The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Peter Luger’s Legendary Thick-Cut Bacon

As a bacon lover, I’m always on the hunt for the thickest, most indulgently fatty, perfectly smoky slices around And in my opinion, none compare to the slabs of heaven that are Peter Luger’s bacon

This Brooklyn steakhouse has been serving their signature thick-cut bacon since the 1980s, and it has achieved legendary status among carnivores. While you can order it on the menu at Peter Luger’s, they also sell packs of this drool-worthy bacon at select grocery stores and online.

I love being able to cook up Peter Luger’s bacon at home whenever a bacon craving strikes. But cooking this extra thick bacon requires some special care to achieve crispy, meaty perfection in every bite.

In this complete guide I’ll share my tips and tricks for cooking Peter Luger’s bacon just like the experts including

• What makes Peter Luger’s bacon so special
• How to buy and store Peter Luger’s bacon
• Cooked vs. raw bacon – which is best?
• Step-by-step cooking instructions
• How to get the perfect crispiness
• Serving suggestions and recipe ideas

So grab your apron, crank up the stovetop, and let’s dive into cooking the ultimate thick-cut bacon!

What Makes Peter Luger’s Bacon So Special

For the uninitiated, Peter Luger Steakhouse is a 130-year old Brooklyn institution known for its exceptional dry-aged steaks. But their thick-cut bacon deserves just as much acclaim.

Peter Luger’s bacon stands out for its exceptional thickness – around 1/3 inch, which is almost double the average bacon slice. This means more meaty richness in every piece.

It also has the ideal balance of meat to fat. There’s plenty of decadent fat marbled throughout for flavor and moisture, but it’s not so fatty that the bacon loses its structural integrity.

The smoky flavor really shines through thanks to a spot-on curing process. And the texture manages to be crispy on the edges while remaining tender and never chewy.

Quite simply, Peter Luger’s bacon is in a class of its own and a must-try for bacon aficionados. The only downside is that you can’t enjoy it daily unless you live near their Brooklyn restaurant!

Buying and Storing Peter Luger’s Bacon

Thankfully, Peter Luger’s ships their signature bacon nationwide. Here are some tips for buying and storing this precious pork product:

• Where to buy: Peter Luger’s thick-cut bacon is sold at select grocery stores in NY, NJ, CT and PA. Check their online store locator to find a location near you. Otherwise, order it online directly through Goldbelly.com for nationwide shipping.

• How much to buy: I recommend buying at least two packs at a time, especially if you have to pay shipping. This bacon goes fast! Each pack contains around 1 lb of bacon.

• Storage: Keep Peter Luger’s bacon well wrapped in the fridge for 5-7 days max. You can also freeze it for longer term storage (up to 4 months).

With proper storage, you can now enjoy this restaurant-quality bacon whenever the mood strikes!

Cooked vs. Raw Peter Luger’s Bacon: Which is Best?

Peter Luger’s bacon can be purchased both raw and pre-cooked. But which option tastes better?

For maximum flavor and that signature Peter Luger’s crispiness, I strongly recommend buying the raw bacon and cooking it yourself.

The pre-cooked bacon is fully cooked but just lightly seared. So while convenient, it won’t have that satisfying crunch. And the smoky flavors won’t develop as much either.

Cooking the raw bacon yourself allows you to perfectly control the texture, fat rendering, and overall flavor.

Trust me, it’s worth the small amount of hands-on cooking time to transform this incredible pork belly into its ultimate form!

How to Cook Peter Luger’s Thick-Cut Bacon

Now, let’s get into the fun part – actually cooking this monster bacon!

Peter Luger’s thick-cut bacon can be prepared in the oven, skillet, or air fryer. Here are step-by-step instructions for each method:

Oven-Baked Peter Luger’s Bacon

Baking is my preferred cooking method, as it consistently delivers crisp yet tender bacon for a crowd.

You’ll need:

• Peter Luger’s raw thick-cut bacon
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Cooling rack (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Line baking sheet with foil and place cooling rack on top (or place bacon directly on foil).

3. Arrange raw bacon slices on rack in single layer without overlapping.

4. Bake for 15 minutes. Then flip bacon and bake 10-15 more minutes until crispy.

5. Transfer baked bacon to paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Cook’s Notes:

• Baking time will vary based on bacon thickness. Check often to avoid burnt bacon.

