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
Stove Top Savory Served Hot Side Dishes

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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4 Cheese Mac N Bacon image 103
Main Ingredient Easy Occasion Cuisine

4 Cheese Mac N Bacon

Experience pure cheesy bliss with this gourmet 4 Cheese Mac & Bacon recipe! Inspired by a Chicago restaurant favorite, this elevated mac and cheese is creamy, decadent, and packed with smoky bacon for extra heartiness. Forget boxed mac and cheese – this recipe is a game-changer, guaranteed to be the best you've ever tasted. Impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish.

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Bacon And Cheddar Smashed Potatoes image 125
Course Time To Make Main Ingredient Preparation

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 And Egg Sandwiches image 108
North American Main Ingredient Occasion For 1 Or 2

Bacon And Egg Sandwiches

Elevate your breakfast with this gourmet Bacon and Egg Sandwich! Sweet caramelized onions and peppery arugula add a delicious twist to the classic, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. This recipe is perfect for a weekend brunch or a quick, satisfying weekday breakfast.

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Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole image
Beef Taste Mood Main Dish Midwestern

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

This comforting, cheesy casserole is a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Made with juicy ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy soup, and crunchy fried onions, this recipe transforms leftover hamburger into a satisfying family meal. Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Bacon Macaroni And Cheese Cooking Light image 104
30 Minutes Or Less Taste Mood Kid Friendly Pasta

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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Bacon Roasted Chicken With Potatoes image 113
Weeknight Preparation Meat Vegetables

Bacon Roasted Chicken With Potatoes

Juicy chicken thighs and drumsticks, wrapped in crispy bacon and roasted to perfection with tender potatoes! This easy, budget-friendly recipe is bursting with flavor thanks to a simple herb and spice blend. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal the whole family will love!

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Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger image 103
Kid Friendly Grilling Barbecue Taste Mood

Bbq Bacon Cheeseburger

Devin Alexander, the weight-loss chef who shed 55 pounds with her healthy creations, shares her secret to a delicious, guilt-free BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger! This recipe, featured in Woman's World magazine, delivers big flavor with less fat. Get ready for a juicy patty, crispy bacon, and melted cheese, all in under 20 minutes! Perfect for a weeknight meal or a satisfying weekend treat.

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