Hey there fellow bacon lovers! If you’re like me, you can’t get enough of that smoky, salty cured pork Mmm mmm good! But have you heard of white bacon before? If not, you’re in for a tasty treat!
In this article, I’ll give you the lowdown on white bacon – what it is, how it tastes, where to find it, and how to cook with it. Prepare your tastebuds, because this bacon is the bomb dot com!
What Exactly Is White Bacon?
White bacon is a specialty cured and smoked pork belly product that originates from the American South. It gets its name from the white-ish or pale pink color of the meat, as opposed to regular ol’ red bacon.
The pork for white bacon usually comes from the same hog breeds used for regular bacon. The difference is that white bacon is brined and smoked using a different curing process that results in a lighter color and flavor.
Some people say white bacon is to red bacon as white gravy is to brown gravy They’re variations of the same thing, just different regional styles
How Does White Bacon Taste?
Compared to regular bacon, white bacon has a more ham-like flavor because less sugar is used in the curing process. The taste is not quite as smoky or salty either.
The meat has a softer texture and tenderness similar to ham or Canadian bacon. Overall, the flavor is more muted and subtly sweet. Personally I think it’s freaking delightful!
Where Can You Buy White Bacon?
White bacon can be tough to find outside of the South. Your best bets are looking in specialty butcher shops, Southern-style markets, or places with an emphasis on local foods.
Online mail order is another option if you don’t live near any white bacon sellers. The big chain grocery stores usually don’t carry it. Trader Joe’s has been known to occasionally stock white bacon as a seasonal item.
Some major pork producers like Smithfield, Gwaltney, and Clifty Farm also make white bacon that you might see around. Just keep your peepers peeled!
How to Cook with White Bacon
The lighter flavor of white bacon makes it versatile to cook with. Here are some of my favorite ways to eat it:
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Chop it up and add to scrambled eggs, omelets, egg bakes. Yum with some cheese!
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Crumble it on top of salads, baked potatoes, casseroles. The bacon bits add a nice crunch.
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Wrap pear or apple slices with white bacon and bake them. Sweet and savory perfection!
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Add diced white bacon to cornbread, muffins, biscuits. You can never go wrong with bacon baked goods.
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Make classic Southern-style red beans and rice with chunks of white bacon. The smoky flavor takes it up a notch.
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Fry up whole strips for a BLT. The bread will soak up that tasty bacon essence.
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Chop and sauté with brussels sprouts, green beans, asparagus. Bacon makes veggies better!
Really you can sub white bacon anywhere you’d use regular bacon. Get creative with it! The lighter taste lets the bacon complement instead of overpower.
Time to Try White Bacon!
