How to Cook Peameal Bacon to Perfection in a Crock Pot

Peameal bacon, also known as Canadian bacon, is a uniquely delicious type of bacon that originates from Canada. Unlike regular bacon, peameal bacon is not smoked and is trimmed of excess fat, giving it a leaner and lighter flavor profile. While peameal bacon is often pan-fried, grilled, or baked in the oven, using a crock pot to slowly cook this bacon results in incredibly tender and juicy meat that literally falls off the bone.

Cooking peameal bacon in a crock pot may seem unconventional, but it is actually quite simple and yields amazing results every time. In this detailed guide, I will walk you through the entire process of crock pot peameal bacon, from start to finish. After trying this method just once, I guarantee peameal bacon will become one of your favorite easy weeknight meals!

What Exactly is Peameal Bacon?

Before diving into the cooking process, it helps to understand exactly what sets peameal bacon apart from other types of bacon. Here are the main characteristics of this specialty Canadian meat:

• Made from the lean boneless pork loin

• Wet-cured and rolled in cornmeal (historically rolled in ground peas)

• Not smoked like regular bacon

• Contains very little fat since it is trimmed

• Milder in flavor compared to smoked bacon

• Originated in Toronto Canada in 1850s

• Often called Canadian bacon

• Most well-known for peameal bacon sandwiches

Why Cook Peameal Bacon in a Crock Pot?

While peameal bacon is often pan-fried for breakfast sandwiches, using a crock pot to slowly cook this bacon offers several advantages:

• Results in extremely tender, fall-apart texture

• Allows flavors to fully develop over time

• Minimal effort – just set it and forget it!

• Perfect for meal prepping

• Ideal method for large cuts of meat

• Infuses meat with flavors from sauces or liquids

• Gives you juicy, shredable meat for sandwiches, tacos, etc.

The low and slow cooking environment of the crock pot breaks down the fat and connective tissues in the pork over several hours. This renders the peameal bacon melt-in-your-mouth tender. Set it before work in the morning and arrive home to a house filled with intoxicating aromas and a ready-to-eat meal!

Step-by-Step Guide to Crock Pot Peameal Bacon

Here is a simple 6 step method for cooking peameal bacon in the crock pot to achieve fork-tender deliciousness:

1. Remove exterior cornmeal coating (optional)

Peameal bacon roasts are rolled in a yellow cornmeal crust. For crock pot cooking, you can leave this coating on for visual appeal and added texture. Or rinse it off prior to cooking if you prefer.

2. Place roast in crock pot

Add the peameal bacon roast directly to the crock pot. Lay it fat side down if the roast has a visible fat cap.

3. Season and add liquid

Sprinkle on any desired seasonings or rubs. For classic Canadian flavor, use a maple syrup, apple juice and lemon juice mixture. Other options include Dijon, whole grain mustard, brown sugar, herbs or bbq sauce. Add 1 cup of water, broth or cider if not using a wet sauce.

4. Cook on low setting

Cover and cook for 8-10 hours on the low setting. The long cooking time ensures tender meat.

5. Remove meat and shred

When finished, transfer the peameal bacon to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any large pieces of fat.

6. Serve and enjoy!

Serve the shredded peameal bacon piled high on buns, over mashed potatoes, with eggs, or enjoy it straight up with your favorite condiments on the side.

That’s all there is to it! By following these simple steps, you’ll end up with amazingly moist and flavorful pulled peameal bacon that makes for fantastic quick meals and sandwiches.

Tips and Variations

• For extra flavor, add sliced apples, sauerkraut or onion to the crock pot

• Can use 4-6 hour high setting but low yields best texture

• Mix cornstarch with broth to thicken juices for gravy

• Works great with frozen roasts too

• Leftovers can be stored for up to 4 days refrigerated

• Reheat individual portions in the microwave

FAQs

How long does it take to cook peameal bacon in a crock pot?

Cook for 8-10 hours on low or 5-6 hours on high. The low setting gives the most tender, pull-apart meat.

What setting should I use to cook peameal bacon in a crock pot?

The low setting for 8-10 hours is ideal, but high for 5-6 hours will work too. Low and slow always wins for best texture!

Do you add liquid to peameal bacon in a crock pot?

Adding 1 cup of water, broth, cider, beer or juice provides moisture and extra flavor. Use maple syrup, bbq sauce or marinades for even more flavor infusion.

Conclusion