If you're a fan of bacon but prefer a meatier option, then Thick Cut Bacon is the way to go. At 60 calories per serving (14 g), it's an excellent addition to your breakfast, sandwiches or salads.
Thick Cut Bacon is high in fat, providing a rich flavor and texture to your dishes. In fact, a serving provides 5 grams of fat, of which 2 grams are saturated. It also contains protein, carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function properly.
Whether you're paleo, keto, low-carb or just want to switch things up, Thick Cut Bacon can be the perfect addition to your meals. Keep reading to learn more about this delicious meat and how to cook it to perfection.
What is Thick Cut Bacon?
Thick Cut Bacon is exactly how it sounds - it's a thicker version of the classic breakfast meat. The term 'thick cut' refers to the way the bacon is sliced, usually between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick, resulting in a meatier bite with a chewy texture. Thick Cut Bacon is typically made from pork belly and is cured and smoked to create the familiar salty and savory flavor. It's a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways depending on your preferences. Whether you grill, bake, or fry it, Thick Cut Bacon makes for a delicious and hearty addition to any meal.
Calories in Thick Cut Bacon
Thick Cut Bacon is a high-calorie food, with 60 calories per 14-gram serving. This serving size is equivalent to one slice of thick cut bacon. If you're watching your calorie intake, it's important to keep this in mind when adding it to your meals. However, despite its high calorie content, Thick Cut Bacon is still a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It's all about moderation and balance when it comes to incorporating it into your diet.
Fat Content in Thick Cut Bacon
One serving of Thick Cut Bacon provides 5 grams of fat, with 2 grams being saturated fat. While this might seem high, it's important to remember that fat is an essential part of a healthy diet and plays a critical role in keeping our bodies functioning properly. The fat content in bacon is what gives it that rich and satisfying flavor that we all love. However, if you're trying to limit your fat intake, it's important to enjoy Thick Cut Bacon in moderation or seek out leaner protein options.
Protein in Thick Cut Bacon
There's no denying that Thick Cut Bacon is a delicious source of protein. One serving of Thick Cut Bacon provides 3 grams of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue in our bodies. While it may not provide as much protein as other meat sources like chicken or beef, Thick Cut Bacon is still a great way to mix up your protein routine and add some variety to your meals.
Carbohydrates in Thick Cut Bacon
Thick Cut Bacon is a low-carb food, with only 0.1 grams of carbs per serving. This makes it an excellent choice for people who follow low-carb or keto diets. However, if you're watching your sodium intake, it's important to keep in mind that Thick Cut Bacon can be high in sodium. Be sure to read labels and choose options that are lower in sodium to help support your cardiovascular health.
Vitamins and Minerals in Thick Cut Bacon
Thick Cut Bacon is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals. For example, a serving provides 3% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12, which is important for maintaining healthy nerve and blood cells. It also provides smaller amounts of other vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, niacin, and phosphorus, all of which play important roles in keeping our bodies functioning at their best.
Health Benefits of Thick Cut Bacon
While it's true that Thick Cut Bacon is high in fat and calories, it does offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation. For example, the protein in Thick Cut Bacon can help support muscle growth and repair, while the essential vitamins and minerals can help keep our bodies functioning properly. However, it's important to remember that consuming too much fat, salt, and preservatives can have negative impacts on our health. It's all about balance and enjoying Thick Cut Bacon as part of a healthy and varied diet. Additionally, choosing a high-quality, ethically sourced bacon can have environmental and social benefits, as well as help support sustainable farming practices.
How to Cook Thick Cut Bacon
There's no one right way to cook Thick Cut Bacon - it all comes down to your personal preference! Here are a few methods to try:
- In a pan: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and browned.
- In the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place the bacon on the sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy.
- On the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the bacon directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and slightly charred.
No matter how you choose to cook Thick Cut Bacon, be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent burning and to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Serving Suggestions for Thick Cut Bacon
Thick Cut Bacon is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- As a breakfast meat: Serve Thick Cut Bacon alongside your favorite breakfast foods like eggs, toast, and pancakes.
- In sandwiches: Thick Cut Bacon adds a delicious crunch and flavor to sandwiches and burgers.
- In salads: Crumble Thick Cut Bacon over salads for a salty and savory touch.
Get creative and try adding Thick Cut Bacon to your favorite dishes - you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy this delicious meat.
Alternatives to Thick Cut Bacon
If you're looking for an alternative to Thick Cut Bacon, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are a few to keep in mind:
- Turkey bacon: Made from turkey meat, this bacon substitute is lower in fat and calories than pork bacon.
- Canadian bacon: This bacon alternative is made from pork loin and has a leaner, lighter flavor than traditional bacon.
- Vegetarian bacon: There are many plant-based bacon substitutes available, such as tempeh, tofu, and coconut bacon. While the flavor and texture may be different than traditional bacon, they can still be a delicious addition to your meals.
No matter what alternative you choose, it's important to read labels and choose options that are low in fat, sodium, and preservatives to support your health.
Everything is better with bacon.
5 Frequently Asked Questions About Thick Cut Bacon
1. What is thick cut bacon?
Thick cut bacon is bacon that has been cut into thicker slices than traditional bacon. It is often preferred by those who want a heartier, meatier bacon experience.
2. How is thick cut bacon cooked?
Thick cut bacon can be cooked just like traditional bacon, either in a pan on the stove or in the oven. However, because it is thicker, it may take longer to cook through than traditional bacon.
3. Is thick cut bacon healthier than traditional bacon?
No, thick cut bacon is not necessarily healthier than traditional bacon. Both types of bacon are high in fat and calories, and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
4. What are some ways to use thick cut bacon in recipes?
Thick cut bacon can be used in a variety of recipes, from breakfast dishes like bacon and eggs to sandwiches or salads. It can be crumbled and added to soups or stews, or wrapped around other proteins like chicken or shrimp for added flavor.
5. How should thick cut bacon be stored?
Thick cut bacon should be stored in the refrigerator, either in its original packaging or in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for longer storage.