Meat/Pork | Keto Paleo

Center Cut Bacon

Sus scrofa domesticus Allergen-Free
Center Cut Bacon

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Pork belly

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

Cured and smoked pork belly cut from the leaner middle section, resulting in less fat than traditional bacon.

Sensory Profile

TasteSalty, Savory, Umami, Smoky
TextureCrispy (when cooked), Chewy, Fatty
AromaSmoky, Porky, Cured
AcidityLow

Technical Metrics

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.

Nutrition Facts

Per 2 slices (28g)
Calories450 kcal
Total Fat35 g
Saturated Fat12 g
Trans Fat0.5 g
Cholesterol90 mg
Protein30 g
Total Carbohydrate0 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars0 g
Calcium10 mg
Iron1 mg
Potassium300 mg

Chef’s Secret

To achieve perfectly crisp bacon, cook it slowly over medium-low heat, starting in a cold pan, allowing the fat to render gradually.

Substitutions

Best Match

Turkey Bacon

1:1

Leaner alternative with similar smoky flavor, but different texture.

Pancetta

1:1

Unsmoked Italian bacon, good for savory dishes, but richer.

Prosciutto

1:1

Cured and aged, used raw, provides salty umami.

Mushroom "Bacon"

1:1

Vegetarian option for crispy, savory element.

Buying Guide

Look for uncured or nitrate-free options if preferred. Check the fat-to-meat ratio for center-cut.

Flavor Pairings

Eggs Sandwiches Salads Soups Burgers

Recipes Using Center Cut Bacon

Side Dishes Presentation North American Low Calorie

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.

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Mashed Potatoes Main Ingredient Vegetables Side Dishes

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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Easy 30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Eggs Dairy

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!

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