What is Picnic Bacon? A Complete Guide to This Unique Type of Bacon

Bacon is a beloved breakfast staple and cooking ingredient around the world. While most people are familiar with common cuts like pork belly bacon, there are many other types of bacon worth trying. One unique form is called picnic bacon.

If you’ve never heard of picnic bacon before, you’re not alone. This particular cut is less common than traditional sliced bacon from the pork belly. However, it has its own distinct qualities that make it worth seeking out.

Keep reading to learn what exactly picnic bacon is, where it comes from, how it tastes, and the best ways to cook it

What Cut of Meat is Picnic Bacon?

Picnic bacon comes from the pork shoulder, specifically the picnic cut This is the lower portion of the front leg beneath the shoulder blade It’s also sometimes called the picnic ham or hock.

This area contains more connective tissue than typical bacon cuts like pork belly While not as fatty as belly bacon, the picnic cut does have marbling throughout

Overall, picnic bacon is leaner and chewier than regular sliced breakfast bacon. It can be sold bone-in or boneless. The meat is usually smoked and cured before being sliced and packaged.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The flavor of picnic bacon reflects its cut – it’s a bit meatier and smokier compared to pork belly bacon. When cooked, the texture is pleasantly chewy rather than crispy. Think ham versus bacon.

Since it doesn’t have as much fat, picnic bacon likely won’t shrink as much as belly bacon during cooking. The meat retains a pleasantly firm texture.

The smoky and salty flavors really stand out. So this cut pairs especially well with sweet ingredients like maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar.

Overall, picnic bacon delivers a hearty bacon taste in a nice thick cut perfect for sandwiches or chopping up as a recipe ingredient.

How is Picnic Bacon Used?

While you can certainly eat picnic bacon plain or in a BLT, it really shines when incorporated into other dishes:

• Dice it up and add to omelets, frittatas, or quiche for a bacon kick
• Chop it into salads like spinach, potato, or pasta for a satisfying crunch
• Wrap it around steak, chicken, or shrimp before grilling or baking
• Fry it and toss with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots
• Add it to soups, stews, and chilies for a smoky flavor
• Mix into corn bread, biscuit dough, or muffins for a savory twist
• Use it in place of ham in recipes like split pea soup
• Crumble it over the top of baked potatoes, mac and cheese or green beans

Because it’s leaner than belly bacon, picnic bacon may dry out if cooked too long over high heat. Combining it with other ingredients helps keep it moist and brings out the bacon flavor.

Buying and Storing Picnic Bacon

You can often find picnic bacon in the packaged meat section at major grocery stores. Specialty butcher shops may also carry it. Look forCuts that have good marbling throughout for the most flavor and moisture.

Choose bacon that feels firm and not overly fatty. As with any cured meat product, look for packaging that appears undamaged without leaking liquid.

For storage, keep picnic bacon tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It will last 3-6 months in the freezer.

Let frozen bacon thaw in the refrigerator before using, which takes around 6 hours. You can also thaw in the microwave using the defrost setting. Cook or refreeze thawed bacon within a day or two for food safety.

How to Cook Picnic Bacon

While you can pan-fry picnic bacon just like regular sliced breakfast bacon, you’ll get better results using moist cooking methods. Some top preparation tips:

• Bake: Place slices on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F, turning once, until browned and warmed through, 15-20 minutes.

• Grill: Wrap picnic bacon around shish kebab skewers or place directly on the grill grates. Cook over indirect heat, turning occasionally, for 20-25 minutes.

• Broil: Arrange slices on a broiler pan and broil a few inches from heat for 2-3 minutes per side until crisped.

• Saute: Dice the bacon first and cook over medium heat in a skillet with a bit of water or broth to prevent sticking.

• Slow Cook: Dice or slice the bacon and add it at the end of cooking stews, beans, soups, etc. to warm through.

Cooking times will vary based on thickness. Lean picnic bacon tastes best cooked until it’s warmed through but still has a little chew left.

Nutrition Facts

Nutritionally, picnic bacon delivers protein, iron, selenium, niacin, and other B vitamins. A typical 2-ounce serving provides:

• Calories: 270
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 7g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Protein: 14g

So while picnic bacon makes a nice occasional treat, it’s still high in sodium and saturated fat. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Is Picnic Bacon Right for You?

If you love bacon but want to change up your typical breakfast routine, picnic bacon offers delicious new options. Its hearty texture and robust pork flavor make it ideal for recipes where the bacon takes center stage.

Just take care not to overcook picnic bacon, keeping it moist by baking, grilling, or braising it gently. Chopped or diced picnic bacon boosts omelets, stews, beans, potatoes, and more with a touch of smoke and saltiness.

Next time you’re browsing the packaged meat case, consider grabbing a pack of picnic bacon. Getting creative with this underappreciated cut opens up a world of savory breakfast, lunch, and dinner possibilities.