What Does Platter Bacon Mean? A Detailed Guide

Bacon is one of the most beloved foods in America. The savory smoky flavor of perfectly crisp bacon is hard to resist! From breakfast plates to burgers and BLTs it shows up in all sorts of dishes. But if you take a closer look in the grocery store or butcher shop, you’ll notice that bacon comes in different cuts, thicknesses, flavors, and more. One term you may see is “platter bacon” which leaves many bacon lovers wondering – what does platter bacon mean?

In this article, we’ll explore what exactly platter bacon is where it comes from how it compares to other types of bacon, and popular ways it is used. Whether you are a professional chef, opening a new restaurant, or just a bacon aficionado, read on for a complete guide to platter bacon!

What is Platter Bacon?

Platter bacon refers to bacon that has been pre-sliced and arranged on a platter, ready to serve. It is a popular choice for breakfast buffets, brunch menus, and catered events.

Unlike slab bacon that comes in a whole smoked piece, platter bacon is already neatly sliced into individual strips or pieces when you purchase it. The uniform slices make it easy to grab and serve, ideal for self-serve scenarios.

Platter bacon is often, but not always, leaner than other bacon options It typically contains less fat since it is frequently cut from the pork belly or leaner sections like the loin or back

Below are some key characteristics that set platter bacon apart:

• Pre-sliced – sold ready to cook or serve as-is
• Uniform thickness – cut into even slices
• Lean cut – contains less fat than other bacon types
• Versatile – works for breakfasts, apps, sandwiches, etc.
• Easy to portion – great for buffets and catering

Now that you know the basics, let’s look closer at where platter bacon comes from and how it compares to other common bacon varieties.

Where Does Platter Bacon Come From on the Pig?

Platter bacon can come from a few different cuts of pork, unlike bacon types like pancetta that come from one specific area.

Most often, it is cut from the pork belly, the same part of the pig used for traditional slab bacon. But some processors make platter bacon from the leaner pork loin or back areas.

Using multiple cuts allows suppliers to produce platter bacon that has a balance of meaty flavor and fat. It also enables a more consistent size and shape of the slices.

The uniform slices and leanness make platter bacon a suitable choice for appetizers, breakfasts, sandwiches, and other applications where you want easy portioning.

How Does Platter Bacon Compare to Other Types?

Not all bacon is created equal! Let’s look at how platter bacon stacks up to other common varieties:

Slab bacon – Sold in a large, whole smoked piece requiring slicing before use. Has a high fat content and is made solely from the pork belly.

Pancetta – An Italian-style bacon that is salt-cured but not smoked. It has a strong pork flavor and is quite fatty.

Canadian bacon – Lean meat from the pork loin. Mild flavor profile closer to ham.

Platter bacon – Pre-sliced and typically contains less fat than slab bacon. Flavor and fat content varies based on the cut(s) used.

How is Platter Bacon Used in Restaurants and Catering?

The pre-portioned slices and leaner fat content make platter bacon a versatile choice for foodservice. Here are some of the most popular ways it is used:

• Breakfast buffets – Platter bacon allows guests to easily grab a few slices. It cooks up consistently since the slices are uniform.

• Brunch apps – BLT bites, bacon-wrapped dates, or candied bacon are all easy finger foods when made with platter bacon.

• Sandwiches – The thinner slices make great sandwich toppers. Platter bacon is perfect on burgers, breakfast sandwiches, club sandwiches, and more.

• Salads – Crispy bacon crumbles are a tasty salad topping. Platter bacon’s lean nature prevents too much grease on the salad.

• Seasoning – Add bacon flavor to dishes like Brussels sprouts, green beans, or baked potatoes by using platter bacon pieces.

• Garnish – Bacon brings a pop of flavor, color, and texture when used as a garnish. Scatter platter bacon bits over soups or baked potatoes.

As you can see, the versatility of platter bacon makes it a workhorse ingredient for all types of restaurants, caterers, and food trucks!

Cooking with Platter Bacon – Tips and Tricks

Platter bacon simplifies portioning and serving, but you still need to cook it properly to get the best results. Follow these tips for cooking up crunchy, delicious platter bacon:

• Choose the right cooking method – You can bake platter bacon in the oven, fry it in a skillet, or cook it on a griddle or flat top. Baking yields even results when cooking large batches.

• Start with a cold pan or oven – Gently heating the bacon renders fat slowly for tender and flat bacon strips. Avoid starting with a hot pan which can cause curling.

• Use a baking sheet – Lining a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper allows excess grease to drain away easily. The bacon cooks evenly without sticking.

• Watch closely – Platter bacon cooks faster than slab bacon. Keep an eye on it and remove it before it gets too crispy or burnt.

• Blot grease – Drain cooked bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate. Blotting removes excess grease for crisper bacon.

• Serve it hot – Bacon loses its crispness quickly after cooking. Serve platter bacon right away for the best texture and flavor.

With the right cooking techniques, you can achieve crunchy, lightly smoked, and juicy platter bacon every time. Remember to save your leftover bacon grease for cooking other foods like eggs, vegetables, or cornbread!

Health Considerations and Nutrition Facts

Like all bacon, enjoying platter bacon in moderation is key for your health. While bacon contains protein, vitamins, and minerals, its high sodium and saturated fat content can be concerning for some. Here are a few health and nutrition facts to keep in mind:

• High in sodium – platters bacon contains over 300mg sodium per 2 slices

• Higher in saturated fat than other pork cuts

• Source of choline, phosphorus, selenium, zinc and B vitamins

• Leaner than slab bacon but still high in fat and calories

• Contains nitrates and nitrites used for preservation

• Processed meats may increase cancer risk when consumed in excess

As with any processed meat, platter bacon is best enjoyed occasionally as part of a balanced diet. Look for uncured or nitrate-free options if you are concerned about additives. And choose platter bacon from suppliers that avoid hormones and unnecessary antibiotics.

What Does Platter Bacon Mean? Your New Go-To Bacon

Hopefully this guide has helped explain exactly what platter bacon is and how it can benefit your cooking. So next time you come across it in stores or on a supplier’s menu, you’ll know that platter bacon is ideal for effortless portioning and serving. Feel free to use the convenient pre-sliced format to add bacon goodness into your recipes!