How Many Slices of Bacon Are in a KG? A Helpful Guide

As a beloved breakfast food, bacon holds a special place in many people’s hearts (and stomachs!) Whether you like yours chewy or extra crispy, bacon is a tasty addition to everything from omelets to burgers But if you’ve ever tried following a recipe that calls for bacon by the kilogram instead of slices, you may have wondered – how many slices actually make up a kg of bacon?

This handy guide will walk you through the typical slice counts for different bacon types so you can easily portion it out Let’s dive in!

Sizing Up a KG of Bacon

First it helps to understand how a kilogram (kg) relates to other common units of measurement

• 1 kg = 1000 grams
• 1 kg = 2.2 pounds
• 1 pound = 453 grams

So a kg is just a bit over 2 pounds.

Knowing this conversion makes it easier to visualize the weight and quantity you’re working with.

How Many Slices in a KG Varies By Bacon Type

When it comes to the number of slices per kg, not all bacon is created equal. Here’s a breakdown for different varieties:

• American-style streaky bacon: Typically 14-18 slices per pound, or around 32-40 slices per kg
• Canadian bacon: Around 18-22 slices per pound, or 40-50 slices per kg
• British back bacon: Approximately 14-16 slices per pound, or 32-36 slices per kg
• Middle bacon: 12-14 slices per kg
• Pancetta bacon: 30-40 slices per kg

Thicker-cut bacon will also have fewer slices per kg compared to thinner, traditional sliced bacon. And smokehouse brands tend to have slightly higher slice counts than artisanal bacons.

So you can see there’s quite a range based on the exact type!

Factors Affecting Bacon Slice Counts

Why such variation in the number of slices per kg? Here are some of the factors that impact slice counts:

• Cut of meat – Pork belly vs pork loin
• Thickness of slice – Thin cut vs thick cut
• Curing process – Dry cured vs wet cured
• Smoking method – Hot smoked vs cold smoked
• Moisture content – More water weight means fewer slices per kg

Higher fat content also slightly lowers slice counts per kg. And the butcher’s specific slicing method makes a difference too!

Converting Between Grams, KG, and Slices

When a recipe calls for a certain weight of bacon, use these rough conversions to determine slices:

• 125g bacon = 4 to 5 slices
• 250g bacon = 8 to 10 slices
• 500g bacon = 16 to 20 slices
• 1 kg bacon = 32 to 40 slices

You can also go the other way – if you have a package with say 36 slices, it’s likely around 1 kg or 2.2 pounds.

These conversions account for the natural variability based on cut, thickness, etc.

Buying and Storing Bacon by the KG

When purchasing bacon by the kg instead of a standard package, keep these tips in mind:

• Opt for thicker, better quality bacon for more meat per slice
• Look for bacon without excess water or brine injected
• Check the label for preparation method, ingredients, and additives
• Store in the coldest part of the fridge, tightly wrapped
• Freeze extra bacon in usable portions if not using within 1 week

Freezing then thawing bacon won’t negatively impact taste or texture. And proper storage prevents spoilage so you can enjoy every tasty slice!

Cooking Up the Perfect Bacon

Now that you know roughly how many slices make up a kg, let’s look at some cooking methods to bring out that signature bacon flavor:

• Pan frying – The classic method! Cook over med-low heat to render the fat slowly.
• Oven baking – Lay slices on a foil-lined baking sheet and cook at 400°F, flipping halfway.
• Grilling – Works great for thicker bacon cuts. Char over direct heat.
• Microwaving – Quick but can lead to uneven cooking. Use lower power and cook in bursts.

However you cook it, target crispy but not burnt by keeping a close eye on doneness. And always blot cooked bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Let cooled bacon fat solidify, then store and reuse for cooking veggies, eggs, etc. Delicious!

Getting Creative with KG of Bacon

A kg of bacon offers tons of tasty possibilities. Beyond breakfast, consider these creative ways to use up a batch:

• Toss crumbled bacon into salads for a smoky, salty crunch.
• Wrap chicken, meatloaf, or shrimp in bacon before roasting or grilling.
• Mix into cookie doughs, sprinkled over cupcakes or muffins.
• Add crumbled bacon to potato dishes like soups or loaded baked potatoes.
• Use drippings to sauté greens like kale or brussels sprouts.
• Make candied bacon by coating strips with brown sugar or maple syrup before baking.

With a whole kilogram of bacon, you could even meal prep several dishes at once to enjoy throughout the week. Just be sure to store properly in the fridge or freezer.

Bacon Bits – A Crispy, Low-Fat Alternative

If you’re looking for bacon flavor without all the fat, consider using bacon bits. These crispy, concentrated bits pack tons of smoky, salty flavor.

Most real bacon bits are made from bacon that’s been pre-cooked then crumbled and dried. The drying process removes around 70% of the fat.

When cooking, use bacon bits anywhere you’d normally add crispy crumbled bacon. The portion size is much smaller, using usually 1 to 2 tablespoons instead of full slices.

Make your own by baking bacon strips until super crispy, then breaking into pieces. Toss with a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup for even more flavor!

Let’s Get Sizzling!

Understanding how a kilogram translates to everyday bacon slice counts makes it easy to portion for any recipe. While the exact number varies based on the cut, thickness, smoking method and other factors, you can expect approximately 32-50 slices per kg.

Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently tackle any recipe. Enjoy bacon on its own or get creative by adding it to vegetables, baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and more. Just be sure to store properly in the fridge or freezer for maximum freshness.

So next time a recipe calls for a certain weight of bacon, you’ll know exactly how many slices that means. Now it’s time to get sizzling with this versatile breakfast superstar!