• No need to add oil – the bacon’s fat will render while cooking.

• A cooling rack allows air circulation for even crispiness.

Skillet-Fried Peter Luger’s Bacon

If you’re only cooking a few slices, frying on the stovetop is quick and easy.

You’ll need:

• Peter Luger’s raw thick-cut bacon
• Large skillet
• Cooking oil or butter

Instructions:

1. Heat a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat.

2. Add just enough oil or butter to lightly coat the pan.

3. Carefully place bacon slices in the skillet without overlapping.

4. Fry for 2-3 minutes until underside is browned. Flip and fry 2-3 minutes more.

5. Transfer cooked bacon to paper towel-lined plate.

Cook’s Notes:

• Use tongs for easy bacon flipping.

• Pour off excess bacon grease between batches.

• Lower heat if bacon is browning too quickly.

Air Fryer Peter Luger’s Bacon

An air fryer lets you quickly “fry” bacon in a fraction of the oil.

You’ll need:

• Peter Luger’s raw thick-cut bacon
• Air fryer

Instructions:

1. Pre-heat air fryer to 380°F.

2. Add bacon slices in a single layer, without overlapping.

3. Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping bacon halfway through.

4. When done, remove bacon and dab excess oil with paper towels.

Cook’s Notes:

• Check often to avoid overcooking.

• Fry in batches to prevent overlapping.

• Brush with maple syrup before cooking for candied bacon!

Tips for Getting the Perfect Crispy Bacon

Now that you know the basic cooking methods, here are my top tips to take your Peter Luger’s bacon from great to glorious:

• Start with cold bacon – Letting it sit at room temp makes it harder to get crispy.

• Blot with paper towels – Removing excess moisture helps it crisp up.

• Use lower heat – Higher heat causes curling and uneven cooking.

• Flip frequently – This prevents cupping and fat pockets.

• Cook in batches – Avoid crowding so slices fry instead of steaming.

• Embrace the fat! – The generous marbling is key for texture and flavor.

Follow this advice and you’ll be rewarded with the crisp, smoky, meaty bacon of your dreams!

Serving Ideas and Recipes for Peter Luger’s Bacon

Peter Luger’s bacon is so insanely delicious, you can enjoy it on its own without any accompaniments. But it also elevates scrambled eggs, burgers, baked beans, sandwiches, salads, and more.

Here are just a few serving ideas and recipes to try:

• Classic BLT sandwich

• Bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich

• Bacon cheeseburger with Peter Luger’s bacon

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with chunks of bacon

• Kale Caesar salad topped with crumbled bacon

• Bacon-wrapped dates or scallops

• Homemade baked beans with bacon pieces stirred in

• Bacon jam to spread on toast or sandwiches

As you can see, the possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying Peter Luger’s famous thick-cut bacon!

Frequently Asked Questions About Peter Luger’s Bacon

Before you get cooking, here are quick answers to some common questions about Peter Luger’s one-of-a-kind bacon:

Is Peter Luger’s bacon gluten free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten free! The only ingredients are pork and seasonings.

How long does Peter Luger’s bacon last?

Unopened, it lasts 2-3 weeks from the packaged date. Once opened, use within 5-7 days.

Is the pre-cooked bacon fully cooked?

Yes, the pre-cooked option just needs a quick sear or warm up before eating.

Should I freeze Peter Luger’s bacon?

Absolutely – it freezes excellently for up to 4 months! Just wrap well.

Can I use Peter Luger’s bacon lard/grease?

Save that flavorful bacon fat in the fridge or freezer! Use for cooking or add to recipes.

Indulge in Peter Luger’s Bacon Greatness

Peter Luger’s legendary thick-cut bacon deserves a permanent spot in every bacon lover’s fridge. With this complete cooking guide, you can now enjoy diner-style bacon whenever the craving strikes.

Savor the crispy meatiness in every bite. Let the smoky aroma overtake your kitchen. Appreciate the 1/3 inch thickness of these porky slices.

And if you try any drool-worthy bacon recipes using Peter Luger’s, please share photos! I’m always seeking new ways indulge in this brunchtime treasure.