If you’re a bacon lover, you may have come across platter sliced bacon and wondered – what is it exactly? Platter sliced bacon is a slab of bacon that’s sliced before packaging, allowing you to easily cook up customized bacon slices. This guide will cover everything you need to know about this versatile bacon product.
What is Platter Sliced Bacon?
Platter sliced bacon is a slab of cured and smoked pork belly that has been pre-sliced before packaging It comes in one large intact piece rather than being presliced into individual strips
This allows you to cut slices to your desired thickness when cooking. It also means less handling compared to regular sliced bacon.
Platter sliced bacon usually has a rich smoky flavor from hardwood smoking It makes an excellent choice for those who want thick, customizable bacon slices
Where Does Platter Bacon Come From on the Pig?
Authentic platter bacon is made from pork belly, the same part of the pig as traditional bacon. The entire pork belly is cured and slow-smoked before being sliced into one whole slab.
This differs from regular sliced bacon, which is cut into thin strips before being smoked and packaged. Using the whole intact pork belly results in bacon with a distinct smoky, fatty flavor.
How Thick are the Slices of Platter Bacon?
When you buy platter sliced bacon, it comes to you as an unsliced slab about 1 inch thick. This allows you to cut it to your desired thickness before cooking.
Many people cut it into 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 inch slices. Thinner slices result in crispier bacon, while thicker slices are more chewy with big meaty bites. The choice is yours!
For comparison, traditional sliced bacon is only about 1⁄8 inch thick. So platter bacon allows for much thicker, customizable slices.
The Benefits of Choosing Platter Sliced Bacon
There are a few advantages that platter sliced bacon has over traditional thin sliced bacon:
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Customizable thickness: You control how thick or thin to slice it.
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Less fragile: The slab holds up better for recipes like bacon-wrapped foods.
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Bigger bacon flavor: The thicker slices have a more pronounced smoky pork flavor.
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More cooking options: It performs well in the oven, skillet, or grill.
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Less waste: You can slice exactly as much as you need.
For bacon lovers who want the versatility of thick slices with full bacon flavor, platter style is the way to go!
How Should You Cook Platter Sliced Bacon?
Platter bacon can be prepared a few different ways:
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Skillet: Cut slices then cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, flipping occasionally. Pour off excess grease.
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Oven: Place slab on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 18-25 minutes until browned and sizzling.
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Grill: Slice the slab then grill over medium heat, flipping once, until crispy.
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Microwave: Cut bacon to fit on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with paper towels and microwave in 30 second bursts until desired crispness.
Regardless of the cooking method, make sure to drain excess bacon grease after cooking. Let bacon cool slightly before serving or using in recipes.
Creative Serving Ideas for Platter Bacon
The thick slices and smoky flavor of platter bacon make it delicious in all sorts of dishes:
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Burgers and clubs
- Salads
- Soups and chilis
- Bacon jam
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Scallops or shrimp wraps
- Bacon-wrapped meatloaf or pork
- Bacon and blue cheese stuffed mushrooms
Take your recipes to the next level by using platter bacon instead of regular sliced bacon. You’ll love the thicker slices and rich smoky taste!
Where to Buy Platter Sliced Bacon
Platter sliced bacon may be harder to find than traditional thin sliced bacon. Here are a few tips for locating it:
- Check at butcher shops, especially those that smoke their own meats
- Specialty food stores often carry it
- Large grocery stores may have it in limited supply
- Order from online meat markets and bacon specialty sellers
- Search for “platter sliced bacon” instead of just “bacon”
When you find it, look for bargains on bulk sizes like whole 15 lb. slabs to get the most value. Enjoy the versatility of platter sliced bacon!
Storing and Freezing Platter Bacon
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Store unopened plank bacon in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks past any use-by date.
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Slice only what you plan to use right away. Tightly wrap leftover slices or pieces.
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Use opened platter bacon within 5-7 days. The thicker slices don’t keep as long.
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For longer freezer storage, wrap the slab well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for 4-6 months.
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Thaw frozen bacon overnight in the fridge before using.
Follow these tips to keep your plank bacon fresher for longer.
Nutrition Information Per Serving
Here are the nutrition facts for a 1 oz (about 3 slices) serving of platter sliced bacon:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between platter bacon and regular sliced bacon?
Platter bacon is sold in a whole smoked unsliced slab so you can cut customized thick slices. Regular sliced bacon comes already in thin uniform slices.
Does platter bacon need to be cooked before eating?
Yes, always cook raw platter bacon thoroughly before eating it. It can be prepared many ways like baking, pan frying, or microwaving.
How long does an opened slab of platter bacon last?
Use opened platter bacon within 5-7 days. The thicker slices don’t keep as long as thinner sliced bacon. Make sure to tightly wrap any leftover pieces.
Can you freeze platter sliced bacon?
Yes, you can freeze platter bacon for 4-6 months. Wrap the slab very well before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
What’s the best way to microwave platter bacon?
Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with paper towels. Microwave in 30 second bursts, flipping once, until it reaches your desired crispness.
Discover the Joy of Platter Sliced Bacon
Platter sliced bacon offers incredible versatility in the kitchen. With its customizable thickness and big smoky flavor, it can take scrambled eggs, burgers, and salads to the next level. Seek it out at specialty stores or order online and enjoy the benefits of this amazing bacon style.