How Many Slices of Bacon Equal 5 Ounces?

Bacon is a breakfast staple that many people enjoy. But when a recipe calls for a certain weight of bacon, like 5 ounces, it can be tricky to visualize how that converts to slices. The number of slices in 5 ounces of bacon depends on several factors.

In this article we’ll break down how to calculate slices per ounce and determine how many full strips make up 5 ounces of bacon. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Bacon Measurements

Bacon can be measured either by

• Slices – The number of individual strips.
• Ounces or pounds – The weight of the uncooked bacon.

An average slice of regular cut bacon is about 1 ounce. But thicker slices will weigh more than thin cut.

Factors like fat content, brand, and curing process also cause variance in weights. So the number of slices per pound ranges from 14-22 for regular bacon.

How Many Slices Equal 5 Ounces of Bacon

Based on the average 1 ounce per slice 5 ounces of bacon would be approximately

• 5 slices of regular cut bacon
• 3-4 slices of thick cut bacon

Again, there will be some variability based on slice thickness, leanness, and other factors mentioned above. Weighing the bacon will give a more precise ounce measurement.

Converting Other Bacon Weights to Slices

You can use the 1 slice per 1 ounce general rule to determine slices for other bacon weights:

• 1 ounce bacon = 1 regular slice OR 1 thick slice
• 2 ounces bacon = 2 regular slices OR 1-2 thick slices
• 4 ounces bacon = 4 regular slices OR 3 thick slices
• 1 pound (16 ounces) bacon = 16 regular slices OR 12-14 thick slices

When cooking, weigh bacon raw since it shrinks and renders fat.

Accounting for Variables in Bacon Sizes

Why so much variety in bacon slice sizes and weights? Here are some of the factors that impact this:

• Pork cut – Belly vs loin meat
• Thickness of each slice – Thin, regular, or thick cut
• Preparation method – Smoked, unsmoked, added ingredients
• Moisture content – More water means less meat per ounce
• Fat distribution – Fatty bacon weighs less than lean

Purchasing and Storing 5 Ounces of Bacon

When buying a fixed weight like 5 ounces instead of packs, consider:

• Looking for quality, thick cut bacon to maximize meat
• Checking for excessive moisture or brine injection
• Following safe storage tips in the refrigerator
• Freezing extra for longer shelf life

Properly stored, bacon keeps 1 week refrigerated or 3 months frozen.

Cooking 5 Ounces of Bacon Perfectly

No matter which cut of bacon you get, using proper cooking techniques is key:

• Cook slowly over medium heat to render fat evenly
• Bake on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F, flipping halfway
• Microwave between paper towels in 30 second increments
• Blot cooked bacon on paper towels to remove grease

Getting crispy bacon without burning requires finding the right balance based on thickness. But now you know that 5 ounces equals around 5 regular or 3-4 thick slices to get it just right!

Enjoying Bacon in Moderation

While tasty, bacon is high in saturated fat, sodium, and preservatives. Experts recommend no more than 2 servings of processed meat per week as part of a healthy diet.

A serving is about 1-2 bacon slices or 14-28g. So you can still enjoy 5 ounces of bacon, just in moderation and as an occasional treat alongside balanced meals.

Armed with knowledge of slice counts per bacon weight, you can confidently portion for recipes. Just be mindful of health impacts and practice moderation to gain benefits without overdoing it.