If you are a bacon lover, then you are probably familiar with the classic bacon strips that are a staple in many kitchens. However, there is another form of bacon that is gaining popularity: smoked bacon pieces, also known as slab bacon. In this article, we will explore what smoked bacon pieces are, how to cook them, and various ways to incorporate them into your favorite dishes.
What are smoked bacon pieces?
Smoked bacon pieces, or slab bacon, are chunks of smoked pork belly before they are sliced into the familiar bacon strips. Unlike regular bacon strips, slab bacon allows you to control the thickness of the slices. This versatility opens up a whole new world of culinary possibilities.
How to cook smoked bacon pieces
One of the benefits of smoked bacon pieces is that you can slice them to meet any requirement. Thicker slices are perfect for recipes where thin slices would cook too quickly or burn. The smoky and salty flavor of slab bacon adds depth to dishes, while the crispy exterior and meaty interior provide a satisfying texture.
Here are a few ways to use smoked bacon pieces:
Lardons
Lardons are bacon matchsticks or cubes. They are about ¼ inch thick and an inch long. Cook lardons in a hot pan until crispy, and save the rendered bacon fat. Lardons can be added to salads, soups, quiches, and more, providing a rich and satisfying texture.
Pasta
Smoked bacon pieces are a natural fit with pasta dishes. Carbonara, a classic Italian dish, is especially delicious with lardons tossed throughout. You can also add cooked lardons to cold pasta salads with vinaigrette dressing for a burst of flavor.
Soup
Smoked bacon pieces are perfect for enhancing the flavor of soups. Begin soups and braises by rendering a thick slice of slab bacon, such as coq au vin or beef bourguignon, to infuse smoky flavor and add a touch of bacon fat. You can also sprinkle bacon lardons on top of creamy squash soups or incorporate them into tomato bacon bisque or clam chowder.
Beans
Beans of all kinds, such as lentils, split peas, and baked beans, can benefit from the salty pleasure of smoked bacon. Chunk the slab bacon as needed and add it to your favorite bean recipes. Try our baked beans recipe, which uses both slab bacon chunks and thinner slices of bacon for a delicious twist.
Pizza
Whether you are making savory tarte flambée or American-style pizza, smoked bacon pieces can take your pizza game to the next level. The addition of lardons, onions, and fromage blanc creates a mouthwatering Alsatian pizza. Even traditional American-style pizzas, piled high with various toppings, will be even more delicious with the addition of bacon.
Bacon Jam
If you haven't tried bacon jam yet, you are missing out. Chop up some smoked bacon pieces and cook them down with onions until they meld together into a sweet and salty spread. Bacon jam is excellent on burgers, toast, or served on a charcuterie board.
Smoked bacon pieces vs. pork belly
You can purchase raw pork belly and make your own bacon or slow roast it for succulent results. Pork belly becomes slab bacon after it is rubbed with salt and sugar and smoked over wood chips. At our website, we offer slab bacon made from heritage-breed hogs raised on pasture. These breeds offer rich flavor and lots of marbling, resulting in exceptional bacon. We smoke the pork bellies over real applewood and never use nitrates or nitrites.
Where to buy smoked bacon pieces
While grocery stores may offer small pieces of slab bacon, our website offers two plates of slab bacon large enough to keep you stocked with bacon for quite some time. The best part is that smoked bacon pieces freeze beautifully, so you can portion them out in vacuum-sealed bags and have bacon readily available whenever you need it.
Don't miss out on the deliciousness of smoked bacon pieces. Explore the various ways you can incorporate them into your favorite recipes and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
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