How Much Does One Slice of Bacon Weigh?

Bacon is a breakfast staple loved by many The savory, smoky flavor and crispy texture make bacon an irresistible addition to everything from sandwiches to salads. But if you’ve ever tried portioning out bacon for a recipe or meal prep, you may have wondered – how much does a single slice of bacon actually weigh?

The answer depends on a few factors. Let’s break down the key details about bacon weights and sizes.

Bacon Comes in Different Thicknesses

Not all bacon is created equal when it comes to thickness. Here are some of the most common sizes

• Regular sliced – The typical thickness you find in most grocery stores. Approximately 1/16 inch thick.

• Thick sliced – Around double the thickness of regular sliced, at 1/8 inch.

• Extra thick sliced – Up to 1/4 inch thick. Very hearty and robust.

• Thin sliced – Around half the thickness of regular sliced at 1/32 inch It gets extra crispy when cooked,

The thicker the bacon, the more it will weigh per slice. Thinner bacon weighs less than thick bacon from the same package.

Approximate Weights by Thickness

Here are some general guidelines for how much a single slice of bacon weighs based on thickness:

• Thin sliced – Around 15g

• Regular sliced – 20-25g

• Thick sliced – 30-40g

• Extra thick sliced – Up to 60g

As you can see, the thickness makes a big difference! Thin bacon slices may be around 15g each, while extra thick slices are over 60g.

Weights Can Vary Between Brands

While the averages above are a good rule of thumb, exact weights can vary slightly depending on the brand.

For example, Wright® Brand natural hickory smoked bacon contains approximately 18-22 slices per pound for thin sliced bacon. This comes out to about 14-17g per slice.

Meanwhile, regular sliced Wright® bacon contains 14-18 slices per pound, or about 28-35g per slice.

So even though both packages are considered “regular” thickness, the weight per slice differs based on the brand’s sizing conventions. Checking the specific package details is the best way to know weights for that brand.

Counting Slices Isn’t Always Accurate

You might think you can skip weighing altogether and just count out a certain number of bacon slices for a recipe. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always work.

The number of slices in a pound varies quite a bit. Packages advertise a range, like “14-18 slices per pound.” That’s because natural variability in meat means you can’t guarantee exactly how many slices will fit per pound.

Counting out slices could give you anywhere from 77% to 129% of the weight you need, based on that 14-18 range. Probably not a big deal for some recipes, but the uncertainty makes portioning and nutrition info less accurate.

Weighing each slice individually on a food scale is the surest way to get the exact quantity you need.

Factors That Impact Weight

A few other things can cause the weight of a bacon slice to fluctuate:

• Inconsistent sizing – Natural variation in meat shape means some slices may be longer or shorter than others, affecting the total weight.

• Water loss – Bacon loses moisture during cooking as the fat renders out. Weighing after cooking will result in a lower weight per slice compared to raw.

• Brand formulas – Ingredients, curing methods, and quality control vary between brands, which impacts the consistency of slice sizes and weights.

• Freezing – Frozen bacon slices stick together and often need to be divided, resulting in some irregular sizes and weights.

For best accuracy, always weigh bacon in its raw state before freezing or cooking. This helps account for any water loss or distortions from the cooking process.

Common Portion Sizes

So now that you know the typical weight range per slice, what does that look like in terms of common bacon portion sizes?

• 2 slices = 40-60g

Great for things like a bacon egg and cheese sandwich or topping a burger.

• 3 slices = 60-90g

Covers a hearty serving for breakfast or BLT sandwich.

• 4 slices = 80-120g

Enough for a large serving or for wrapping around foods like scallops or chicken breasts.

• 8 slices = 160-240g

When you really want to go all out! Perfect for a big bacon cheeseburger or topping a salad.

• 12 slices = 240-360g

For when you need a large batch like a breakfast casserole for the family or a platter of bacon-wrapped appetizers for a crowd.

Key Takeaways

• Thickness has a big impact, with thin bacon weighing around 15g per slice and extra thick over 60g.

• Brand, freezing, cooking, and variability in sizing can also affect the weights.

• For accuracy, always weigh raw bacon on a food scale based on your specific package.

• Common portion sizes range from 40-60g for 2 slices up to 240-360g for 12 slices.

While the exact weight may vary, knowing the general range for different thicknesses and portion sizes makes it easier to plan your bacon needs. A food scale helps zero in on the precise quantities for recipes.

With the right information and tools, you can enjoy perfect portions of bacon any time. So go forth and cook confidently knowing exactly how much that tasty bacon weighs!