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.
Quick Tips: How to Separate Bacon Slices
How many ounces of bacon are in a slice?
Did you ever wonder how many ounces of bacon are in a single slice? Generally speaking, a single slice of bacon weighs anywhere between 0.5 to 0.6 ounces on average. This can vary slightly depending on the thickness and brand of bacon that you buy, but it is typically around this range.
How much does a slice of bacon weigh?
A thin cut slice of bacon typically weighs around 12-14 grams (0.42-0.49 ounces), while a thicker slice can weigh up to 20 grams (0.7 ounces). For those who prefer back bacon, an uncooked slice can weigh anywhere between 30-40 grams (1.06-1.41 ounces), again depending on the thickness of the slice.
How many strips of bacon in 8 oz?
Eight ounces of regular cut bacon equals eight slices of regular cut bacon. As a result, the amount of bacon in a strip is about 6 ounces, which equates to about 6-8 strips. The hardwood smoked bacon in our 16-ounce vacuum sealed package has 17-19 slices and is ideal for sharing with your entire family. How Many Strips Is 8 Oz Of Bacon?
How much Bacon is in a cup?
Keep in mind, you can’t have too much bacon! Diced, raw bacon is roughly the same weight for cup measure as liquids. One cup would be approximately 8 ounces and 225 grams; 1/2 cup is about 4 ounces or 115 grams; 1/4 cup is about 2 ounces or 55 grams, etc.