If you love bacon chances are you’ve seen platter sliced bacon in the grocery store or delis and wondered – what is it exactly? Platter bacon has a distinct appearance from regular breakfast bacon. In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about this unique bacon cut.
What is Platter Sliced Bacon?
Platter sliced bacon is a special thick-cut bacon that is ideal for serving a crowd or meal prepping It comes in uniform, wide slices that make it perfect for sandwiches, breakfast platters, topping baked potatoes, and any recipe calling for bacon
While regular sliced bacon is around 1/16 inch thick, platter bacon clocks in at a hearty 1/8 inch up to 1/4 inch thick The slices are wide and evenly cut. Platter bacon hold its shape well when cooked, making it ideal for serving groups.
This bacon gets its name from being the perfect topper for breakfast or brunch platters. The generous slices cover more surface area compared to skinny breakfast bacon. Platter bacon is often the star ingredient in hotel breakfast bars, brunch buffets, and catered events.
Beyond appearance, platter bacon delivers meaty bacon flavor in every hearty slice. It strikes the ideal balance between lean meat and rich fat. When cooked properly, the fat renders out leaving bacon that is crisp on the edges and tender-chewy inside.
How Platter Bacon is Made
Platter sliced bacon starts just like all bacon – with fresh, high-quality pork belly. Pork bellies for platter bacon are carefully hand selected to have a lean to fat ratio that results in perfect bacon.
The pork bellies are first cured in a wet brine that penetrates deep into the meat. The brine contains salt, sugar, nitrates, and other curing agents that preserve the meat and build complex flavor.
After brining, the bellies move to the smokehouse where they get infused with smoky aroma from burning wood chips. Hickory and applewood are common smoking woods.
Once smoked, the bacon is pressed to further meld flavors andcompact the texture. Finally, it’s precisely sliced into 1/8 to 1/4 inch cuts, resulting in those signature wide, flat slices. The bacon is then vacuum sealed and shipped to stores.
Benefits of Platter Sliced Bacon
There are many advantages to choosing platter bacon over regular thin sliced breakfast bacon:
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Uniform slices – Even sizing is great for sandwiches, wraps, and topping foods
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Holds shape when cooked – Sturdy slices don’t shrivel or splatter as much
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More meaty texture – Thicker cut has a pleasantly chewy bite
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Full smoked flavor – The heavy slices take on more smoky essence
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Made for sharing – Generous portions to serve groups or meal prep
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Visually appealing – Distinctive wide slices look appetizing
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Value pricing – Buying in bulk saves money over skinny bacon
Platter bacon delivers hearty bacon flavor and texture in every slice. It’s the ideal choice for people who really want to highlight bacon in recipes and serving situations.
How to Cook Platter Bacon Perfectly
Platter bacon requires a slightly different approach to cooking compared to thin breakfast bacon. Here are tips for getting the best results:
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Use a bacon press – This keeps the slices flat as they cook.
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Start cold – Begin cooking before pan heats to render fat slowly.
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Use medium heat – High heat causes curling and uneven cooking.
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Cook low and slow – Be patient for evenly crisped bacon.
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Blot grease – Remove excess fat between flips for less shriveling.
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Don’t stack slices – Cook in a single layer to prevent sticking.
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Bake it – Baking in the oven allows even crisping with less splatter.
Take the time to cook platter bacon thoroughly until it develops crispy edges with a tender, meaty center. The extra effort is worth it for perfectly browned, flat slices every time.
Buying and Storing Platter Bacon
When shopping for platter bacon, look for:
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Reputable brand – Look for a trusted smokehouse or meat producer.
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Good marbling – Some fat streaking delivers flavor and moisture.
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FIRM slices – Avoid packages with ragged or broken slices.
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Proper coloring – Should be pink to mahogany red, not gray.
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Little to no liquid – Excess moisture causes premature spoilage.
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Vacuum sealed – Extended shelf life compared to loose packaging.
For storage, keep platter bacon refrigerated:
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Freeze extra – Freezing prolongs shelf life significantly.
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Use within 1 week – Consume fresh bacon within 5-7 days.
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Wrap tightly – Secure in air-tight packaging or bag.
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Keep cold – Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
Proper storage keeps platter bacon fresh and optimizes shelf life.
Serving Ideas for Platter Bacon
The thick uniform slices of platter bacon make it perfect for all kinds of serving situations:
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Breakfast sandwiches
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Brunch omelets
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Salad toppers
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Baked potato topper
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Chili and soups
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Wraps and clubs
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Mac and cheese
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Bacon jam
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Burgers and hot dogs
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Appetizer lardon
Take advantage of the wide slices to cover more surface area on foods. Always serve platter bacon nice and crisp – the texture provides an unbeatable crunch!
Platter Bacon Nutrition
Here is the nutrition profile of a 2 slice serving (30g) of cooked platter bacon:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Protein: 7g
Like all bacon, platter bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The high protein content helps keep you satisfied.
Buying Platter Bacon in Bulk
One advantage of platter bacon is the value pricing when purchased in bulk. Many delis, warehouses, and online stores offer full 15-30 pound cases of platter bacon at discounted rates.
Buying a bulk case allows you to stock up on bacon at a lower cost per pound compared to buying single packages. Freezing extra packs extends the shelf life.
Platter bacon holds up very well when frozen. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. The hearty 1/8 to 1/4 inch slices prevent freezer burn issues that can affect thinner bacon.
Splitting bulk bacon packs into smaller portions for the freezer makes it easy to thaw just what you need for upcoming recipes. Wrap servings in plastic wrap, foil, or air-tight bags before freezing.
Platter Bacon vs Regular Sliced Bacon
So what’s the difference between platter bacon and the regular breakfast bacon you might buy for home? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Platter Bacon | Regular Sliced Bacon |
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| Thick cut – 1/8 to 1/4 inches | Thin cut – around 1/16 inches |
| Uniform wide slices | Random narrow slices |
| Holds shape when cooked | Can shrivel and splatter |
| Hearty, chewy texture | Crispy, delicate texture |
| Made for serving groups | Made for individual portions |
| Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and toppings | Best for breakfast plates, crumbling into dishes |
| Sold in bulk at value pricing | Sold in 12 oz retail packs |
While both offer great bacon flavor, platter bacon’s thick cut makes it the winner for serving crowds or prepping recipes. The regular thin slices are best when you just need a few strips for home breakfasts.
Platter sliced bacon is a unique cut that stands apart from regular breakfast bacon. The thick uniform slices hold their shape beautifully when cooked, making them perfect for platters, sandwiches, salads and more. Seek out a trusted smokehouse brand and buy platter bacon in bulk to get the best value. Store extra freezer packs for convenience. Cook the bacon low and slow to achieve tender yet crispy texture. With its hearty meatiness and crowd-pleasing presentation, platter bacon is a smart choice for any bacon lover.
