How Much Crumbled Bacon Equals a Slice? A Guide to Bacon Measurements

Crispy, crumbled bacon is a vital ingredient in so many delicious recipes. From classic appetizers like bacon deviled eggs to hearty entrées like carbonara pasta, those little bits of smoky, salty pork goodness add tons of flavor. But when a recipe calls for crumbled bacon in cups or grams, how do you know how many raw slices to start with? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll breakdown exactly how much crumbled bacon equals a slice and provide tips for cooking and substituting.

Why Measurement Matters

When crumbling or chopping any ingredient, it’s tricky to visualize how much it reduces down. Bacon is especially deceiving since it shrinks dramatically when cooked. If you just eyeball it, you may end up with too little crispy bacon or be left with loads of extra raw slices. Measuring precisely yields the right bacon quantity and prevents waste.

Understanding standard bacon equivalents like:

• Slices to cups
• Slices to grams/ounces
• Pounds to cups

Ensures your recipe turns out perfectly every time. No sad bacon-deprived dishes!

Raw to Cooked Bacon Conversion

The first key ratio to know is how much cooked crumbled bacon you get from a single raw slice, Here is a general guideline

• 1 slice raw bacon = 1 tablespoon cooked, crumbled bacon

However this can vary slightly depending on the thickness and brand of bacon

• Thin or extra thin slice = 2 teaspoons crumbled
• Medium or regular slice = 1 tablespoon crumbled
• Thick cut slice = 4 teaspoons crumbled

Typically, a raw slice weights around 15-30 grams depending on thickness. To get a more precise measurement:

• Weigh 1 strip of your bacon raw
• Cook until crispy and crumble
• Weigh the crumbled amount
• Calculate the ratio

Knowing your personal bacon’s crumble-to-slice ratio is useful for future recipes.

Cups and Ounces of Cooked Bacon

For recipes specifying crumbled bacon in cups or ounces, here are common equivalents:

Cups

• 1/4 cup crumbled bacon = 4 slices raw bacon
• 1/3 cup crumbled bacon = 5 slices raw bacon
• 1/2 cup crumbled bacon = 8 slices raw bacon
• 3/4 cup crumbled bacon = 12 slices raw bacon
• 1 cup crumbled bacon = 16 slices raw bacon

Ounces

• 1 ounce crumbled bacon = 2 to 3 medium slices raw bacon
• 2 ounces crumbled bacon = 4 to 6 medium slices raw bacon
• 4 ounces crumbled bacon = 8 to 12 medium slices raw bacon

Again, the bacon’s thickness affects the equivalents slightly. Thinner tends to crumble into smaller bits per slice.

Converting Pounds of Bacon

For large batch cooking, knowing how many slices are in a pound is handy:

• 1 pound thin sliced bacon = around 28 to 30 strips
• 1 pound regular sliced bacon = around 18 to 20 strips
• 1 pound thick sliced bacon = around 14 to 16 strips

And foralready cooked and crumbled bacon

• 1 pound bacon = approximately 1 1/2 cups crumbled

Buying pre-cooked bacon can save time but check the label closely. Real crumbled bacon should just list pork and cure ingredients. “Bacon bits” often contain extras like soy, preservatives, and artificial flavors.

Tips for Perfectly Crispy Bacon

Achieving nicely crisped bacon for crumbling takes some finesse. Here are a few tips:

• Start with raw bacon at room temp, not cold from fridge
• Cook on medium low, adjusting as needed
• Use thick pans like cast iron
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Cook to golden brown, not blackened
• Drain on paper towels
• Let cool before crumbling by hand

Burnt or underdone bacon won’t crumble nicely. Find your ideal heat and doneness for even, crispy texture.

Bacon Substitutions

In a pinch, you can substitute these products for crumbled bacon:

• Cooked ground sausage or chorizo
• Diced ham or prosciutto
• Soy bacon bits or coconut flakes
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Caramelized onions or shallots

While not exactly the same, they can provide salinity, umami, and crunch. And for bacon flavor without the meat, add smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or worcestershire sauce.

Storing Leftover Bacon

Like any cooked meat, crumbled bacon is perishable. For storage:

• Let cool completely first
• Refrigerate in a sealed container
• Use within 3-5 days for best quality and safety

The small pieces lose moisture quickly and can spoil faster than strips. Freeze any longer term leftovers.

Get Crumbling!

Now that you know approximately how much crumbled bacon equals a raw slice and can convert between pounds, ounces, and cups, you can master any recipe. Understanding typical bacon equivalents removes the guesswork and minimizes waste. Just remember to account for your actual bacon’s thickness when measuring for the most accurate results. So get cooking, get crumbling, and enjoy all that bacony decadence!