crushed pork rinds.
Can you substitute bacon bits for anchovy fillets?
Yes, the intense umami flavor of bacon bits can stand in for anchovies in some recipes like Caesar salad dressing. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of bits per 2-3 anchovy fillets.
The Bottom Line
When trying to determine how many bacon bits equal a slice of bacon, the general rule of thumb is 1-2 teaspoons of bacon bits per slice. Adjust amounts as needed based on thickness, crumble size, brand, and personal taste preferences. While convenient, bacon bits are very high in sodium, so enjoy them in moderation.