Forktionary

Center Cut Bacon

Sus scrofa domesticus (pork source) Cured Meat, Pork

Center Cut Bacon Cured Meat, Pork

At a Glance

  • Category Cured Meat, Pork

The Forktionary Angle

"It balances the rich, smoky flavor of bacon with a significantly reduced fat content, offering the best of both worlds for many culinary applications."

Definition

A leaner variety of sliced bacon, sourced from the center of the pork belly, characterized by less fat and more meat than traditional streaky bacon.

Cooking Tip Cook slowly over medium-low heat to render fat evenly and achieve crispness.
Crispy Texture Bakes exceptionally well on a wire rack for uniform crispness.
Fat Reduction Contains 25-30% less fat than regular bacon.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Center Cut Bacon are:

Savory Smoky Salty Umami Porky

Chef’s Secret

Start cooking center-cut bacon in a cold pan over medium-low heat. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy slices without burning.

Best Substitutes

Regular Bacon

higher fat
Ratio 1:1

Turkey Bacon

different texture/flavor
Ratio 1:1

Prosciutto

saltier, richer
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for consistent thickness in slices and a good meat-to-fat ratio. Check for "no nitrates/nitrites" if desired.

Culinary Pairings

Eggs Pancakes BLT Sandwiches Burgers Salads

Recipes Using Center Cut Bacon

Bacon Caramelized Onion Asparagus image 116
Occasion Spring Savory Preparation

Bacon Caramelized Onion Asparagus

Crispy bacon, sweet caramelized onions, and tender asparagus come together in this quick and easy 20-minute recipe from Kraft! A delicious and satisfying side dish or light meal, perfect for weeknight dinners. This recipe elevates simple asparagus into a flavor explosion.

See Complete Recipe
Bacon And Cheddar Smashed Potatoes image 151
Mashed Potatoes 30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Main Ingredient

Bacon And Cheddar Smashed Potatoes

Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese meet fluffy smashed potatoes in this incredibly quick and easy microwave recipe! Ready in under 20 minutes, this side dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual get-together. Skip the oven and enjoy perfectly seasoned potatoes with minimal cleanup!

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Bacon Macaroni And Cheese Cooking Light image 144
Dietary Comfort Food Preparation Taste Mood

Bacon Macaroni And Cheese Cooking Light

Relive the 2009 Cooking Light sensation! This lighter take on classic Bacon Mac and Cheese is surprisingly decadent. Enjoy creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky bacon in just 30 minutes. Only 399 calories and 13.8g of fat per serving (1 cup). Get ready for a taste of comfort food, guilt-free!

See Complete Recipe